| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | La Junta/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 521 | n/a (estimate) | 7,505 | 3,069 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 14.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 100.8 | 58.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 14.4 | 63.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 26 | n/a | 374.5 | 350.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 35 | n/a (estimate) | 504 | 476 | 359 |
| Burglary | 73 | n/a | 1,051.6 | 348.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 389 | n/a | 5,603.6 | 1,754.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 24 | n/a | 345.7 | 490.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 486 | n/a (estimate) | 7,001 | 2,593 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in La Junta is 254.1% higher 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 La Junta, there were 35 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 504 per 100,000 individuals, 40.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 486 property crimes, amounting to 7001 per 100,000 residents, 297.8% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 7505 per 100,000 residents, La Junta has a crime rate that is 254.14% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in La Junta that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. La Junta has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in La Junta, which is 14 murders per 100,000 people.
La Junta faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 7001 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in La Junta stands at 1 in 15, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
What is the prevailing sentiment among La Junta residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 14 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 36% of La Junta residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 64% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether La Junta is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, La Junta has an overall crime rate that is 254% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.43 daily occurrences, comprising 0.1 violent crimes and 1.33 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of La Junta as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in La Junta crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in La Junta has increased by 45.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 5.4% and property crime has increased by 51.4%.
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. La Junta currently has an unemployment rate of 3%, 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.
La Junta has a population density of 2376.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower La Junta crime rates.
In La Junta, 76.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | La Junta | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 20 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Rocky Ford, CO | 3,965 | 131 | 763 | 894 |
| La Junta Gardens, CO | 171 | 494 | 2,690 | 3,184 |
| Swink, CO | 856 | 656 | 3,571 | 4,227 |
| Cheraw, CO | 209 | 670 | 3,647 | 4,317 |
| North La Junta, CO | 392 | 694 | 3,783 | 4,477 |
| La Junta, CO | 7,166 | 504 | 7,001 | 7,505 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Plymouth, MA | 7,166 | 323 | 695 | 1,018 |
| Noble, OK | 7,170 | 188 | 1,051 | 1,239 |
| Mila Doce, TX | 7,161 | 506 | 2,654 | 3,160 |
| Selma, NC | 7,159 | 1,049 | 2,388 | 3,437 |
| Brier, WA | 7,174 | 16 | 404 | 420 |
| La Junta, CO | 7,166 | 504 | 7,001 | 7,505 |
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