Denver is the capital and largest city of Colorado, with a population of about 735,000 people.
It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic views, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
But how safe is Denver for residents and visitors alike? What are the trends and patterns of crime in the city? And what are the best ways to protect yourself and your property from crime?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more, using the most recent and reliable data and reports on crime in Denver.
How does Denver compare to other cities in terms of crime?
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), Denver had a total of 39,307 reported crimes in 2020, of which 18,477 were violent crimes and 20,830 were property crimes.
This translates to a crime rate 5,347 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 2,476 per 100,000 people.
Denver also has a higher crime rate than other similarly sized metro areas, such as New York (2,580), Los Angeles (3,290), and Chicago (3,207).
Among the violent crimes, the most common were aggravated assaults (12,434), followed by robberies (3,507), rapes (1,871), and murders (665).
The murder rate in Denver was 9.1 per 100,000 people in 2020, which was the highest since 1994. Among the property crimes, the most common were larcenies (12,713), followed by burglaries (4,388), motor vehicle thefts (3,729), and arsons (121).
The property crime rate in Denver was 2,837 per 100,000 people in 2020, which was the highest since 2005.
How has crime changed over time in Denver?
According to the UCR data, crime in Denver has fluctuated over the past 35 years, with some periods of increase and some periods of decrease.
The overall crime rate peaked in 1992 at 10,976 per 100,000 people and reached its lowest point in 2014 at 3,655 per 100,000 people.
Since then, however, crime has been rising steadily, reaching its highest level in 2020 since the early 1990s.
The same trend can be observed for both violent and property crimes.
Violent crime reached its highest point in 1992 at 1,516 per 100,000 people and its lowest point in 2011 at 598 per 100,000 people.
Property crime reached its highest point in 1991 at 9,460 per 100,000 people and its lowest point in 2014 at 3,057 per 100,000 people.
Both types of crime have increased significantly since then.
There are many factors that may contribute to the changes in crime rates over time, such as economic conditions, demographic shifts, law enforcement strategies, social policies, drug use, and public perception.
Some experts also suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted crime patterns in 2020, as it disrupted normal routines, created stress and uncertainty, and reduced social interactions and opportunities for intervention.
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Which areas of Denver are more prone to crime?
Crime is not evenly distributed across Denver. Some areas of the city are more prone to crime than others, depending on various factors such as population density, poverty level, unemployment rate, educational attainment, and access to resources and services.
According to a report by NeighborhoodScout, a website that provides neighborhood-specific data and analytics, the most dangerous areas of Denver are:
- East Colfax
- West Colfax
- Five Points
- Capitol Hill
- Civic Center
- Baker
- Lincoln Park
- Auraria
- Sun Valley
- Globeville
These areas have higher rates of violent and property crimes than the rest of the city, and some of them are also known for gang activity, drug trafficking, and homelessness.
On the other hand, the safest areas of Denver are:
- Hampden South
- Southmoor Park
- Cherry Creek
- Washington Park
- Hilltop
- University Hills
- Wellshire
- University Park
- Indian Creek
- Virginia Village
These areas have lower rates of violent and property crimes than the rest of the city, and some of them are also known for their affluence, education, and amenities.
How can you protect yourself and your property from crime in Denver?
While crime is a serious issue in Denver, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim or a perpetrator of crime. Some of these steps are:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone or in dark or isolated areas, especially at night.
- Lock your doors and windows and secure your valuables, such as your car, bike, or electronics.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police or call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Join a neighborhood watch or a community organization that promotes safety and cooperation among residents.
- Seek help if you are experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, or financial difficulties that may lead to crime or victimization.
- Support local initiatives and programs that aim to prevent crime, reduce recidivism, and provide opportunities and services for at-risk populations.
Crime is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach from all stakeholders, including the government, the police, the courts, the media, the schools, the businesses, the nonprofits, and the citizens.
By working together, we can make Denver a safer and more livable city for everyone.
