Colorado is recognized for its storied past, awe-inspiring landscapes, and plethora of outdoor pursuits.
However, the allure of the state extends beyond the conventional tourist attractions.
For instance, tourists can revel in the pleasure of the largest thermal springs swimming pool globally, or make a trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park nestled in the San Luis Valley, home to the tallest sand dune in the United States.
Thanks to these captivating features, Colorado has seen a surge in its populace over recent years, culminating in a population of 5.8 million by 2022.
Regrettably, this growth has also led to a noticeable rise in criminal activities.
To illustrate, in 2022, there was a 13.6% increase in automobile theft, placing the state at the top in terms of these offences.
Moreover, Colorado also holds the second position nationwide when it comes to property-related crimes.
Top 10 Riskiest Places
| City | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault | Burglary | Theft | Vehicle Theft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Junction | 437 | 4,340 | 4.8 | 90.5 | 27 | 314.4 | 462.1 | 3,623.7 | 254.1 |
| Aurora | 728 | 2,983 | 4.6 | 103.8 | 169.2 | 450.9 | 462.1 | 1,928.3 | 592.8 |
| La Junta | 495 | 4,776 | 0 | 174.7 | 14.6 | 305.8 | 1,208.7 | 3,305.7 | 262.1 |
| Alamosa | 563 | 5,545 | 0 | 120.5 | 90.4 | 351.6 | 793.6 | 4,520.3 | 231 |
| Pueblo | 993 | 5,576 | 8.1 | 165.5 | 196.9 | 622.8 | 1,095.2 | 3,531.8 | 948.5 |
| Glendale | 869 | 15,832 | 0 | 151.1 | 113.4 | 604.6 | 623.5 | 14,018.5 | 1,190 |
| Sheridan | 884 | 8,816 | 0 | 113.7 | 178.6 | 552 | 763.1 | 6,884.2 | 1,169 |
| Canon City | 437 | 4,340 | 4.8 | 90.5 | 27 | 314.4 | 462.1 | 3,623.7 | 254.1 |
| Colorado Springs | 541 | 4,278 | 0 | 62.9 | 62.9 | 415.3 | 918.6 | 3,108.1 | 251.7 |
| Federal Heights | 665 | 4,285 | 15.5 | 69.6 | 92.8 | 487.3 | 502.7 | 2,885.0 | 897.2 |
10. Federal Heights
Despite having a population of merely 12,173, Federal Heights ranks among the most dangerous cities in Colorado.
There’s a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime, and very few towns on this side record as high crime rates.
Federal Heights suffers one of the highest crime rates nationally, with thefts accounting for 58% of the crimes.
Much of the town’s crime is property-related, particularly burglary, larceny, vehicle theft, and arson.
- Violent Crime: 665
- Property Crime: 4,285
- Murder: 15.5
- Rape: 69.6
- Robbery: 92.8
- Assault: 487.3
- Burglary: 502.7
- Theft: 2,885.0
- Vehicle Theft: 897.2
9. Colorado Springs
With a population of 478,221, Colorado Springs has witnessed a 17% escalation in total crime in recent years, along with a 37% surge in violent crime.
The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Colorado Springs is 1 in 26.
Residents suggest that avoiding the town’s least safe areas, particularly Stratmoor Valley near Ft. Carson, the Meadows in Southgate, and 8th Street, is one way to prevent becoming a victim.
Moreover, the southwest side, specifically W Bijou Street, is infamous for frequent police calls.
However, despite the majority of crimes in Colorado Springs occurring in public spaces, the town has virtually no issues with pickpocketing.
- Violent Crime: 541
- Property Crime: 4,278
- Murder: 0
- Rape: 62.9
- Robbery: 62.9
- Assault: 415.3
- Burglary: 918.6
- Theft: 3,108.1
- Vehicle Theft: 251.7
8. Canon City
Known for its crime rate in Colorado, Canon City has one of the highest crime rates nationally, with the odds of falling victim to a crime being 1 in 21.
In fact, very few cities across the country match Canon City’s crime rate.
The number of violent offenses has surged roughly 19% in recent years.
In 2020, Canon City recorded the highest rape rate in the state.
However, property crime remains the most prevalent type of crime in Canon City.
- Violent Crime: 437
- Property Crime: 4,340
- Murder: 4.8
- Rape: 90.5
- Robbery: 27
- Assault: 314.4
- Burglary: 462.1
- Theft: 3,623.7
- Vehicle Theft: 254.1
7. Sheridan
The city carries a C-grade in terms of crime, implying that its crime rate exceeds that of the average city.
The town stands at the 41st percentile for safety, with a crime rate of 30.33 per 1000 inhabitants.
According to locals, the west side is the safest area, lowering the chances of falling victim to a crime from 1 in 22 on the town’s north side to 1 in 47.
Theft and vehicle theft are some of the most frequent crimes in Sheridan.
To safeguard against these, keep your car doors locked and windows up when parked or idle, and don’t leave valuable items within thieves’ reach.
Leaving your valuables at home or hotel and walking in groups is also advised.
- Violent Crime: 884
- Property Crime: 8,816
- Murder: 0
- Rape: 113.7
- Robbery: 178.6
- Assault: 552
- Burglary: 763.1
- Theft: 6,884.2
- Vehicle Theft: 1,169
6. Glendale
The city is notorious for being one of the state’s worst cities due to its remarkably high crime rate.
Glendale is safer than 0% of U.S. cities, with a crime occurring approximately every 2 days and 2 hours.
The city averages 20.87 violent crimes and 183.66 property crimes per 1000 inhabitants.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Glendale is 1 in 48.
As per the residents, the city’s safest area is the southeast, where there’s a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a crime victim, compared to 1 in 23 on the town’s northeast side.
- Violent Crime: 869
- Property Crime: 15,832
- Murder: 0
- Rape: 151.1
- Robbery: 113.4
- Assault: 604.6
- Burglary: 623.5
- Theft: 14,018.5
- Vehicle Theft: 1,190
5. Pueblo
The crime rate in Pueblo is 70 per 1000 inhabitants, making this city more dangerous than 98% of the communities within the state.
Some sources even suggest that Pueblo might be among the 100 most dangerous cities in the country.
The probability of falling victim to a property crime stands at 1 in 14.
Despite its population of 112,368, Pueblo is only safer than 1% of American cities, with averages of 12.65 violent crimes and 57.42 property crimes.
The areas to steer clear from are the south and east sides, especially the Bessemer neighborhoods.
- Violent Crime: 993
- Property Crime: 5,576
- Murder: 8.1
- Rape: 165.5
- Robbery: 196.9
- Assault: 622.8
- Burglary: 1095.2
- Theft: 3,531.8
- Vehicle Theft: 948.5
4. Alamosa
The city carries one of the highest crime rates nationally, at 59 per 1000 residents.
Despite its population being less than 10,000, the incidence of violent and property crime in Alamosa is substantially higher than other cities of similar size.
Alamosa suffers one of the highest crime rates in the country, exposing its residents and visitors to a 1 in 127 risk of experiencing armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and even homicide.
Additionally, the likelihood of being a property crime victim is 1 in 19, and the chance of vehicle theft is 1 in 297.
To ensure personal and property safety, one must maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times, and avoid unfamiliar areas.
Walking in groups, especially at night, is also recommended due to the safety in numbers.
- Violent Crime: 563
- Property Crime: 5,545
- Murder: 0
- Rape: 120.5
- Robbery: 90.4
- Assault: 351.6
- Burglary: 793.6
- Theft: 4,520.3
- Vehicle Theft: 231
3. La Junta
The city experiences an average crime rate of 84.67 per 1000 inhabitants, leading to its safety rating being an F.
According to locals, the safest zone is the northwest region, and the central neighborhoods are the most hazardous, with a 1 in 10 chance of falling victim to a crime in these areas.
The violent crime rate in La Junta stands at 18.2, lower than the U.S. average of 22.7.
However, the property crime rate in La Junta is 77.1, significantly exceeding the U.S. average of 35.4.
To safeguard against these, ensure that you always secure your car doors and roll up the windows, and leave your valuable belongings at home.
Protection of your home with a dependable security system is another method to avoid becoming a victim of property crime.
- Violent Crime: 495
- Property Crime: 4,776
- Murder: 0
- Rape: 174.7
- Robbery: 14.6
- Assault: 305.8
- Burglary: 1,208.7
- Theft: 3,305.7
- Vehicle Theft: 262.1
2. Aurora
In the year 2020, the crime statistics in the city were alarmingly high, recording 2,890 property offenses and 728 violent offenses for every 100,000 individuals.
As per the FBI, Aurora ranks among the most hazardous cities in the state, advising visitors to employ extra precautions for their safety.
The city carries a medium overall risk, particularly regarding mugging, natural disasters, pickpocketing, and solo female travelers.
Nevertheless, Aurora has a high occurrence of violent offenses, such as mugging and assault.
Awareness of your environment and choosing well-lit paths while walking are a few measures to safeguard against these crimes.
Touring with a local who knows the city well and can guide you to safer areas is another smart precaution.
The safest communities are those towards the southwest, while the riskier ones are those near Denver, around Colfax.
- Violent Crime: 728
- Property Crime: 2,983
- Murder: 4.6
- Rape: 103.8
- Robbery: 169.2
- Assault: 450.9
- Burglary: 462.1
- Theft: 1,928.3
- Vehicle Theft: 592.8
1. Grand Junction
A criminal incident transpires in Grand Junction approximately every 3 hours and 13 minutes on average.
The city bears a crime rating of D+, signifying that its crime level surpasses that of an average U.S. city, placing Grand Junction at the 29th percentile in terms of security.
The crime frequency in Grand Junction is 49 for every 1000 inhabitants, indicating that the city has one of the highest crime rates nationally, despite its population falling under 70,000 people.
Based on data, there’s a 1 in 177 probability of falling prey to a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of encountering a property crime in Grand Junction.
- Violent Crime: 437
- Property Crime: 4,340
- Murder: 4.8
- Rape: 90.5
- Robbery: 27
- Assault: 314.4
- Burglary: 462.1
- Theft: 3,623.7
- Vehicle Theft: 254.1
Safety Tips
- Carry a safety device: While it’s essential to take preventative measures, carrying a self-defense tool like pepper spray can be useful in emergencies. Ensure it’s legal to carry such devices in the area you’re in.
- Stay in well-lit areas: If walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated paths. Avoid dark or isolated areas whenever possible.
- Monitor your alcohol intake: If you are in an unfamiliar area or alone, be mindful of your alcohol intake. Alcohol can impair your judgement and make you a more vulnerable target.
- Use reputable transportation services: Especially at night, use trusted taxi services or ride-hailing apps to avoid potential risks associated with public transportation.
- Keep a low profile: Donโt display cash, expensive jewelry, or high-end electronics in public. Doing so can make you a more attractive target for thieves.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Whether it’s an unfamiliar route, an odd situation, or a stranger who seems suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from potential harm whenever possible.
- Secure your home: If you live in a high-crime area, consider investing in home security systems, strong locks, and outdoor lighting to deter potential burglars.
- Stay informed: Keeping up-to-date with local news and crime trends in your area can help you avoid becoming a victim. Be aware of any reported crimes in your local area and adjust your habits accordingly.
- And last but not least, in case of an emergency, know the local emergency numbers or have them programmed into your phone for quick dialing.
FAQ
Is Colorado a safe place to visit or live?
While Colorado is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, it is important to be aware that certain areas in the state have experienced an increase in criminal activities. It is advisable to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions when visiting or residing in Colorado, especially in areas with higher crime rates.
Which cities in Colorado have the highest crime rates?
Some cities in Colorado have higher crime rates compared to others. According to the provided information, Grand Junction, Aurora, La Junta, Alamosa, Pueblo, Glendale, Sheridan, Canon City, Colorado Springs, and Federal Heights are among the cities with notable crime rates. These cities may require additional attention to personal safety and security measures.
What types of crimes are prevalent in Colorado?
The types of crimes vary, but property-related offenses such as theft, burglary, and vehicle theft are prevalent in many cities in Colorado. Violent crimes like assault, robbery, and in some cases, rape and homicide, have also been reported. It is important to stay vigilant and take precautions to minimize the risk of becoming a victim.
Are there any areas in Colorado that are relatively safer?
While some cities in Colorado have higher crime rates, there are areas that are relatively safer than others. For example, the provided information suggests that the southwest side of Aurora and the west side of Sheridan are considered safer areas. However, it is still essential to maintain awareness of your surroundings and take necessary safety measures regardless of the location.
Can I rely on statistics to determine the safety of a specific area in Colorado?
Crime statistics can provide insights into the general crime trends in an area, but they may not always reflect the entire picture. It is recommended to use statistics as a reference but also consider other factors like local knowledge, recent developments, and advice from law enforcement authorities or residents to assess the safety of a specific area.
Are there any specific precautions for tourists visiting Colorado?
Tourists visiting Colorado should follow the general safety tips mentioned earlier. Additionally, it is helpful to:
- Research the areas you plan to visit and be aware of any specific safety concerns.
- Travel with a local guide who knows the area well.
- Avoid traveling alone, especially at night, and consider walking in groups.
- Secure your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
- Be cautious when using ATMs or handling money in crowded areas.
- Use trusted transportation services or reputable tour operators.
Remember, personal safety should always be a priority, and being prepared and aware of your surroundings can help ensure a safer experience while in Colorado.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Colorado offers breathtaking landscapes and a range of outdoor activities, it is important to acknowledge the rise in criminal activities in certain areas of the state. Cities like Grand Junction, Aurora, La Junta, Alamosa, Pueblo, Glendale, Sheridan, Canon City, Colorado Springs, and Federal Heights have been identified as having higher crime rates.
Visitors and residents alike should prioritize personal safety and take necessary precautions to mitigate risks. This includes being aware of your surroundings, staying in well-lit areas, monitoring alcohol intake, using reputable transportation services, and securing homes and valuables. Additionally, staying informed about local crime trends and following the advice of law enforcement authorities and locals can help enhance safety.
