F
223%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
189%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
229%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleDenver/100k peopleColorado/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime52,881n/a (estimate)7,4983,6402,324
Murder90n/a12.86.46.3
Rape756n/a107.263.440.0
Robbery1,301n/a184.572.666.1
Assault5,398n/a765.4350.1268.2
Violent crime7,545n/a (estimate)1,070493370
Burglary5,171n/a733.2395.2269.8
Theft24,964n/a3,539.71,966.71,401.9
Vehicle theft15,201n/a2,155.4785.7282.7
Property crime45,336n/a (estimate)6,4283,1481,954

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



The Denver crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Denver as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Denver crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Denver crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Denver crime rates are 223% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Denver are 189% higher than the national average
      • In Denver you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Denver is safer than 1% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Denver has increased by 12%

      Denver, CO Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Denver

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        Daily Crime In Denver (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above illustrates the number of daily crimes in Denver, CO per 100,000 people. In Denver, the total number of daily crimes is 2.06 times more than the Colorado average and 3.23 times more than the national average. The number of daily violent crimes in Denver is 2.17 times more than the Colorado average and 2.89 times more than the national average. With regards to property crimes, Denver has a daily crime rate that is 2.04 times more than the Colorado average and 3.29 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Denver (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Denver, Colorado compared to other areas of Colorado, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Denver safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Denver is safer than 3% of Colorado cities, and 1% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Colorado, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Denver. At this time, Denver sees a below average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Denver

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Denver is 1 in 94
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Denver is 1 in 16
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Denver is 1 in 14
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Denver, Colorado you have a 1 in 94 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Denver.

        Year Over Year Crime In Denver (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Denver is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Denver has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 15% in Denver, while property crimes in Denver have increased by 11%. Total crime has increased by 12% year over year.

        Denver police department

        Item Denver Colorado National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1,6309,049558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.69.63.3
        There are a total of 1,630 Denver police officers. This results in 2.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 72.9% less than the Colorado average and 20.2% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Colorado

        State Total offenders Colorado /100K National /100K
        Colorado11,204251266
        There are a total of 11,204 sex offenders in Colorado. This yields a total of 251 sex offenders in Colorado per 100,000 residents which is 6% less than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Inverness, CO1,86369442511
        Bow Mar, CO96969442511
        Columbine Valley, CO1,49869442511
        Genesee, CO4,09994600693
        Holly Hills, CO2,815124795919
        Indian Hills, CO1,363132842974
        Cherry Hills Village, CO6,680161,0521,068
        Denver, CO715,8781,0706,4287,498

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Washington, DC701,9747453,4844,229
        Seattle, WA741,2518385,7216,559
        Boston, MA689,3266191,8022,421
        El Paso, TX679,8793131,3791,692
        Detroit, MI672,3512,0284,4786,506
        Denver, CO715,8781,0706,4287,498
        Source: The Denver, CO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.