Is Aurora or Decatur Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Decatur (Safety Score 54/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,471 for Decatur — 55% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Decatur, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Decatur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 3,471.0 | -1,897.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 603.5 | -326.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 7.4 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 45.6 | +13.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 94.2 | -56.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 454.9 | -276.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,867.5 | -1,570.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 927.4 | -664.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,532.4 | -766.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 407.8 | -139.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Decatur safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,471 for Decatur — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Decatur has 603.5. Aurora has lower violent crime.
About Aurora, IL
Aurora, Illinois, "City of Lights," was the first in the U.S. to light its streets with electricity. Situated along the Fox River, it's the second-most populous city in Illinois. With a safety score of 54/100 and a population coverage of 170,585, Aurora has a total crime rate of 1,573.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Decatur, IL
Decatur, a Central Illinois city, sits on the Sangamon River and boasts a rich agricultural heritage. It's home to Millikin University and a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 67,934, Decatur has a total crime rate of 3,471.0 per 100,000 residents.