Is Aurora or Waukegan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Aurora is safer than Waukegan (Safety Score 54/100 vs 39/100), with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100,000 versus 2,060 for Waukegan — 24% lower. Aurora has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Aurora has a 90% lower rate.
Aurora — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waukegan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Waukegan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Waukegan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 2,059.6 | -486.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 445.2 | -168.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 5.7 | -5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 88.4 | -29.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 60.8 | -23.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 290.3 | -111.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 1,614.4 | -317.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 270.8 | -8.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 819.2 | -53.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 524.4 | -255.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Waukegan safer?
Aurora is safer with a total crime rate of 1,573 per 100K vs 2,060 for Waukegan — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Waukegan has 445.2. 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 Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, a Lake Michigan port city, boasts Ray Bradbury's childhood home and a diverse population. Located 40 miles north of Chicago, it serves as the county seat of Lake County. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 87,155, Waukegan has a total crime rate of 2,059.6 per 100,000 residents.