Is Joliet or Mattoon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Mattoon (Safety Score 53/100 vs 48/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 1,731 for Mattoon — 8% lower. Joliet has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 9.1x 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
Mattoon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet, IL
Mattoon, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joliet | Mattoon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,594.6 | 1,731.1 | -136.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 528.4 | -178.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.1 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 194.4 | -145.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.2 | 12.2 | +23.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.3 | 315.8 | -49.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,244.6 | 1,202.6 | +42.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 321.9 | +67.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 704.0 | 734.9 | -30.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.8 | 145.8 | +5.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet or Mattoon safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 1,731 for Mattoon — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joliet has a violent crime rate of 350.0 per 100K while Mattoon has 528.4. Joliet 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 Mattoon, IL
Mattoon, Illinois, a city in Coles County with a population around 17,000, is known as the "Bagel Capital of the World." This Central Illinois community sits along the former Lincoln Heritage Trail, reflecting its historical connection to Abraham Lincoln. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 16,464, Mattoon has a total crime rate of 1,731.1 per 100,000 residents.