Is Dekalb or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 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.
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dekalb, IL
Joliet, IL
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 2024.
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.