Safest cities in Colorado

Known as the 'Centennial State,' Colorado is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the western United States, Colorado is characterized by its Rocky Mountain terrain, vast plains, and desert lands. The state's economy is diverse, with key industries including technology, aerospace, agriculture, and tourism. Denver, the state capital, is a bustling urban center known for its vibrant cultural scene, including museums, theaters, and music venues. Colorado is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.

The safest cities in Colorado provide a high quality of life, with low crime rates enhancing overall livability. Safety is a fundamental aspect of strong communities, promoting economic growth and social stability. Factors contributing to the safety of Colorado's cities include effective law enforcement, community involvement, and proactive public safety measures. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and accurate assessment of safety. This focus on security allows residents to fully enjoy Colorado's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities without the constant worry of crime, making the state an appealing place to live.

Severance Population: 5,611 276 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 104 Property Crime / 100k: 173 chance of being a victim: 1 in 362

Severance proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Colorado. With only 276 crimes per 100,000 people, Severance has a crime rate that is 88% lower than the Colorado average. This equates to an average of 0.09 crimes per day and a 1 in 362 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Milliken Population: 7,862 436 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 22 Property Crime / 100k: 414 chance of being a victim: 1 in 229

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Milliken comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Colorado with a crime rate of 436 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 11 counts of burglary, 291 counts of theft, 112 counts of vehicle theft, 11 counts of assault, 0 counts of robbery, 11 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Milliken, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Windsor Population: 23,679 603 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 29 Property Crime / 100k: 574 chance of being a victim: 1 in 166

With a population of 23,679 and a total crime rate of 603 per 100,000 residents, Windsor is the 3rd safest city in Colorado. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 62% lower than the Colorado average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Gypsum Population: 7,049 712 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 100 Property Crime / 100k: 612 chance of being a victim: 1 in 141

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Gypsum is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 712, 91% lower than the Colorado average. This amounts to 0.18 crimes per day and a 1 in 141 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Gypsum a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Carbondale Population: 6,658 766 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 230 Property Crime / 100k: 536 chance of being a victim: 1 in 131

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Carbondale consistently ranks high in safety. In Carbondale, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 766, which is 93% lower than the state average.

Eagle Population: 6,896 932 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 144 Property Crime / 100k: 788 chance of being a victim: 1 in 107

Eagle has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Colorado. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 932 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the Colorado average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 118 reports of burglary, 617 reports of theft, 53 reports of vehicle theft, 118 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 26 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Estes Park Population: 6,504 993 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 137 Property Crime / 100k: 856 chance of being a victim: 1 in 101

Estes Park ranks as the seventh safest city in Colorado and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 101 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.16 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Estes Park’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Colorado.

Salida Population: 5,543 1,015 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 237 Property Crime / 100k: 778 chance of being a victim: 1 in 99

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Salida is the 8th safest city in Colorado. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 94% lower than the Colorado average, reporting a total of 1,015 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Cherry Hills Village Population: 6,680 1,068 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 16 Property Crime / 100k: 1,052 chance of being a victim: 1 in 94

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Cherry Hills Village is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Colorado, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 1,068 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Erie Population: 27,157 1,081 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 46 Property Crime / 100k: 1,036 chance of being a victim: 1 in 92

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Colorado, is Erie. With a low rate of crime that included 158 burglaries, 743 thefts, 134 vehicle thefts, 24 assaults, 0 robberies, 21 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 67% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Colorado

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Severance	5,611	104	173	276
2	Milliken	7,862	22	414	436
3	Windsor	23,679	29	574	603
4	Gypsum	7,049	100	612	712
5	Carbondale	6,658	230	536	766
6	Eagle	6,896	144	788	932
7	Estes Park	6,504	137	856	993
8	Salida	5,543	237	778	1,015
9	Cherry Hills Village	6,680	16	1,052	1,068
10	Erie	27,157	46	1,036	1,081
11	Eaton	5,646	170	933	1,102
12	Castle Rock	65,176	32	1,163	1,195
13	Dacono	6,167	75	1,130	1,206
14	Fruita	14,068	235	1,034	1,269
15	Woodland Park	7,943	187	1,508	1,695
16	Craig	8,978	191	1,549	1,740
17	Steamboat Springs	13,048	235	1,530	1,766
18	Avon	6,711	385	1,458	1,843
19	Parker	55,460	225	1,713	1,938
20	Gunnison	6,653	318	1,909	2,227
21	Monument	7,691	283	1,982	2,265
22	Centennial	111,331	197	2,110	2,307
23	Rifle	9,771	377	1,960	2,337
24	Manitou Springs	5,342	293	2,133	2,426
25	Fountain	30,240	343	2,105	2,448
26	Louisville	19,342	175	2,409	2,584
27	Broomfield	69,444	147	2,618	2,765
28	Montrose	19,396	138	2,650	2,788
29	Lafayette	27,952	205	2,657	2,862
30	Fort Collins	166,069	321	2,606	2,927
31	Evans	22,128	278	2,696	2,973
32	Sterling	14,421	292	2,684	2,975
33	Loveland	81,774	333	2,663	2,996
34	Longmont	95,864	443	2,822	3,265
35	Breckenridge	5,054	283	2,988	3,271
36	Arvada	120,229	259	3,033	3,292
37	Cañon City	16,369	472	2,832	3,305
38	Aspen	7,721	203	3,111	3,314
39	Brighton	38,355	413	2,934	3,347
40	Boulder	108,777	371	3,000	3,372
41	Cortez	8,729	512	2,960	3,472
42	Littleton	46,208	245	3,251	3,496
43	Johnstown	14,357	241	3,310	3,551
44	Fort Morgan	11,311	441	3,186	3,627
45	Grand Junction	62,218	508	3,141	3,649
46	Fort Lupton	8,600	644	3,021	3,666
47	Greeley	107,445	582	3,162	3,744
48	Thornton	144,186	285	3,483	3,768
49	Delta	8,893	117	3,745	3,862
50	Glenwood Springs	10,048	347	3,685	4,032

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Colorado is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Colorado cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.