Denver, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Denver, CO

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Denver crime rate is 222.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Denver, there were 7545 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1070 per 100,000 individuals, 189.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Denver recorded 45336 property crimes, amounting to 6428 per 100,000 residents, 228.9% higher than the U.S. average.

In Denver, the crime rate stands at 7498 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 222.61%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Denver that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

Denver ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 1070 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Denver stand at 1 in every 94 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Denver ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Denver, there were a total of 90 murders, translating to 13 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Every year, one in 16 people fall victim to a property crime in Denver - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 6428 per 100,000 people, Denver has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and Denver ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 15201 vehicle thefts, amounting to 2155 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Denver within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 47.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Denver?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Denver residents. Out of the respondents (189 in total), 28% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Denver were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 72% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Denver a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Denver a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Denver crime rate is 223% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 144.88 crimes per day - 20.67 violent crimes and 124.21 property crimes.

Has Crime in Denver Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Denver. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Denver has increased by 6.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 9.4%, while property crime has increased by 6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Denver.

Denver Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Denver area comprises a diverse array of over 22 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Washington Park, University and Lodo which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Central West Denver, Northern Denver and Auraria exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Denver neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Denver

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Denver, 82.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Denver, the cost of living is 13.52% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Denver is $427,600, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Denver crime map