| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Boulder/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,214 | n/a (estimate) | 3,055 | 3,069 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 37 | n/a | 35.2 | 58.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 47 | n/a | 44.7 | 63.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 255 | n/a | 242.4 | 350.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 339 | n/a (estimate) | 322 | 476 | 359 |
| Burglary | 403 | n/a | 383.1 | 348.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,253 | n/a | 2,141.7 | 1,754.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 219 | n/a | 208.2 | 490.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,875 | n/a (estimate) | 2,733 | 2,593 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Boulder is 44.2% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Boulder, there were 339 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 322 per 100,000 individuals, 10.3% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 2875 property crimes, amounting to 2733 per 100,000 residents, 55.3% higher than the U.S. average.
When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Boulder maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 322 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 359. This alignment suggests that Boulder shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.
During the most recently reported crime year, Boulder experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Boulder? Well, based on a recent survey of 39 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 69% of Boulder residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 31% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Boulder is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Boulder has an overall crime rate that is 44% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 8.81 daily occurrences, comprising 0.93 violent crimes and 7.88 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Boulder as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Boulder has decreased by 22.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Boulder is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 16.7%, while property crime has decreased by 23.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Boulder.
There are more than 9 different neighborhoods in the Boulder area. Depending on their location and other socioeconomic factors, the rate of crime in each neighborhood is vastly different. Areas that are located near the center or downtown core, tend to be more densely populated and typically see higher crime rates. While neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city tend to be less densely populated and have lower unemployment and poverty rates. Some of the safer neighborhoods in Boulder include Palo Park, Gunbarrel and South Boulder. While Crossroads, East Boulder and Central Boulder have a reported crime rate that is higher than average. This reinforces the need to do a quality check on multiple neighborhoods as their crime rates can be quite different.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Boulder crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Boulder has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Boulder, the cost of living is 73.5% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Boulder are $2,413, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Boulder | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 276 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 9.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Colorado /100K | National /100K |
| Colorado | 11,204 | 251 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lazy Acres, CO | 1,111 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Nederland, CO | 1,514 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Lyons, CO | 2,368 | 75 | 407 | 481 |
| Coal Creek, CO | 2,670 | 75 | 407 | 481 |
| Niwot, CO | 4,247 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| Erie, CO | 28,201 | 30 | 896 | 926 |
| Mead, CO | 5,085 | 154 | 870 | 1,025 |
| Boulder, CO | 112,777 | 322 | 2,733 | 3,055 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Broken Arrow, OK | 112,690 | 223 | 1,201 | 1,424 |
| Billings, MT | 113,244 | 746 | 3,083 | 3,829 |
| Richmond, CA | 112,268 | 923 | 2,762 | 3,685 |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 113,363 | 576 | 2,138 | 2,714 |
| Inglewood, CA | 112,011 | 675 | 3,614 | 4,289 |
| Boulder, CO | 112,777 | 322 | 2,733 | 3,055 |
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