F
57%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
66%
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 peopleSterling/100k peopleColorado/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime425n/a (estimate)3,3193,0692,119
Murder0n/a0.04.55.0
Rape4n/a31.258.337.5
Robbery1n/a7.863.060.6
Assault46n/a359.2350.5256.1
Violent crime51n/a (estimate)398476359
Burglary53n/a413.9348.0229.2
Theft296n/a2,311.41,754.21,272.1
Vehicle theft25n/a195.2490.6258.8
Property crime374n/a (estimate)2,9212,5931,760

Sterling crime map

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

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Sterling is 56.6% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 51 violent crimes reported in Sterling, equivalent to 398 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 10.9%. Additionally, Sterling recorded 374 property crimes, amounting to 2921 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 65.9%.

Sterling exhibits a violent crime rate that closely echoes the national average reported by all cities, with 398 incidents per 100,000 people, in line with the nationwide figure of 359. This uniformity underscores Sterling as a community where safety standards align seamlessly with the broader national context, delivering residents a steadfast and dependable sense of security.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Sterling 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.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Sterling?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Sterling. Based on the results of the surveys (19 responses), 26% of people felt that there was very little crime in Sterling and felt safe walking alone at night. While 74% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Sterling a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Sterling 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. Sterling has a total crime rate that is 57% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.16 daily crimes (0.14 violent daily crimes and 1.02 daily property crimes) in Sterling.

Has Crime in Sterling Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Sterling has decreased by 18.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Sterling is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 10.5%, while property crime has decreased by 19.7%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Sterling.

Potential Causes for Crime in Sterling

Sterling has a poverty rate of 12.4, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Sterling, 77.8% 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.

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 Sterling, the average rental rates are $1,238 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

Compare Sterling, CO Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Sterling crime rates are 57% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Sterling are 11% higher than the national average
      • In Sterling you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Sterling is safer than 15% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Sterling has decreased by 15%

      Sterling, CO Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Sterling

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        Daily Crime In Sterling (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Sterling, CO per 100,000 people. In Sterling, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.08 times more than the Colorado average and 1.57 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Sterling is 1.20 times less than the Colorado average and 1.11 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Sterling has a daily crime rate that is 1.13 times more than the Colorado average and 1.66 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Sterling (higher is better)

        How safe is Sterling, Colorado compared to other cities in Colorado and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Sterling is safer than 22% of the cities in Colorado and 15% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Colorado and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Sterling. Overall, Sterling is ranked below average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Sterling

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Sterling is 1 in 252
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Sterling is 1 in 35
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Sterling is 1 in 31
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Sterling? In Sterling, CO you have a 1 in 252 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 motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 31 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Sterling.

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

        Determining whether Sterling is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. Sterling violent crime rates have increased by 1%. At the same time, property crime has decreased by 16% year over year. Total crimes for Sterling has decreased by 15% in the same time frame.

        Sterling police department

        Item Sterling Colorado National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)229,049558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.59.63.3
        There are a total of 22 Sterling police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 84.6% less than the Colorado average and 54.7% less 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
        Morgan Heights, CO2361921,0481,240
        Atwood, CO1596253,4064,031
        Padroni, CO646683,6404,308
        Iliff, CO3547404,0314,771
        Sterling, CO14,9093982,9213,319

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        North Auburn, CA14,9194531,9372,390
        Roanoke Rapids, NC14,9268973,3804,277
        Colesville, MD14,9281889171,105
        Summerfield, MD14,9294232,0622,485
        Livingston, CA14,8853721,4071,779
        Sterling, CO14,9093982,9213,319
        Source: The Sterling, 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.