| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Wheat Ridge/100k people | Colorado/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,564 | n/a (estimate) | 4,947 | 3,069 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 26 | n/a | 82.2 | 58.3 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 14 | n/a | 44.3 | 63.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 112 | n/a | 354.3 | 350.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 152 | n/a (estimate) | 481 | 476 | 359 |
| Burglary | 195 | n/a | 616.8 | 348.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 996 | n/a | 3,150.4 | 1,754.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 221 | n/a | 699.0 | 490.6 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,412 | n/a (estimate) | 4,466 | 2,593 | 1,760 |
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 Wheat Ridge crime rate is higher than the national average by 133.4%. Specifically, there were 152 violent crimes in Wheat Ridge, equivalent to 481 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 33.9%. Furthermore, Wheat Ridge recorded 1412 property crimes, amounting to 4466 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 153.8%.
Having a crime rate of 4947 per 100,000 residents, Wheat Ridge experiences a crime rate that is 133.44% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Wheat Ridge contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.
In the latest reported crime year, Wheat Ridge recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Wheat Ridge has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4466 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Wheat Ridge is 1 in 23, which is far higher than the national average.
With a total of 221 vehicle thefts last year, Wheat Ridge has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 699 per 100,000 people. This lands Wheat Ridge in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 144.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Wheat Ridge residents. Out of the respondents (26 in total), 65% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Wheat Ridge were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 35% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Wheat Ridge, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wheat Ridge presents a total crime rate that is 133% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wheat Ridge experiences an average of 4.28 daily crimes, comprising 0.42 violent incidents and 3.87 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wheat Ridge has decreased by 26.7%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wheat Ridge, 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 12.1%, while property crime has decreased by 28%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wheat Ridge is a safe place to live.
In Wheat Ridge, the poverty rate currently stands at 12.3%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Wheat Ridge crime rates.
Wheat Ridge has a population density of 3497.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Wheat Ridge crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Wheat Ridge, the average monthly rent stands at $1,724, while the national average is $1,444 per month.
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 | Wheat Ridge | Colorado | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 99 | 9,049 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.2 | 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 |
| Indian Hills, CO | 1,398 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Inverness, CO | 1,919 | 67 | 364 | 431 |
| Holly Hills, CO | 2,910 | 75 | 407 | 481 |
| Coal Creek, CO | 2,670 | 75 | 407 | 481 |
| Bow Mar, CO | 999 | 0 | 491 | 491 |
| Columbine Valley, CO | 1,555 | 115 | 632 | 747 |
| Todd Creek, CO | 4,802 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| Wheat Ridge, CO | 32,757 | 481 | 4,466 | 4,947 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Midlothian, TX | 32,750 | 120 | 959 | 1,078 |
| Juneau, AK | 32,746 | 538 | 2,069 | 2,607 |
| Bangor, ME | 32,703 | 161 | 4,238 | 4,399 |
| Harker Heights, TX | 32,820 | 135 | 990 | 1,125 |
| Des Moines, WA | 32,691 | 297 | 2,849 | 3,146 |
| Wheat Ridge, CO | 32,757 | 481 | 4,466 | 4,947 |
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