Colorado, renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation, also has cities grappling with high crime rates. This article presents the top 10 most dangerous cities in Colorado based on recent statistics.
1. Grand Junction: High Crime Rate Despite Population
- Location: Mesa County
- Population: 65,560
- Crime Rate: Overall crime rate 119% higher than national average Grand Junction experiences frequent assaults, burglaries, and thefts. The violent crime rate is 50% above the national average.
2. Aurora: Notorious for High Crime
- Location: Arapahoe and Douglas Counties
- Population: 386,261
- Crime Rate: Total crime rate 108% higher than national average Aurora is known for burglaries, thefts, robberies, and assaults. Specific neighborhoods, especially in Colfax and north, face more criminal activities.
3. Colorado Springs: Property Theft Predominant
- Location: South of Denver
- Population: Nearly 500,000
- Crime Rate: 61% higher than national average Colorado Springs sees a significant amount of property theft, including burglaries, thefts, and vehicle theft, with violent crimes like robbery and assault also prevalent.
4. Alamosa: Small City with High Crime Rate
- Location: South-Central Colorado
- Population: Less than 10,000
- Crime Rate: One of the highest in the country Alamosa faces an alarming rate of violent and property crimes. The chance of being a victim of a property crime is 1 in 19.
5. Pueblo: High Property Crime Rate
- Location: Southern Colorado
- Population: 112,368
- Crime Rate: More dangerous than 98% of the communities in Colorado Pueblo has a high rate of property crimes, with residents having a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim.
6. Glendale: Notoriously High Crime Rate
- Location: Near Denver
- Population: Not specified
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of U.S. cities Glendale experiences an average of 20.87 violent crimes and 183.66 property crimes per 1000 residents.
7. Sheridan: High Theft and Vehicle Theft Rates
- Location: Near Denver
- Population: Not specified
- Crime Rate: Higher than average city Sheridan experiences common theft and vehicle theft. The west side is relatively safer compared to the north side of town.
8. Canon City: Notable for Property Crimes
- Location: Central Colorado
- Population: Not specified
- Crime Rate: One of the highest in the country Canon City is known for its high property crime rate and has experienced an increase in violent offenses.
9. Lakewood: Suburban Area with Elevated Crime Rates
- Location: Suburb of Denver
- Population: 155,984
- Crime Rate: Total crime rate 158% higher than the national average Lakewood faces robberies, assaults, thefts, and vehicle thefts.
10. La Junta: Rural Community with High Crime
- Location: Otero County
- Population: 7,322
- Crime Rate: Total crime rate 120% higher than the national average La Junta struggles with property and vehicle theft, with the central neighborhoods being the most hazardous.
Safety Tips for Colorado Residents and Visitors
- Awareness: Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Group Safety: Try to walk in groups, particularly at night.
- Secure Belongings: Keep car doors locked and windows up; avoid leaving valuables in the car.
- Home Security: Use reliable security systems to protect your home.
- Local Knowledge: Tour with locals familiar with the area, especially in cities like Aurora.
- Well-lit Areas: Stick to well-lit, populated paths during the night.
Conclusion
While Colorado is celebrated for its natural beauty, these cities highlight the state’s challenges with crime, particularly in areas of poverty and drug activity. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial for residents and visitors. Despite these issues, Colorado continues to offer diverse experiences ranging from vibrant city life to serene nature escapes.
