| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortez/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 310 | n/a (estimate) | 3,399 | 3,069 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 164.5 | 58.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 65.8 | 63.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 230.3 | 350.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 42 | n/a (estimate) | 461 | 476 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 208.3 | 348.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 227 | n/a | 2,489.0 | 1,754.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 241.2 | 490.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 268 | n/a (estimate) | 2,939 | 2,593 | 1,760 |

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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| Item | Cortez | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 51 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 6.0 | 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 |
| Dolores, CO | 1,047 | 228 | 1,240 | 1,468 |
| Towaoc, CO | 1,166 | 247 | 1,343 | 1,590 |
| Cortez, CO | 9,056 | 461 | 2,939 | 3,399 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Edgewater, MD | 9,056 | 308 | 1,502 | 1,810 |
| Pulaski, VA | 9,058 | 567 | 2,325 | 2,892 |
| Monmouth, IL | 9,066 | 366 | 1,371 | 1,738 |
| Smithville, NJ | 9,067 | 237 | 1,553 | 1,791 |
| Riverside, IL | 9,044 | 80 | 781 | 861 |
| Cortez, CO | 9,056 | 461 | 2,939 | 3,399 |