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Joliet vs Aurora: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Joliet is 16% safer. Joliet population: 152,241. Aurora population: 181,505.

Which city is better for you?

SafetyJoliet

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living

Cost of living data is not available for either city. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.

Safety: Joliet vs Aurora

Joliet is 16% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Aurora's 25.5. Joliet earns a B- safety grade compared to Aurora's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Joliet

Illinois

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.5/1K
TrendStable
C+

Aurora

Illinois

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.5/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricJolietAurora
Overall Crime Rate21.5/1K25.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate374.6474.3
Property Crime Rate1772.02072.7
Murder Rate4.26.4
Assault Rate329.4303.1
Robbery Rate87.9113.6
Burglary Rate207.1278.4
Theft Rate1434.71774.5
Vehicle Theft Rate410.1189.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Joliet, you have a 1 in 47 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 39 in Aurora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joliet safer than Aurora?
Joliet is 16% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Aurora's 25.5. Joliet earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Joliet or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet is safer (B- grade). Joliet has a population of 152,241 and Aurora has 181,505. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Joliet compared to Aurora?
Joliet has a population of 152,241 and Aurora has 181,505. Aurora is 19% larger by population.

Learn More About Each City

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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