Is Decatur or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Decatur (Safety Score 53/100 vs 13/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 3,471 for Decatur — 54% lower. Decatur has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Decatur — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur, IL
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Decatur | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,471.0 | 1,594.6 | +1,876.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 603.5 | 350.0 | +253.5 |
| Murder Rate | 7.4 | 0.0 | +7.4 |
| Rape Rate | 45.6 | 48.5 | -2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 94.2 | 35.2 | +59.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 454.9 | 266.3 | +188.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,867.5 | 1,244.6 | +1,622.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 927.4 | 389.9 | +537.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,532.4 | 704.0 | +828.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 407.8 | 150.8 | +257.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Decatur or Joliet safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 3,471 for Decatur — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 603.5 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Joliet has lower violent crime.
About Decatur, IL
Decatur, a Central Illinois city, sits on the Sangamon River and boasts a rich agricultural heritage. It's home to Millikin University and a diverse population, with a significant portion of its residents identifying as African American. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 67,934, Decatur has a total crime rate of 3,471.0 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.