F
60%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
28%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
67%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleCortez/100k peopleColorado/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime310n/a (estimate)3,3993,0692,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape15n/a164.558.337.5
Robbery6n/a65.863.060.6
Assault21n/a230.3350.5256.1
Violent crime42n/a (estimate)461476359
Burglary19n/a208.3348.0229.2
Theft227n/a2,489.01,754.21,272.1
Vehicle theft22n/a241.2490.6258.8
Property crime268n/a (estimate)2,9392,5931,760

Cortez crime map

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The Cortez crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Cortez 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 Cortez crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Cortez 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in Cortez, CO

The Cortez crime rates are 60.4% 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 42 violent crimes in Cortez (461 per 100,000 people), which is 28.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 268 property crimes (2939 per 100,000 residents) which is 67% higher than average.

In the most recently reported crime year, Cortez 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Cortez?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Cortez residents. Out of the respondents (10 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Cortez were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Cortez a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Cortez 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 Cortez crime rate is 60% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.85 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 0.73 property crimes.

Has Crime in Cortez Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Cortez has increased by 3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Cortez, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 4.6%, while property crime has increased by 4.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Cortez is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Cortez

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Cortez currently has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

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. Cortez has a median home price of $295,416, deviating from the national average of $326,622. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.

In Cortez, the average rental rates are $1,293 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Compare Cortez, CO Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Cortez crime rates are 60% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Cortez are 28% higher than the national average
      • In Cortez you have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Cortez is safer than 13% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Cortez has decreased by 21%

      Cortez, CO Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Cortez (per 100,000 people)

        The graph above looks at the comparison of crimes committed in Cortez on a daily basis (per 100,000 people) to crimes committed throughout the state of Colorado and the USA. According to the latest crime statistics, daily crimes in Cortez (which include property crimes as well as violent crimes), when compared to Colorado, are 1.11 times more than the state average and 1.60 times more than than national average. Violent crimes committed in Cortez on a daily basis are 1.03 times less than than Colorado average and 1.28 times more than the average nationwide. Daily property crime rates in Cortez are 1.13 times more than the daily state average and 1.67 times more than the daily national numbers.

        How Safe is Cortez (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Cortez to every other city in Colorado, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Cortez safe? The gauges above illustrate that Cortez is safer than 19% of every city located within Colorado along with 13% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Colorado and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Cortez, CO is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Cortez

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Cortez is 1 in 218
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Cortez is 1 in 35
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Cortez is 1 in 30
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Cortez, Colorado you have a 1 in 218 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 35 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cortez.

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

        An ideal indicator of whether Cortez is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Cortez has decreased by 31% and the rate of property crime in Cortez has decreased by 19%. The total crime rate in Cortez has decreased by 21% year to year.

        Cortez police department

        Item Cortez Colorado National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)519,049558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents6.09.63.3
        There are a total of 51 Cortez police officers. This results in 6.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 37.7% less than the Colorado average and 83.1% greater 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
        Dolores, CO1,0472281,2401,468
        Towaoc, CO1,1662471,3431,590
        Cortez, CO9,0564612,9393,399

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Edgewater, MD9,0563081,5021,810
        Pulaski, VA9,0585672,3252,892
        Monmouth, IL9,0663661,3711,738
        Smithville, NJ9,0672371,5531,791
        Riverside, IL9,04480781861
        Cortez, CO9,0564612,9393,399
        Source: The Cortez, CO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.