When people think of Colorado, they may picture its 300+ days of sunshine, majestic snow-capped mountains, ice-cold beer, or high mesas brimming with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and skiing trails—it's no wonder Colorado is the healthiest state (least obese state). It's hard to associate the state with crime — but the truth is even the picturesque “Colorful Colorado” is not immune to high rates of criminal activity. In fact, Colorado is one of the least safe states.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 10 most dangerous cities in Colorado. Some have violent crime rates three times the state average. Read on to learn about the places in Colorado where crime is a significant concern.
Source:NeighborhoodScout
Is Colorado Dangerous?
Yes, Colorado is developing a dangerous reputation — at least, according to recent data and online rankings. This year, Colorado ranked at No. 44, or 7th least safe in the U.S by Wallethub. Colorado was ranked the second-most dangerous state by U.S. News and World Report in May. World Population Review calls it the fourth most dangerous.
The violent crime and property crime rates in Colorado were determined to be 476.3 and 2,592.8 crimes per 100,000 residents, respectively, which are 32.6% and 47.3% higher than the national average. The only state with a higher property crime rate than Colorado is New Mexico. Considering Colorado's population of about six million residents, approximately 28,378 people fall victim to violent crime annually, while 154,466 are affected by property crime.
| Violent crime rate per 100,000 | Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter | 4.5 |
| Rape | 58.3 | |
| Robbery | 63.0 | |
| Aggravated assault | 350.5 | |
| Property crime rate per 100,000 | Burglary | 348.0 |
| Larceny-theft | 1,754.2 | |
| Motor vehicle theft | 490.6 |
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado
Likewise, not every city in Colorado is the same when it comes to the different types and rates of crime. While some cities are safer than others, cities like Pueblo and Denver have higher violent crimes. Here are the 10 most dangerous cities in Colorado based on FBI's crime data.
| City | Population | Total crime rate per 100,000 | Violent crime rate per 100,000 | Property crime rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Tree | 13,992 | 11,413.66 | 435.96 | 10,977.70 |
| Sheridan | 5,844 | 7,905.54 | 924.02 | 6,981.52 |
| La Junta | 6,942 | 7,505.04 | 504.18 | 7,000.86 |
| Pueblo | 110,805 | 6,366.14 | 1,424.12 | 4,942.02 |
| Englewood | 34,496 | 5,907.93 | 655.15 | 5,252.78 |
| Lakewood | 155,868 | 5,880.62 | 787.20 | 5,093.41 |
| Denver | 722,031 | 5,754.60 | 993.03 | 4,761.57 |
| Alamosa | 9,906 | 5,723.80 | 979.20 | 4,744.60 |
| Colorado Springs | 491,474 | 4,164.41 | 715.60 | 3,448.81 |
| Aurora | 397,852 | 4,051.76 | 947.84 | 3,103.92 |
1. Lone Tree
Lone Tree's total population is only 13,992. But with a crime rate of 11,413 per 100,000 residents, Lone Tree has a crime rate that is 438.55% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. Specifically, there were 61 violent crimes reported in Lone Tree, equivalent to 436 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.4%. Additionally, Lone Tree recorded 1,536 property crimes, amounting to 10,977 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 524%.
2. Sheridan
Sheridan, a small city in Arapahoe County with a population of just 5,844, ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in Colorado. With a total of 7,905 crimes per 100,000 people, the Sheridan crime rates stand at 273% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 54 violent crimes in Sheridan, equivalent to 924 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 157.3%. Furthermore, Sheridan recorded 408 property crimes, amounting to 6,981 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 297%.
3. La Junta
Another one of the most dangerous towns in Colorado is La Junta. Spanish for "The Junction," La Junta is a rural community in Otero County with a population of 6,942. The total crime rate in La Junta is 254% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 40% above the national average. Most crimes in La Junta are property and vehicle theft related. Much of the city's crime can be attributed to economic hardship, with many residents living below the poverty line.
4. Pueblo
Pueblo is also one of the most dangerous cities in Colorado. Pueblo is a major tourist destination and a historic city in Pueblo County. The city's population is 110,805, with a total crime rate that is 200% above the national average. The violent crime rate, in particular, stands at 1,424 per 100,000, which is 297% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate in Pueblo is higher than in any other big city in Colorado. U.S. News and World Report even ranked Pueblo as the 10th most dangerous place in the U.S. But there is some good news: Major crimes were down 7% compared in 2024 compared to 2023. And many residents believe it's not that bad as you imagine.
“ When I moved here three years ago, I discovered that the city I was living in was apparently the most dangerous city in America for it's size! Now we did have lots of property crime like theft and vandalism, but that was easily mitigated by not being stupid and locking your stuff up. Most crimes like that are crimes of opportunity. There's rough parts of town you should avoid. Stay away from trouble and it will most likely stay away from you. Don't make yourself an easy mark and secure your property. It's not as bad as the internet would have you believe. ”
Reddit5. Englewood
Having a crime rate of 5,908 per 100,000 residents, Englewood experiences a crime rate that is 179% higher when compared to the national average and 92.50% higher than the Colorado total crime rate of 3,069.1 per 100,000 people. The LexisNexis crime mapping system shows the locations and types of crimes that have taken place in the city. Englewood police officer Shaw Gifford says the crime rate is going in a positive direction because people are taking more precautions.
“ A lot of people, who would be burglars want easy money just go in and grab the easiest thing they can. But now with cameras everywhere, they have to actually pay attention, make a plan. It makes it much more difficult. We have flock cameras that can see everything. ”
EHS Media6. Lakewood
Lakewood, a bustling suburb of Denver, has a population of 155,868. According to the most recent data from the FBI, the total crime rate in Lakewood is 5,880.6 per 100,000 people. That's 177.49% higher than the national rate of 2,119.2 per 100,000 people and 91.60% higher than the Colorado total crime rate of 3,069.1 per 100,000 people.
7. Denver
The Denver crime rate was 5,754.6 per 100,000 residents, with 993 violent crimes and 4,761.5 property crimes per 100,000, according to FBI crime data. Denver has more crime than similarly sized cities or the national average. Despite its elevated crime rates, crime in Denver is trending down. According to the report from the Common Sense Institute, Denver's violent crime rate dropped by 14.3%, and property crime decreased by 35% compared to 2022.
8. Alamosa
Alamosa is a decently small city known as the Gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park, with a population of 9,671 raided by majorly property crimes. The total crime rate in Alamosa is 5,723.8 per 100,000 people. That's 170.09% higher than the national rate of 2,119.2 per 100,000 people and 86.50% higher than the Colorado total crime rate of 3,069.1 per 100,000 people. Drug usage is high, but partly from the legalization of marijuana. The residents here barely see any police presence and few criminal activities go unreported due to this.
9. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, the 39th most populated city in the US, has 491,474 people living in it. It has a crime rate 96.5% higher than the national average. According to the Common Sense Institute, only Colorado Springs saw an increase in the violent crime rate between 2022 and 2025 among Colorado's ten largest cities. At that time, Colorado Springs' violent crime rate rose by 12%.
10. Aurora
Aurora, located in both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, is the third-largest city in Colorado, with a population of 397,852. The total crime rate in Aurora is 4,051.8 per 100,000 people. That's 91.19% higher than the national rate of 2,119.2 per 100,000 people and 32.02% higher than the Colorado total crime rate of 3,069.1 per 100,000 people. According to the Aurora Police Department, as of the second quarter, homicides are down by 26%, non-fatal shootings have decreased by 50%, motor vehicle theft is down by 42%, and overall major crime has dropped by 25%. They report that more than 3,000 fewer people are becoming victims of crime in the city.
How Residents Can Ensure Safety in the Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado?
Secure Doors and Windows
Always lock doors and windows, even when you're at home. It's best to install security cameras at the entrances of the house. For an extra layer of protection, consider installing deadbolt locks, smart locks, and a video doorbell on exterior doors, and reinforcing sliding doors with a security bar.
Use Exterior Lighting
Keep the exterior of your home well-lit, especially around entry points. Motion-activated lights are an excellent deterrent for would-be burglars.
Install a Security System
A visible security system, including cameras and alarms, can discourage burglars from targeting your home. Display signs or stickers indicating that your home is protected.
eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is an all-in-one solution for home security. It secures your home with security cameras, doorbells, fire/smoke sensors, motion sensors, etc. It detects any threat or hazard and keeps you updated with real-time alerts. Most importantly, it has 24/7 professional monitoring to monitor every moment and respond quickly.
But for small houses or business owners, they can opt for eufy NVR System S4 Max, which is a PoE security camera system. It records everything using powerful triple lens security cameras and tracks every moment with auto-tracking and auto-focus. It is equipped with a local AI agent to detect threats and ensure tailored responses. You can place cameras at different locations and save footage in the encrypted storage.
Lock Your Vehicle
Always lock your doors and roll up windows, even if you're leaving your car for just a few minutes. A locked car is less attractive to thieves. As the resident shared:
“I grew up in Toledo and moved to Pueblo for a few years. Truthfully for someone that was used to being vigilent it really is about being smart. Don't leave your things out in the open in your car with the windows down and door open. A lot of people that come to the city get their cars jacked because they left their cars running in the winter. Colorado as a whole has more car jackings than other states but it doesn't seem any better or worse than any other big city to me. There are "ghetto" areas to avoid, but other than that, it's not too bad. It will be a big change if you keep your doors unlocked when you leave. ”
RedditStay Vigilant at Night
When you are out at night, plan your route. Avoid empty streets and dark areas. Stick to public places with proper lighting. Do not engage with strangers and keep an eye on the surroundings. Hide your valuable items and stay alert.
Join Neighborhood Watch Programs
Make a good relationship with your neighbors. They can reach out quickly in case of any accident or problem. Participate in the neighborhood watch programs and report all suspicious activities and crimes.
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FAQs
What is the most dangerous city in Colorado?
Lone Tree is the most dangerous city in Colorado when it comes to total crime rate. With a crime rate of 11,413 per 100,000 residents, Lone Tree has a crime rate that is 438.55% higher than the national average. But most crime is concentrated in property crime. When it comes to violent crime, Pueblo has the highest violent crime rate, with 1,424 per 100,000 residents, which is 296% higher than the national average.
What is the safest city in Colorado?
The safest city in Colorado is Gypsum. Its violent crime rate is 0.21, and the property crime rate is 2.65 per 1,000 residents. It’s a city with zero murders, zero rapes, and zero robbery cases.
Why is Colorado's crime rate high?
Colorado's crime rate is high because of income inequality, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and the drug crisis. These issues compel people to engage in criminal activities.
