| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Golden/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 838 | n/a (estimate) | 4,267 | 3,640 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 10.2 | 63.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 15.3 | 72.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 183.3 | 350.1 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 41 | n/a (estimate) | 209 | 493 | 370 |
| Burglary | 112 | n/a | 570.3 | 395.2 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 584 | n/a | 2,973.8 | 1,966.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 101 | n/a | 514.3 | 785.7 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 797 | n/a (estimate) | 4,058 | 3,148 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Golden crime rate is 83.6% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Golden, there were 41 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 209 per 100,000 individuals, 43.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, Golden recorded 797 property crimes, amounting to 4058 per 100,000 residents, 107.7% higher than the U.S. average.
In Golden, the crime rate stands at 4267 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 83.6%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Golden that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Golden reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Golden - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4058 per 100,000 people, Golden has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.
The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Golden faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 101 vehicle thefts, translating to 514 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Golden in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 195.
What do the local residents think about crime in Golden? Well, based on a recent survey of 13 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 77% of Golden residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 23% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Golden 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. Golden has a total crime rate that is 84% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.3 daily crimes (0.11 violent daily crimes and 2.18 daily property crimes) in Golden.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Golden has increased by 9.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Golden, 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 12.8%, while property crime has increased by 10.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Golden is a safe place to live.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Golden, the cost of living is 24.01% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Golden, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.95 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
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. Golden has a median home price of $541,400, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
| Item | Golden | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 57 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.0 | 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 |
| Columbine Valley, CO | 1,498 | 69 | 442 | 511 |
| Coal Creek, CO | 2,605 | 69 | 442 | 511 |
| Bow Mar, CO | 969 | 69 | 442 | 511 |
| Upper Bear Creek, CO | 799 | 69 | 442 | 511 |
| Genesee, CO | 4,099 | 94 | 600 | 693 |
| Kittredge, CO | 954 | 97 | 622 | 720 |
| Floyd Hill, CO | 824 | 106 | 680 | 786 |
| Golden, CO | 20,391 | 209 | 4,058 | 4,267 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Forest Lake, MN | 20,393 | 102 | 1,970 | 2,072 |
| Crest Hill, IL | 20,388 | 262 | 1,065 | 1,327 |
| Elko, NV | 20,396 | 465 | 1,926 | 2,391 |
| Northfield, MN | 20,399 | 125 | 742 | 868 |
| Bayshore Gardens, FL | 20,380 | 369 | 2,233 | 2,602 |
| Golden, CO | 20,391 | 209 | 4,058 | 4,267 |
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