Is Aurora or Vernon Hills Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Vernon Hills is safer than Aurora (Safety Score 55/100 vs 54/100), with a total crime rate of 1,525 per 100,000 versus 1,573 for Aurora — 3% lower. Aurora has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 6.4x 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
Vernon Hills — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Vernon Hills, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Vernon Hills | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 1,524.7 | +48.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 60.1 | +216.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 7.5 | -6.9 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 15.0 | +43.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 11.3 | +26.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 26.3 | +152.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 1,464.6 | -167.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 139.0 | +123.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 1,276.8 | -511.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 48.8 | +219.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Vernon Hills safer?
Vernon Hills is safer with a total crime rate of 1,525 per 100K vs 1,573 for Aurora — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Vernon Hills has 60.1. Vernon Hills 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 Vernon Hills, IL
Vernon Hills, a suburban village in Lake County, Illinois, was incorporated in 1958. It is home to Hawthorn Mall and a diverse population, with a significant Asian American community. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 26,629, Vernon Hills has a total crime rate of 1,524.7 per 100,000 residents.