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Dekalb vs Joliet Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Dekalb crime rate · Joliet crime rate

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Is Dekalb or Joliet Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Joliet is safer than Dekalb (Safety Score 53/100 vs 21/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 2,907 for Dekalb — 45% lower. Dekalb has higher rates in 3 of 6 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in property crime, where Joliet has a 51% lower rate.

Note: Joliet is 3.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Dekalb, IL?

Dekalb — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Joliet — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Dekalb, IL

Safety Score 21/100
Coverage 40,208
Total Crime Rate 2,907.4
Category Wins 3/6

Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL
Safety Score 53/100
Coverage 150,569
Total Crime Rate 1,594.6
Category Wins 3/6

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Dekalb Joliet Difference
Total Crime Rate 2,907.4 1,594.6 +1,312.8
Violent Crime Rate 393.0 350.0 +43.0
Murder Rate 0.0 0.0 +0.0
Rape Rate 151.7 48.5 +103.2
Robbery Rate 34.8 35.2 -0.4
Aggravated Assault Rate 206.4 266.3 -59.9
Property Crime Rate 2,514.4 1,244.6 +1,269.8
Burglary Rate 338.2 389.9 -51.6
Larceny-Theft Rate 2,124.0 704.0 +1,420.0
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 52.2 150.8 -98.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Dekalb, IL to Joliet, IL?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dekalb or Joliet safer?

Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 2,907 for Dekalb — a 45% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Dekalb has a violent crime rate of 393.0 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Joliet has lower violent crime.

About Dekalb, IL

DeKalb, Illinois, home to Northern Illinois University, is a city in DeKalb County, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It's known as the "Barb City" due to Joseph Glidden's invention of barbed wire here. The population is diverse, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 40,208, Dekalb has a total crime rate of 2,907.4 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.

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