Is Aurora or Winnetka Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Winnetka is safer than Aurora (Safety Score 84/100 vs 54/100), with a total crime rate of 740 per 100,000 versus 1,573 for Aurora — 53% lower. Aurora has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Winnetka has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Aurora is 14.0x 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
Winnetka — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Aurora, IL
Winnetka, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Aurora | Winnetka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,573.4 | 740.2 | +833.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 276.7 | 82.2 | +194.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.6 | 0.0 | +0.6 |
| Rape Rate | 58.6 | 41.1 | +17.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.5 | 8.2 | +29.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 178.8 | 32.9 | +145.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,296.7 | 658.0 | +638.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 262.6 | 172.7 | +89.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 765.6 | 419.4 | +346.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 268.5 | 65.8 | +202.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aurora or Winnetka safer?
Winnetka is safer with a total crime rate of 740 per 100K vs 1,573 for Aurora — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Aurora has a violent crime rate of 276.7 per 100K while Winnetka has 82.2. Winnetka 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 Winnetka, IL
Winnetka, an affluent North Shore suburb of Chicago, is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes, like the iconic Crow Island School. Situated along Lake Michigan, it's home to a well-educated population with a median household income significantly above the national average. With a safety score of 84/100 and a population coverage of 12,159, Winnetka has a total crime rate of 740.2 per 100,000 residents.