Is Downers Grove or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Downers Grove is safer than Joliet (Safety Score 75/100 vs 53/100), with a total crime rate of 985 per 100,000 versus 1,595 for Joliet — 38% lower. Downers Grove has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 3.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Downers Grove — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Downers Grove, IL
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Downers Grove | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 984.5 | 1,594.6 | -610.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 113.0 | 350.0 | -237.0 |
| Murder Rate | 2.0 | 0.0 | +2.0 |
| Rape Rate | 36.3 | 48.5 | -12.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.1 | 35.2 | -27.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 66.6 | 266.3 | -199.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 871.6 | 1,244.6 | -373.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 135.2 | 389.9 | -254.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 647.6 | 704.0 | -56.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.8 | 150.8 | -62.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downers Grove or Joliet safer?
Downers Grove is safer with a total crime rate of 985 per 100K vs 1,595 for Joliet — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Downers Grove has a violent crime rate of 113.0 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Downers Grove has lower violent crime.
About Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove, a Chicago suburb, was founded by Stephen Downer in 1832. This affluent village in DuPage County is known for its historic Tivoli Theatre and proximity to major expressways. With a safety score of 75/100 and a population coverage of 49,567, Downers Grove has a total crime rate of 984.5 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.