When you are planning a vacation, it is important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind.
Crimes against tourists are common, and no one wants their vacation ruined by criminals who are just trying to make some money or injuries that can be avoided.
Planning a vacation should be an enjoyable task that results in a relaxing time with the people you love.
One way to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe during your vacation is to do adequate research beforehand to make sure you are traveling to a safe place.
Colorado is a beautiful state with many national parks, natural landmarks, outdoor adventures, great food and dining, and so much more.
However, Colorado had the third-highest property crime rate in the country last year, at 28.3 per 1,000 people.
Violent crime rates are just over the national average, at 4.2 per 1,000 people.
When traveling to Colorado, make sure you stay in one of the safer cities.
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Safest Cities in Colorado
10. Brush
Brush, Colorado is located in northeastern Colorado and is full of big prairies, blue skies, and small-town charm.
It has a genuine country feel and is known for its rodeo.
There is also award-winning boating and fishing.
Listed as the safest city in Colorado in 2022, Brush had the lowest violent crime rate, at 0.2, and the lowest property crime rate, at 0.9.
The population of Brush is around 5,500.
9. Frederick
The town of Frederick, Colorado is also located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for being a mining town as far back as 1907.
There are recreational activities everywhere and many residential facilities to stay in or even live in.
Frederick is number two on the safest towns in Colorado list.
Its violent crime rate is 0.2, and the property crime rate is 3.3.
The property crime rate is a bit higher than Brush, the number one safest city in Colorado, but Frederick also has a higher population, at around 15,000 people.
8. Milliken
Another small Colorado town is the third safest town in Colorado.
Milliken, Colorado is a small town that sits between the South Platte and Big Thompson rivers.
Located in northeastern Colorado, Milliken has big prairies and beautiful skies, too.
There is also a large mill that the town is known for with a grain elevator.
Milliken is over 100 years old and offers a lot of small-town charm.
With a population of around 8,200, the violent crime rate is low at 0.2.
The property crime rate is on track with the state’s average, at 4.2.
7. Severance
Another northeastern Colorado city that made the top ten safest cities in Colorado is Severance.
Severance, Colorado is most well-known for being the birthplace of the Colorado delicacy, the Rocky Mountain oyster.
In the heart of cattle country, Bruce’s Bar is the place where this famous Colorado dish was made all the way back in the year 1959.
Severance has a population of about 7,000.
The violent crime rate is 0.4, and the property crime rate is 2.8.
6. Gypsum
Gypsum, Colorado is one of the only cities on the top ten safest cities in Colorado list that is not in northeastern Colorado.
Gypsum is in the midwestern part of the state, just west of Vail and Beaver Creek, well-known ski towns.
There are many deposits of the mineral gypsum nearby, which is where this town gets its name.
Gypsum is filled with parks and golf courses.
Outdoor activities are very popular in this town.
The population of Gypsum, Colorado is about 7,500 people.
The property crime rate is a little higher than the state average, at 4.9, but the violent crime rate is very low, at 0.5.
5. Dacono
Dacono, Colorado is located outside of Denver, in Colorado’s Carbon Valley.
Colorado’s Carbon Valley is an area of Colorado between three towns: Firestone, Dacono, and Frederick.
All of these towns are on our top ten safest cities in Colorado list.
This area was also known as the tri-town area.
It still has much of its old western and community charm.
Dacono holds onto a lot of its heritage as an old mining town.
Dacono also has a nationally recognized BMX bike track, a NASCAR track, and more.
There is a lot to do in Dacono, Colorado.
The population of the area is just under 7,000.
The property crime rate is a little steep, at 9.5, but the violent crime rate is low, at 0.3.
4. Eagle
Eagle, Colorado is another one of the few cities on this list that is not in northeastern Colorado, but in the Midwestern region of the state.
Eagle is west of Vail and is known for its mountain views and cozy settings that make a mountain cabin vacation seem like a dream.
Outdoor activities are common in this section of the state, and Eagle is no exception.
With hiking and biking and everything in between, nature’s playground is the biggest attractor of visitors to this region.
Eagle has a population of just over 7,000 people.
The property crime rate is 6.4, well over the state’s average of 4.2, but the violent crime rate is 0.7.
3. Cherry Hills Village
Cherry Hills Village is a town in Colorado that was built around 1938.
Following the Great Depression, a number of families lived in some homes known as “The Circle.”
These families survived the depression and were determined to carry their town into the next decade with pride.
As their town grew, the circle also grew, and Cherry Hills still stands today.
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado has a population of about 6,700.
Its property crime rate is 12.3, and its violent crime rate is 0.1.
Many wealthy people live in Cherry Hills Village, which may be why property crime is so high, whereas violent crime is very, very low.
2. Lamar
Lamar, Colorado is the only southeastern town on the list.
Located near Route 50, Lamar was originally put in a location 3 miles from its current spot.
After an argument between railroads, Lamar has been moved 3 miles away and renamed.
It is now home to one of Colorado’s welcome centers.
This welcome center greets you as you enter the state, and it is very historic.
It is located in a 1907 train depot.
Lamar has a population of 7,700 and a property crime rate of 12.7.
Its violent crime rate is low at 0.3.
1. Firestone
The town of Firestone, Colorado is in the northeastern part of the state.
It is part of Colorado’s Carbon Valley and still has a small town, old western charm.
Firestone is also one of the fastest-growing towns in Colorado.
Its views of the Rocky Mountains make it a great destination.
Firestone has a population of just over 17,000.
Its violent crime rate is 0.6 and its property crime rate is 12.5.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Colorado
Always be aware of your surroundings.
At all times, it is best to be aware of your surroundings.
When in public, try to limit distractions like cell phones.
Being aware of what is around you can help you if you get lost.
You will also be able to easily spot unsafe situations if they arise.
Make sure you map out your plans before you start your road trip.
Sometimes unsafe situations happen when we are not prepared.
Making sure that you have a plan of where you are going and what route you are taking will help.
Both GPS and printed maps will help you determine your road trip route before you leave for your destination.
Schedule your gas and bathroom breaks if possible.
Every highway has an unsavory rest stop or gas station.
If you have an unsafe feeling when you stop, keep driving to the next rest stop.
If possible, try to map out these stops before you leave.
Have extra supplies.
Being prepared can help prevent a lot of bad situations.
Having water, snacks, phone chargers, jumper cables, road flares, and extra tires can help you avoid bad situations before they even happen.
Travel with others.
It is best to avoid traveling alone if you can.
Criminals often target people who are traveling alone and have no one to help them.
Sources
- https://coloradocrimestats.state.co.us/tops/
- https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/safety.htm
- https://www.colorado.com/regions-and-cities
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
What is the most dangerous city to visit in Colorado?
Sheridan, Colorado was listed as the most dangerous city to visit in Colorado in 2021.
The violent crime rate was 4.5, and the property crime rate was 72.2.
Which region of Colorado is the safest?
In general, small towns in northern and northeastern Colorado are the safest cities with the lowest crime rates.
Is it safe to travel to the National Parks in Colorado?
National Parks are generally safe places in Colorado.
Park rangers are always monitoring the park, and families with children, tourist groups, and hikers make up the majority of visitors in the park.
However, always be mindful of where your valuables are, so they do not get stolen.
When planning a vacation, it’s important to prioritize safety and do thorough research to ensure a safe trip, especially in states like Colorado with high crime rates.