Boulder, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Boulder, CO

The Boulder crime rates are 45.1% 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 383 violent crimes in Boulder (371 per 100,000 people), which is 0.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 3093 property crimes (3000 per 100,000 residents) which is 53.5% higher than average.

The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Boulder is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Boulder reported 371 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 370.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Boulder?

What do the local residents think about crime in Boulder? Well, based on a recent survey of 34 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 71% of Boulder residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 29% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Boulder a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Boulder 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. Boulder has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 9.52 daily crimes (1.05 violent daily crimes and 8.47 daily property crimes) in Boulder.

Has Crime in Boulder 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 Boulder 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 Boulder has decreased by 16.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 5.9% and property crime has decreased by 17.5%.

Boulder Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Boulder, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 9 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Boulder are areas such as Palo Park, Gunbarrel and South Boulder, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Crossroads, East Boulder and Central Boulder are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Boulder

In Boulder, the poverty rate currently stands at 20.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Boulder crime rates.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Boulder crime rates. For instance, in Boulder, the population density stands at 4129.6 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Boulder has an average rental rate of $1,588 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Boulder crime map