Is Chatham or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chatham is safer than Joliet (Safety Score 89/100 vs 53/100), with a total crime rate of 597 per 100,000 versus 1,595 for Joliet — 63% lower. Chatham has lower rates in 6 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chatham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 10.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chatham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chatham, IL
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chatham | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 597.5 | 1,594.6 | -997.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 103.0 | 350.0 | -247.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 20.6 | 48.5 | -27.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 35.2 | -35.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 82.4 | 266.3 | -183.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 494.4 | 1,244.6 | -750.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 89.3 | 389.9 | -300.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 391.4 | 704.0 | -312.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 13.7 | 150.8 | -137.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chatham or Joliet safer?
Chatham is safer with a total crime rate of 597 per 100K vs 1,595 for Joliet — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chatham has a violent crime rate of 103.0 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Chatham has lower violent crime.
About Chatham, IL
Chatham, a village south of Springfield, Illinois, was founded in 1836. It's home to roughly 14,000 residents, primarily families and commuters. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 14,562, Chatham has a total crime rate of 597.5 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.