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Denver, CO Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 105 people in Denver.

  • Denver's violent crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It stands at 9.51 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Denver's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 75.59 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    by | Jun 26, 2024

    Understanding the safety of a community is of utmost importance, whether you are considering relocation, permanent or temporary residence, work, or even just a visit. Here, we will delve deep into the crime data of Denver, shedding light on the city’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    Denver, like any other city in Colorado, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the city’s crime landscape, it is helpful to categorize the offenses into three main categories: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Denver, CO. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Denver Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number7,03655,9614,845
    Rate per 10009.5175.66.55

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 52 different types of crimes recorded in Denver. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Denver’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Denver has a higher violent crime rate compared to both Colorado and the national average. In Denver, the rate of violent crimes is 9.51 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Colorado it is 5.29 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Denver vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Denver compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Denver in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Denver’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number1005334,7941,326283
    Rate per 10000.140.726.481.790.38
    Population740,209

     

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number23,195145,750939,092207,61636,890
    Rate per 10000.070.442.830.630.11
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Denver

    • Denver’s murder crime rate is 0.14, which is higher than the national average of 0.07 by 100%.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.72, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 64%.
    • The assault crime rate of the city stands at 6.48, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.83 by 129%.
    • Robbery is a significant concern in Denver, with a crime rate of 1.79, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.63 by 184%.
    • The city’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.38, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 245%.

     

    Denver’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Denver has a higher property crime rate compared to both Colorado and the national average. In Denver, the rate of property crimes is 75.59 incidents per 1000 residents, while in Colorado it is 45.99 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Denver vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Denver compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Denver’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number5,7081949,4245324,42812,5123,642
    Rate per 10007.710.2612.730.073316.94.92
    Population740,209

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number898,48727,9171,307,22912,2704,630,773888,618187,853
    Rate per 10002.720.083.940.0413.952.680.87
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Denver

    • Denver experiences a burglary crime rate of 7.71, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.72 by 183%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.26, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 225%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Denver, with a crime rate of 12.73, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 223%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.07, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 75%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 33 in Denver, which is significantly higher than the national average of 13.95 by 137%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the city has a rate of 16.9, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.68 by 531%.
    • Denver faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 4.92, which is 466% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Denver’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number2,2052,5179032
    Rate per 10002.983.40.120.04
    Population740,209

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number1,290,858267,95511,56516,497
    Rate per 10003.890.810.040.05
    Population331,889,360

     

    Insights into Other Crimes in Denver

    • Drug offenses are not a concern in Denver, with a rate of 2.98, which is lower than the national average of 3.89 by 23%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The city’s weapon law violations rate is 3.4, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 320%.

     

    Conclusion

    Examining the crime rates of Denver reveals significant challenges in the city’s violent crime landscape, particularly with crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and kidnapping exceeding the national average. Similarly, Denver contends with property crimes such as burglary, arson, vandalism, blackmail, theft, vehicle theft, and identity theft incidents that surpass national averages. Additionally, the city struggles with weapon law violations that exceed the national average.

     

    Explore cities like Dover, DE, which have a similar violent crime rate to Denver. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like Lakewood, CO.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.