Is Joliet or Waukegan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Waukegan (Safety Score 53/100 vs 39/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 2,060 for Waukegan — 23% lower. Joliet has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waukegan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Joliet, IL
Waukegan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Joliet | Waukegan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,594.6 | 2,059.6 | -464.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 445.2 | -95.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 5.7 | -5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 48.5 | 88.4 | -39.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 35.2 | 60.8 | -25.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.3 | 290.3 | -24.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,244.6 | 1,614.4 | -369.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 389.9 | 270.8 | +119.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 704.0 | 819.2 | -115.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 150.8 | 524.4 | -373.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet or Waukegan safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 2,060 for Waukegan — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Joliet has a violent crime rate of 350.0 per 100K while Waukegan has 445.2. 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 Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, a Lake Michigan port city, boasts Ray Bradbury's childhood home and a diverse population. Located 40 miles north of Chicago, it serves as the county seat of Lake County. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 87,155, Waukegan has a total crime rate of 2,059.6 per 100,000 residents.