Is Aurora or Lake Forest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Forest is safer than Aurora (Safety Score 87/100 vs 54/100), with a total crime rate of 646 per 100,000 versus 1,573 for Aurora — 59% lower. Aurora has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 8.8x 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
Lake Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Lake Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 645.8 | +927.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 20.7 | +256.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 0.0 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 5.2 | +53.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 0.0 | +37.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 15.5 | +163.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 625.1 | +671.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 206.6 | +56.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 361.6 | +404.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 56.8 | +211.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Lake Forest safer?
Lake Forest is safer with a total crime rate of 646 per 100K vs 1,573 for Aurora — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Lake Forest has 20.7. Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, IL
Nestled on Chicago's North Shore, Lake Forest is an affluent suburban community home to esteemed institutions like Lake Forest College. Its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, many dating back to the late 19th century, reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,357, Lake Forest has a total crime rate of 645.8 per 100,000 residents.