Grand Junction, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Grand Junction, CO

The Grand Junction crime rates are 57% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 346 violent crimes in Grand Junction (508 per 100,000 people), which is 37.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2140 property crimes (3141 per 100,000 residents) which is 60.7% higher than average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Grand Junction?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Grand Junction residents. Out of the respondents (92 in total), 32% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Grand Junction were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 68% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Grand Junction a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Grand Junction 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. Grand Junction has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 6.81 daily crimes (0.95 violent daily crimes and 5.86 daily property crimes) in Grand Junction.

Has Crime in Grand Junction Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Grand Junction crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Grand Junction has decreased by 24.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 8.5% and property crime has decreased by 26.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Grand Junction

Grand Junction has a population density of 1540 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Grand Junction crime rates.

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 Grand Junction, the cost of living is 0.23% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In Grand Junction, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.34 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.

Grand Junction crime map