| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Cortez/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 312 | n/a (estimate) | 3,472 | 3,640 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 22.3 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 122.4 | 63.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 55.6 | 72.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 311.6 | 350.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 512 | 493 | 370 |
| Burglary | 29 | n/a | 322.8 | 395.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 215 | n/a | 2,392.9 | 1,966.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 244.9 | 785.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 266 | n/a (estimate) | 2,960 | 3,148 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Cortez crime rate is higher than the national average by 49.4%. Specifically, there were 46 violent crimes in Cortez, equivalent to 512 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 38.4%. Furthermore, Cortez recorded 266 property crimes, amounting to 2960 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 51.5%.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Cortez is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 2 murders in Cortez, which equates to 22 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Cortez being a very dangerous place to live.
What do the local residents think about crime in Cortez? Well, based on a recent survey of 10 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 40% of Cortez residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 60% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Cortez a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Cortez has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 49%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.85 daily incidents, encompassing 0.13 violent crimes and 0.73 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Cortez as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Cortez. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Cortez has increased by 3.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 4.6%, while property crimes have increased by 3.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In Cortez, the cost of living is 7.64% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Cortez stands at $166,800, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Cortez, the average rental rates are $839 per month, compared to the national average of $949.
| 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 | 1,017 | 242 | 1,550 | 1,792 |
| Lewis, CO | 186 | 575 | 3,679 | 4,254 |
| Towaoc, CO | 1,140 | 757 | 4,846 | 5,604 |
| Cortez, CO | 8,729 | 512 | 2,960 | 3,472 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chatham, NJ | 8,729 | 11 | 720 | 731 |
| Brigantine, NJ | 8,725 | 79 | 968 | 1,047 |
| Swissvale, PA | 8,724 | 328 | 1,734 | 2,062 |
| New Albany, MS | 8,723 | 26 | 2,328 | 2,354 |
| Park Ridge, NJ | 8,721 | 10 | 269 | 279 |
| Cortez, CO | 8,729 | 512 | 2,960 | 3,472 |
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