Is Joliet or Sterling Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Sterling (Safety Score 53/100 vs 51/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 1,653 for Sterling — 4% lower. Joliet has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Joliet is 10.5x 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
Sterling — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet, IL
Sterling, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joliet | Sterling | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,594.6 | 1,652.8 | -58.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 319.4 | +30.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 20.8 | -20.8 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 97.2 | -48.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.2 | 20.8 | +14.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.3 | 180.6 | +85.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,244.6 | 1,333.3 | -88.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 333.3 | +56.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 704.0 | 840.3 | -136.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.8 | 159.7 | -9.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet or Sterling safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 1,653 for Sterling — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joliet has a violent crime rate of 350.0 per 100K while Sterling has 319.4. Sterling 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 Sterling, IL
Sterling, Illinois, a city in Whiteside County along the Rock River, was once known as the "Hardware Capital of the World." This industrial heritage is reflected in its diverse population of around 15,000 residents. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 14,400, Sterling has a total crime rate of 1,652.8 per 100,000 residents.