Colorado is known for its rich history, breathtaking views, and outdoor activities.
But the state’s appeal goes beyond the usual tourist traps.
For example, visitors can enjoy the world’s largest hot springs swimming pool or visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley and hike the largest dune in the country.
And due to these appealing traits, Colorado’s population has increased in the past few years, reaching 5.8 million in 2022.
Unfortunately, this also means that crime rates have also increased significantly.
For example, in 2022, motor vehicle theft increased by 13.6%, ranking the state first in these crimes.
Additionally, Colorado also ranks second in the country in crimes against property.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado
1. Grand Junction
On average, a crime occurs in Grand Junction every 3 hours and 13 minutes.
The city has a crime grade of D+, meaning that crime in this city is higher than in the average city in the U.S., with Grand Junction being in the 29th percentile for safety.
The crime rate in Grand Junction is 49 per 1000 residents, meaning that the city has one of the highest crime rates in the country, even though it has a population of fewer than 70,000 people.
According to statistics, there is a 1 in 177 chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime and 1 in 23 of becoming the victim of a property crime in Grand Junction.
2. Aurora
In 2020, the city’s crime rates were staggeringly high, with 2,890 property crimes and 728 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
According to the FBI, Aurora is one of the most dangerous cities in the state, and visitors should take additional steps to ensure their safety.
The overall risk in the city is medium, particularly when it comes to mugging, natural disasters, pickpocketing, and women traveling alone.
However, Aurora has a high rate of violent crimes, like mugging and assault.
One way to protect yourself against these is by remaining alert to your surroundings and sticking to well-lit areas when walking.
Another smart way to protect yourself is by walking with someone who knows the town well and can tell you which areas to avoid.
The safest neighborhoods are those to the southwest, and the more dangerous ones are the ones closer to Denver, around Colfax.
3. La Junta
On average, the city has a crime rate of 84.67 per 1000 residents, earning it an F safety grade.
According to residents, the safest area is the northwest part, and the central neighborhoods are the most dangerous, with a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of a crime in these areas.
The violent crime rate in La Junta is 18.2, which is lower than the U.S. average of 22.7.
However, the property crime rate in La Junta is 77.1, which is significantly higher than the 35.4 U.S. average.
To protect yourself against these, make sure to always lock your car doors and roll up the windows, and leave your valuables at home.
Another way to prevent becoming a victim of property crime is by protecting your home with a reliable security system.
4. Alamosa
The city has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with 59 per 1000 residents.
With a population of less than 10,000, the rate of violent and property crime in Alamosa is considerably higher than in other similar cities.
Alamosa has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with residents and visitors having a 1 in 127 chance of becoming a victim of armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and even murder.
In addition, the chance of becoming the victim of a property crime is 1 in 19, and the chance of getting your car stolen is 1 in 297.
To ensure the safety of your person and property, you must be aware of your surroundings everywhere you go, and not venture into areas with which you are not familiar.
Also, since there is power in numbers, it’s advised you walk in groups whenever you get the chance, particularly at night.
5. Pueblo
The crime rate in Pueblo is 70 per 1000 residents, making this town more dangerous than 98% of the communities in the state.
In fact, some sources claim that Pueblo may be one of the 100 most dangerous cities in the country.
The chances of becoming the victim of a property crime is 1 in 14.
With a population of 112,368, Pueblo is only safer than 1% of American cities, with an average of 12.65 violent crimes and 57.42 property crimes.
The areas to avoid are the south and east sides, particularly the Bessemer neighborhoods.
6. Glendale
The city has earned a reputation for being one of the worst cities in the state due to its staggeringly high crime rate.
Glendale is safer than 0% of U.S. cities, with a crime occurring on average every 2 days and 2 hours.
The city has, on average, 20.87 violent crimes and 183.66 property crimes per 1000 residents.
The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Glendale is 1 in 48.
According to residents, the safest part of the city is the southeast; in these areas, there is a 1 in 33 chance of becoming the victim of a crime, compared to 1 in 23 on the northeast side of town.
7. Sheridan
The city has earned a C grade, meaning that it has a higher crime rate than the average city.
The town is in the 41st percentile for safety, with a crime rate of 30.33 per 1000 residents.
According to residents, the safest area is the west side, with the chances of being the victim of a crime lower, from 1 in 22 on the north side of town, to 1 in 47.
Some of the most common crimes in Sheridan are theft and vehicle theft.
To protect yourself against these, keep your car doors locked and windows up when parked or stopped, and don’t leave valuables where thieves can reach them.
Additionally, leave your valuables behind at the house or hotel, and try to walk in groups.
8. Canon City
Known in Colorado for its crime rate, Canon City has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with the chances of becoming a victim of a crime being 1 in 21.
In fact, there are very few cities in the country that have a crime rate as high as that of Canon City.
Violent offenses have grown roughly 19% in number in the past few years.
In 2020, Canon City had the highest rate of rape in the state.
However, property crime is the most common type of crime in Canon City.
9. Colorado Springs
With a population of 478,221, Colorado Springs has seen a 17% increase in total crime in the last few years, and a 37% increase in violent crime.
The chance of becoming the victim of a crime in Colorado Spring is 1 in 26.
According to residents, one way to prevent becoming a victim is by avoiding the unsafest areas of town, particularly Stratmoor Valley near Ft. Carson, the Meadows in Southgate, and 8th Street.
Additionally, the southwest side – particularly W Bijou Street – is known for how often police are called.
However, despite the fact that most crimes committed in Colorado Springs occur in public, the town has virtually no problems with pickpockets.
10. Federal Heights
Though the town has a population of only 12,173, Federal Heights is one of the most dangerous cities in Colorado.
There is a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime, and few towns on this side have crime rates as high.
Federal Heights has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with thefts accounting for 58% of the crimes.
Additionally, much of the town’s crime is property crime, particularly burglary, larceny, car theft, and arson.
Safety Tips
- Make a plan: Let someone know where you’re going, how to contact you, and how long you plan on being there.
- Leave your valuables behind: Thieves are known for targeting railheads and tourists.
- For this reason, it’s advised to leave your valuables at the house or the hotel before going out, particularly in touristy areas.
- Keep your car doors close when you drive, and lock your car every time you park it: Car thieves usually go for unlocked cars, and many of the thefts are car break-ins.
- Walk-in groups: There is power in numbers, and criminals are less likely to attempt to mug or attack a group than a single person.
- Be aware of changes: If you return to your car and notice that something is different with it, or your car suddenly has an issue that it didn’t have when you exited it, go back to the safety of where you came from and call for help. Also, be aware of anyone who may be around your car or offering help.
Colorado Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Colorado Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado safe to travel to?
In most respects, the state is relatively safe for tourists.
However, sleep in mind that violent and property crime is higher than the national average, and take the necessary steps to stay safe.
What are the safest areas?
Usually, urban areas tend to be more dangerous.
The more people, the higher the dangers – usually.
How are the roads in Colorado?
In a recent study, Colorado ranked 44th in a survey of the best and worst states for drivers.
Additionally, due to its high theft rate, many have ranked Colorado poorly.
This post sheds light on the safety concerns in certain areas. It’s a reminder to stay informed and vigilant, especially for those considering moving to or traveling through Colorado.