Is Joliet or Lake Forest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Forest is safer than Joliet (Safety Score 87/100 vs 53/100), with a total crime rate of 646 per 100,000 versus 1,595 for Joliet — 60% lower. Joliet has higher rates in 0 of 6 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lake Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 7.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lake Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joliet | Lake Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,594.6 | 645.8 | +948.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 20.7 | +329.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 5.2 | +43.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.2 | 0.0 | +35.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.3 | 15.5 | +250.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,244.6 | 625.1 | +619.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 206.6 | +183.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 704.0 | 361.6 | +342.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.8 | 56.8 | +93.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet or Lake Forest safer?
Lake Forest is safer with a total crime rate of 646 per 100K vs 1,595 for Joliet — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joliet has a violent crime rate of 350.0 per 100K while Lake Forest has 20.7. Lake Forest has lower violent crime.
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.
About Lake Forest, IL
Nestled on Chicago's North Shore, Lake Forest is an affluent suburban community home to esteemed institutions like Lake Forest College. Its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, many dating back to the late 19th century, reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,357, Lake Forest has a total crime rate of 645.8 per 100,000 residents.