Is Bellwood or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bellwood is safer than Joliet (Safety Score 56/100 vs 53/100), with a total crime rate of 1,509 per 100,000 versus 1,595 for Joliet — 5% lower. Bellwood has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 8.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bellwood — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bellwood, IL
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bellwood | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,509.4 | 1,594.6 | -85.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 312.1 | 350.0 | -37.9 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 0.0 | +11.4 |
| Rape Rate | 22.7 | 48.5 | -25.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 102.1 | 35.2 | +66.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.2 | 266.3 | -96.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,197.3 | 1,244.6 | -47.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 283.7 | 389.9 | -106.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 635.5 | 704.0 | -68.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 278.1 | 150.8 | +127.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellwood or Joliet safer?
Bellwood is safer with a total crime rate of 1,509 per 100K vs 1,595 for Joliet — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bellwood has a violent crime rate of 312.1 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Bellwood has lower violent crime.
About Bellwood, IL
Bellwood, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, is historically known for its strong industrial past, including a substantial presence of manufacturing. The village is home to a diverse population, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 17,623, Bellwood has a total crime rate of 1,509.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Joliet, IL
Joliet, a former steel town on the Des Plaines River, boasts the historic Rialto Square Theatre. This city southwest of Chicago has a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 150,569, Joliet has a total crime rate of 1,594.6 per 100,000 residents.