Is Aurora or River Forest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than River Forest (Safety Score 54/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 2,563 for River Forest — 39% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where River Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 15.4x 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
River Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
River Forest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | River Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 2,563.2 | -989.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 90.3 | +186.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 0.0 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 0.0 | +58.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 45.1 | -7.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 45.1 | +133.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,472.9 | -1,176.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 577.6 | -315.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,841.2 | -1,075.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 54.2 | +214.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or River Forest safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 2,563 for River Forest — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while River Forest has 90.3. River 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 River Forest, IL
River Forest is an affluent, tree-lined Chicago suburb known for its historic architecture, including numerous Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Situated along the Des Plaines River, it boasts a highly educated population. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 11,080, River Forest has a total crime rate of 2,563.2 per 100,000 residents.