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Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado

Yucy5/16/2025
Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado

Unsettling crime inequalities in Colorado's metropolitan corridors are concealed by the state's stunning scenery. Astonishing safety disparities are shown by this survey of the most dangerous cities in Colorado. Some have violent crime rates three times the state average.

Let's look at the crime rates and uncover the most dangerous cities in the state.

Is Colorado Dangerous?

Property crimes are mostly caused by Denver's auto theft pandemic, which occurs at a rate of 31.2 per 1,000. Colorado's violent crime rate, which is 4.7 per 1,000, is higher than the national average. Nearly 70% of violent crimes in the state occur along the I-25 urban corridor. Pueblo's rates are comparable to those of infamously dangerous cities around the country. These figures show a condition of contradictions, with urban districts plagued by persistent crime coexisting with safe mountain settlements.

New developments indicate that Colorado has particular criminal issues. Last year, meth-related offenses rose 17%, especially along I-70 drug trafficking routes. Theft of catalytic converters increased by 23% as criminals prey on Colorado's large SUV and truck population. However, in tech-savvy areas, the use of smart security has resulted in a 12% decrease in house thefts.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado

There are notable safety differences between urban areas and mountain resorts, as evidenced by the top 10 most dangerous cities in Colorado.

Pueblo

Pueblo leads Colorado with 14.1 violent crimes and 48.3 property crimes per 1,000 residents, concentrated in the Bessemer district's abandoned steel mill zones. The police department's new drone unit has reduced response times by 40% in these vast industrial areas. However, gang-related shootings continue to plague neighborhoods near the Arkansas River.

Micro-grant programs funded over 150 home security installations in high-risk areas last year. These efforts show promise, with a 15% reduction in residential burglaries in participating neighborhoods. Ongoing challenges include combating meth distribution rings operating near rail yards.

Aurora

Aurora reports 12.8 violent crimes and 45.7 property crimes per 1,000, with Colfax Avenue accounting for 38% of assaults. The police department's predictive policing program has strategically deployed patrols to high-risk areas, reducing violent incidents by 18%. Homeless encampments near I-225 continue driving property crimes in retail districts.

Business improvement districts along Havana Street have implemented shared camera networks that helped solve 42 felony cases last quarter.

Denver

Denver documents 11.5 violent crimes and 43.2 property crimes per 1,000, with Northeast Park Hill experiencing 52% of shootings. The police department's high-altitude drone program has improved response times by 35% in mountainous areas where crimes occur.

A bait bike operation targeting tourist areas arrested 47 thieves last summer. However, vehicle thefts remain problematic near Colfax Avenue, accounting for 28% of property crimes.

Commerce City

Commerce City shows 9.8 violent crimes and 39.4 property crimes per 1,000, concentrated near industrial zones along I-270. The police department's chemical plant patrol unit has reduced cargo theft by 22% this year.

Neighborhood watch programs in residential areas decreased home break-ins by 15%. Ongoing challenges include combating meth distribution near truck stops.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs reports 8.7 violent crimes and 37.2 property crimes per 1,000, with military base proximity influencing crime patterns. The downtown entertainment district sees frequent assaults (3.1 per 1,000) on weekends.

Security cameras installed in Palmer Park reduced vehicle break-ins by 19%. The police homeless outreach team has connected 60 individuals with services this year.

Thornton

Thornton's 7.9 violent crimes and 35.8 property crimes per 1,000 reflect suburban crime challenges. The 104th Avenue corridor experiences 42% of robberies, particularly at big-box retailers.

A business security partnership along Washington Street decreased shoplifting by 23%. The police department's youth diversion program shows promise in reducing gang recruitment.

Westminster

Westminster documents 7.2 violent crimes and 34.1 property crimes per 1,000, with the Westminster Mall area seeing seasonal theft spikes. The city's innovative license plate reader program helped recover 85 stolen vehicles last year.

Community policing in the historic district improved resident relations while reducing crimes by 17%. Drug-related offenses remain problematic near Sheridan Boulevard.

Greeley

Greeley shows 6.8 violent crimes and 32.7 property crimes per 1,000, with university-area assaults increasing by 14% during semesters. The police department's campus liaison program has improved safety coordination.

Downtown lighting upgrades decreased nighttime offenses by 18%. Agricultural equipment thefts continue to affect suburbs.

Grand Junction

Grand Junction reports 6.3 violent crimes and 31.4 property crimes per 1,000, influenced by its I-70 location. The Main Street business alliance installed 40 security cameras that reduced theft by 21%.

The police river patrol unit combats drug trafficking along the Colorado River. Homeless encampments account for 28% of downtown incidents.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins completes the list with 5.9 violent crimes and 30.2 property crimes per 1,000, primarily concentrated in student housing areas. The city's bike registration program helped recover 120 stolen bicycles last year.

Campus-area lighting improvements decreased assaults by 16%. The Old Town district's camera network continues expanding with business participation.

Source: FBI UCR, Colorado Bureau of Investigation

What Makes Colorado Dangerous?

Colorado's crime rate is influenced by distinct demographic and geographic characteristics. A significant tourist route and a conduit for drug trafficking, the I-70 corridor has seen a 42% increase in meth seizures close to mountain passes. Seasonal crime patterns are unique to ski resort cities, with wintertime thefts primarily targeting cars and rental properties.

In urban areas, like Denver, homelessness is the primary cause of 35% of downtown offenses. Because stolen automobiles tend to vanish swiftly into the mountainous terrain, the state's high altitude gives criminals an edge. These elements work together to produce a complicated safety environment that calls for specialized solutions.

How to Stay Safe in Colorado?

Locals in high-risk regions should implement layered security measures. The best way is to install HD security cameras. TrackMix is a great option as it offers high-resolution and captures videos using two lenses. It has a dual-night vision to capture clear videos at night. It offers real-time alerts, smart detection, two-way audio, and various advanced features to ensure security.

Reolink TrackMix PoE

4K Dual-Lens PTZ Camera with Dual Tracking

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Parking in safe, well-lit locations is still crucial, particularly in tourist areas where rental cars are often targeted. Participation from residents greatly improves neighbourhood safety. Residents of mountain towns have established winter watch programs to keep an eye on empty vacation houses. Camera networks that are directly integrated with local law enforcement systems have been installed in business districts along the Front Range.

FAQs

Which city in Colorado has the highest crime rate?

Pueblo's 14.1 violent crimes per 1,000 surpass even Denver's worst districts. The Bessemer area's crime density rivals Chicago's South Side.

What is the safest city in Colorado?

Lone Tree (VCR: 0.8) combines affluent demographics with Colorado's most advanced police drone fleet.

Conclusion

The most dangerous cities in Colorado pose particular safety issues that are influenced by urban pressures, tourism, and altitude. Effective protection requires an awareness of local crime trends, whether in Denver's tourist attractions or Pueblo's industrial areas. When paired with community awareness, contemporary security solutions like Reolink cameras enable locals and tourists to safely take advantage of everything Colorado has to offer.

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All Comments Are Welcome

Yucy, as a proficient editor in Reolink, specializes in the field of home security. Her expertise lies in providing insightful information regarding the latest advancements in security systems, surveillance technologies, and safety measures. Comment and discuss with her!