Is Aurora or Rockford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Rockford (Safety Score 54/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 3,599 for Rockford — 56% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 95% lower rate.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rockford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Rockford, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Rockford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 3,598.6 | -2,025.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 1,081.4 | -804.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 13.1 | -12.5 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 69.5 | -10.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 106.7 | -69.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 890.7 | -711.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 2,517.2 | -1,220.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 632.6 | -369.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,444.8 | -679.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 439.8 | -171.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Rockford safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 3,599 for Rockford — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Rockford has 1,081.4. 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 Rockford, IL
Rockford, once known as "Forest City," sits on the Rock River in northern Illinois. Its manufacturing history shaped a blue-collar community of just under 150,000 residents. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 145,280, Rockford has a total crime rate of 3,598.6 per 100,000 residents.