| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Denver/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 41,550 | n/a (estimate) | 5,755 | 3,069 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 71 | n/a | 9.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 676 | n/a | 93.6 | 58.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1,272 | n/a | 176.2 | 63.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5,151 | n/a | 713.4 | 350.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 7,170 | n/a (estimate) | 993 | 476 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5,112 | n/a | 708.0 | 348.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 20,373 | n/a | 2,821.6 | 1,754.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8,895 | n/a | 1,231.9 | 490.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 34,380 | n/a (estimate) | 4,762 | 2,593 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Denver is 171.6% 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 Denver, there were 7170 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 993 per 100,000 individuals, 176.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 34380 property crimes, amounting to 4762 per 100,000 residents, 170.5% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 5755 per 100,000 residents, Denver has a crime rate that is 171.55% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Denver that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Denver has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 993 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Denver falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 101 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Every year, one in 22 people fall victim to a property crime in Denver - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4762 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 8895 vehicle thefts, amounting to 1232 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 82.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Denver residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 197 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 27% of Denver residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 73% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
To determine if Denver is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Denver has a total crime rate that is 172% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 113.84 daily crimes (19.64 violent daily crimes and 94.19 daily property crimes) in Denver.
Year-over-year crime rates in Denver has decreased by 16.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Denver 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 increased by 4%, while property crime has decreased by 19.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Denver.
Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Denver, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 22 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Denver are areas such as Jefferson Park, Auraria and Cherry Creek, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Five Points, Capitol Hill and Central West Denver are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Denver crime rates. For instance, in Denver, the population density stands at 4826.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Denver, the cost of living is 37.31% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Denver has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.59 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
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 | Denver | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1,630 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Indian Hills, CO | 1,398 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Inverness, CO | 1,919 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Holly Hills, CO | 2,910 | 75 | 407 | 481 |
| Bow Mar, CO | 999 | 0 | 491 | 491 |
| Columbine Valley, CO | 1,555 | 115 | 632 | 747 |
| Genesee, CO | 4,224 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| Meridian, CO | 4,950 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| Denver, CO | 739,923 | 993 | 4,762 | 5,755 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Washington, DC | 721,713 | 926 | 3,588 | 4,514 |
| Boston, MA | 715,604 | 628 | 2,022 | 2,650 |
| Seattle, WA | 765,050 | 775 | 5,008 | 5,783 |
| El Paso, TX | 703,663 | 278 | 1,494 | 1,772 |
| Detroit, MI | 692,044 | 1,781 | 4,305 | 6,087 |
| Denver, CO | 739,923 | 993 | 4,762 | 5,755 |
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