| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Colby/100k people | Kansas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 61 | n/a (estimate) | 1,094 | 2,395 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 17.9 | 44.1 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 17.9 | 30.9 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 11 | n/a | 197.2 | 359.9 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 233 | 439 | 359 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 89.6 | 261.6 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 39 | n/a | 699.2 | 1,458.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 71.7 | 236.3 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 48 | n/a (estimate) | 861 | 1,956 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Colby is 48.4% lower 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 Colby, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 233 per 100,000 individuals, 35.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 48 property crimes, amounting to 861 per 100,000 residents, 51.1% lower than the U.S. average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Colby registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
To determine if Colby 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. Colby has a total crime rate that is 48% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.17 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.13 daily property crimes) in Colby.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Colby. 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 Colby has decreased by 33%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 38.1%, while property crime has decreased by 31.4%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Colby.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Colby crime rate. The poverty level in Colby is 7.2%, while the national average is 15.1%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Colby crime rates. The population density in Colby is 1521.7 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Colby, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.29, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Colby | Kansas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 5,262 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.3 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Kansas /100K | National /100K |
| Kansas | 9,632 | 349 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Frankenmuth, MI | 5,597 | 230 | 653 | 883 |
| Leakesville, MS | 5,597 | 248 | 1,609 | 1,857 |
| Buckhannon, WV | 5,599 | 319 | 1,237 | 1,556 |
| Northwood, OH | 5,600 | 172 | 1,952 | 2,124 |
| Indian Wells, CA | 5,595 | 205 | 1,411 | 1,616 |
| Colby, KS | 5,598 | 233 | 861 | 1,094 |