| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Thornton/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,390 | n/a (estimate) | 3,768 | 3,640 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 2.1 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 137 | n/a | 95.8 | 63.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 92 | n/a | 64.3 | 72.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 176 | n/a | 123.0 | 350.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 408 | n/a (estimate) | 285 | 493 | 370 |
| Burglary | 375 | n/a | 262.1 | 395.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,407 | n/a | 2,381.6 | 1,966.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,200 | n/a | 838.8 | 785.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,982 | n/a (estimate) | 3,483 | 3,148 | 1,954 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Thornton is 62.1% 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 Thornton, there were 408 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 285 per 100,000 individuals, 22.9% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 4982 property crimes, amounting to 3483 per 100,000 residents, 78.2% higher than the U.S. average.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Thornton faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 1200 vehicle thefts, translating to 839 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Thornton in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 120.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Thornton residents. Out of the respondents (51 in total), 61% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Thornton were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 39% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Thornton 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 Thornton crime rate is 62% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 14.77 crimes per day - 1.12 violent crimes and 13.65 property crimes.
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 Thornton 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 Thornton has decreased by 0.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 11.3% and property crime has decreased by 0.2%.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Thornton, 82% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
In Thornton, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 1.75 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.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Thornton has a median home price of $349,000, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Thornton | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 215 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.7 | 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 |
| Todd Creek, CO | 4,635 | 94 | 600 | 693 |
| Holly Hills, CO | 2,815 | 124 | 795 | 919 |
| Erie, CO | 27,157 | 46 | 1,036 | 1,081 |
| Dacono, CO | 6,167 | 75 | 1,130 | 1,206 |
| Cherry Creek, CO | 11,503 | 187 | 1,199 | 1,387 |
| Superior, CO | 13,292 | 187 | 1,199 | 1,387 |
| Gunbarrel, CO | 10,494 | 192 | 1,228 | 1,420 |
| Thornton, CO | 144,186 | 285 | 3,483 | 3,768 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Torrance, CA | 144,430 | 265 | 2,640 | 2,905 |
| Bridgeport, CT | 145,014 | 408 | 1,242 | 1,650 |
| Paterson, NJ | 145,484 | 328 | 2,286 | 2,614 |
| Savannah, GA | 145,492 | 476 | 2,191 | 2,667 |
| McAllen, TX | 142,557 | 196 | 1,952 | 2,148 |
| Thornton, CO | 144,186 | 285 | 3,483 | 3,768 |
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