Is Joliet or Rockford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Rockford (Safety Score 53/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 3,599 for Rockford — 56% lower. Joliet has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Rockford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet, IL
Rockford, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joliet | Rockford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,594.6 | 3,598.6 | -2,004.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 1,081.4 | -731.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.1 | -13.1 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 69.5 | -21.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.2 | 106.7 | -71.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.3 | 890.7 | -624.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,244.6 | 2,517.2 | -1,272.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 632.6 | -242.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 704.0 | 1,444.8 | -740.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.8 | 439.8 | -289.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet or Rockford safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 3,599 for Rockford — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joliet has a violent crime rate of 350.0 per 100K while Rockford has 1,081.4. 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 Rockford, IL
Rockford, once known as "Forest City," sits on the Rock River in northern Illinois. Its manufacturing history shaped a blue-collar community of just under 150,000 residents. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 145,280, Rockford has a total crime rate of 3,598.6 per 100,000 residents.