Is Aurora or Hazel Crest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Hazel Crest (Safety Score 54/100 vs 16/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,233 for Hazel Crest — 51% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hazel Crest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 13.6x 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
Hazel Crest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Hazel Crest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Hazel Crest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 3,233.2 | -1,659.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 540.2 | -263.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 0.0 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 71.5 | -12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 150.9 | -113.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 317.8 | -139.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,693.0 | -1,396.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 627.6 | -365.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,382.3 | -616.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 683.2 | -414.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Hazel Crest safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,233 for Hazel Crest — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Hazel Crest has 540.2. 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 Hazel Crest, IL
Hazel Crest is a south Chicago suburb incorporated in 1928, known for its tree-lined streets and diverse community. It sits near major transportation routes, serving as a residential hub for commuters. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 12,588, Hazel Crest has a total crime rate of 3,233.2 per 100,000 residents.