Denver Crime Rate Explained: Your Safety Guide in 2025

Denver is the largest city and capital of Colorado, known as “Mile High City” because its elevation is exactly one mile above sea level. But like any busy capital city with major urban life, it's not surprising that Denver has the highest violent and property crime rates in Colorado. Use this guide to learn the latest Denver crime rate, compare Denver to other U.S. cities, highlight which neighborhoods are safer, and offer practical safety tips for navigating the city.

What Is the Latest Denver Crime Rate?

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data released on August 5, 2025, the Denver crime rate is 993 violent crimes per 100,000 people, or 7,170 violent crimes for 2024. These violent crimes include murder (71), rape (676), robbery (1,272), and aggravated assault (5,151). This crime rate is based on the 2024 Denver population of 722,031.

Meanwhile, the city reported 34,380 property crime incidents, resulting in a property crime rate of 4,763 per 100,000 residents ((the 133 arsons were not included in this count). These property crimes break down into 5,112 burglaries, 20,373 larcenies-thefts, 8,895 motor vehicle thefts. Overall, Denver's rate is higher than Colorado Springs and Aurora, which are the second and third-largest cities in Colorado.

Denver 2024 Crime Statistics

(The 133 arsons are counted separately and are NOT included in the property-crime total in the FBI's 2024 crime statistics.)

How Does Denver's Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?

Denver crime rate (including arson) is approximately 5,776 crimes per 100,000 residents, substantially higher than the national overall crime rate. According to one analysis, Denver's overall crime rate (violent + property) is “very high” compared to cities of all sizes: only about 1% of U.S. communities have worse crime rates.

Also, the Crime Grade rated Denver an overall grade of “D-” in 2024. The breakdown shows that Denver received a D grade for violent crime and other crime categories, and a D- grade for property crime.

The “D-” grade simply confirms that crime levels in Denver are much higher than those of an average U.S. city. Analysis also reveals that Denver is safer than 9% of cities, but less safe than 91%. Despite these crime rates, a July 2025 report from Common Sense Institute shows that Denver's total crime through the first half of 2025 has been lower than in previous years.

Which Denver Neighborhoods Are the Safest (and Which to Watch)

According to CrimeGrade, residents consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Meanwhile, the central parts of Denver see the highest number of reported crimes. Your chance of being a victim also varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 14 in the central neighborhoods to 1 in 33 in the northeast.

Safest Neighborhoods:

1. Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park reports around 2,328 crimes per 100,000 people, which is about 60% less crime than the Denver average. It garners A grades in amenities, transportation, employment, and housing. With a population of 3,379, Jefferson Park's livability score of 66/100 is considered good.

2. Auraria

Auraria has a small population of only 858, with a livability score of 68/100. It reports around 2,462 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 57% less crime than the Denver average. It garners A grades in amenities, transportation, employment, and schools.

3. Gateway-Green Valley Ranch

Gateway-Green Valley Ranch received A grades in transportation, housing, and amenities. It reported around 2,891 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 50% less crime than the Denver average.  Auraria has a population of 35,927 and a livability score of 71/100.

Neighborhoods to Watch:

1. Five Points

Five Points clocks in around 13,664  crimes per 100,000 people, which is 137% more crime than the Denver average. Violent crimes in Five Points are also 814% higher than the national average. With a population of 19,079, Five Points got a livability score of 70/100.

2. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill follows Five Points, recording around 14,913 crimes per 100,000 people, or 158% more crime than the Denver average. Crime rates in Capitol Hill are 604% higher than the national average.

3. Central West Denver

Central West Denver received A grades only in transportation and amenities, with a B grade in housing. It reported around 7,898 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 36.7% higher than the Denver average. Its crime rates are also 273% higher than the national average.

How to Live or Visit Safely in Denver

Even if the Denver crime rate declines in 2025, it's smart to be proactive when navigating the city. Understanding local crime patterns and preparing correctly helps you feel safer and more confident. Here's how you can live or visit safely in Denver:

1. Install Security Cameras Outdoors and Indoors

Installing security cameras is one of the most effective ways to protect your home or property. For outdoor areas, bullet-PTZ cameras are ideal because, while the PTZ lens rotates in different directions, the bullet lens remains on a fixed view.  The perfect example is the eufyCam S4 for wireless options, or the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max for a wired but stable setup.

For indoor security, indoor cameras like the Indoor Cam S350 offer a discreet design that's not easily noticed and blends in with your indoor spaces.  This dual-camera can zoom up to 8x and rotate 360 degrees. You can also monitor live footage on your phone and interact with two-way audio. These cameras help you spot suspicious activity early and provide evidence if needed.

2. Strengthen Your Doors and Windows

Theft is the highest property crime in Denver. Therefore, check your doors and windows to see if they can protect you from break-ins. Video doorbells are also ideal for monitoring who approaches your home without needing to open the door.

For example, the Video Doorbell E340 lets you see, talk to, and record visitors directly from your smartphone. These devices also send instant alerts when motion is detected, which is helpful for both package deliveries and potential intruders.

3. Simplify Your Security Systems

Managing multiple security and safety devices inside and outside your home can be overwhelming. Consider investing in an integrated solution, like the eufy ExpertSecure System. It helps you connect multiple cameras, doorbells, and indoor monitoring devices into a single, manageable platform. This gives you easy control, remote monitoring, and faster response to alerts.

4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Your security and safety devices protect you when you're at home, but not when you're away. Your personal awareness matters most when walking or commuting. Stay on well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking alone in less populated areas at night. Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, change direction or seek a safer route.

5. Stay Informed About Local Trends

Regularly check Denver's crime dashboards and reports from reliable local or online sources. Some neighborhoods in Denver are safe, while some are not. Be aware also of Denver's public safety initiatives and trends. For example, recent city efforts have increased visible policing downtown, including bike, foot, and mounted patrols.

Conclusion

Understanding the Denver crime rate gives you a clearer picture of which neighborhoods offer a safer environment and which areas require extra vigilance. While Denver offers vibrant city features and strong economic growth, crime patterns can vary significantly per area. You can enhance your personal safety by staying aware of your surroundings and using reliable home security tools. Pair these tools with simple habits like locking doors, improving outdoor lighting, and getting to know your neighborhood. With the right knowledge and security measures, you can navigate Denver confidently and live more safely every day.

FAQs

Is Denver one of the safest cities?

No, Denver is not considered one of the safest cities in the United States. In fact, it is the number one among the ten largest cities in Colorado with the highest crime rates. Denver experiences higher-than-average crime rates in categories like property crime and theft. However, safety can vary by neighborhood. Using home security tools like outdoor cameras, alarms, and smart video doorbells can further reduce risks. Staying aware of your surroundings also helps you feel safer.

Is Denver crime up or down?

Denver ranked first among the ten largest cities of Colorado with the highest crime rates in 2024. However, recent reports show a decline in Denver's total crime in the first half of 2025, which is lower than in previous years. Property crime, auto theft, and certain violent crimes have seen gradual declines due to stronger policing efforts and community-focused programs. However, some neighborhoods still experience higher activity, so crime levels can feel different depending on where you live or visit.

Is Denver safe to walk at night?

Denver can be safe to walk at night in bright, busy, and residential neighborhoods, but caution is still important. Some areas experience higher nighttime activity involving theft, break-ins, or drug-related incidents, so it's best to avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar streets. Walking with a friend, staying alert, and keeping valuables out of sight can help reduce your risk. You can also rely on smart security tools at home, so you feel more secure when coming back late.