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Boulder County, CO Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 2646 people in Boulder.

  • Boulder's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 0.37 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Boulder's property crime rate is lower than the national average. It is recorded at 5.02 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on September 24th, 2024 at 11:19 am

    by | Jul 7, 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 Boulder, shedding light on the county’s crime rate and providing valuable insights to assist you in making informed decisions.

     

    Boulder, like any other county in Colorado, experiences various types of criminal activities. In order to gain a better understanding of the county’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 Boulder, CO. This information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Boulder Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    ViolentPropertyOther
    Total Number1251,662203
    Rate per 10000.385.020.61

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 47 different types of crimes recorded in Boulder. 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.

     

    Boulder’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Boulder has a lower violent crime rate compared to both Colorado and the national average. In Boulder, the rate of violent crimes is 0.37 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: Boulder vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rates in Boulder 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 Boulder in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Boulder’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    MurderRapeAssaultRobberyKidnapping
    Total Number01190321
    Rate per 100000.030.270.010.06
    Population330,764

     

    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 Boulder

    • There are no murder crimes reported in Boulder.
    • On the other hand, the rape crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.44 by 93%.
    • The assault crime rate of the county stands at 0.27, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.83 by 90%.
    • Robbery is not a significant concern in Boulder, with a crime rate of 0.01, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.63 by 98%.
    • The county’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.06, which is lower than the national average of 0.11 by 45%.

     

    Boulder’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Boulder has a lower property crime rate compared to both Colorado and the national average. In Boulder, the rate of property crimes is 5.02 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: Boulder vs. National Average

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

     

    Boulder’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    BurglaryArsonVandalismBlackmailTheftVehicle TheftIdentity Theft
    Total Number1491143619610104333
    Rate per 10000.450.031.320.061.840.311.01
    Population330,764

     

    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 Boulder

    • Boulder experiences a burglary crime rate of 0.45, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 83%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.08 by 63%.
    • Vandalism is not a significant concern in Boulder, with a crime rate of 1.32, which is lower than the national average of 3.94 by 66%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.06, which is higher than the national average of 0.04 by 50%.
    • Theft is not an area of focus, with a crime rate of 1.84 in Boulder, which is significantly lower than the national average of 13.95 by 87%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the county has a rate of 0.31, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.68 by 88%.
    • Boulder faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 1.01, which is 16% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Boulder’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs OffensesWeapon Law ViolationsProstitutionAnimal Cruelty
    Total Number17119012
    Rate per 10000.520.0600.04
    Population330,764

     

    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 Boulder

    • Drug offenses are not a significant concern in Boulder, with a rate of 0.52, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.89 by 87%.
    • Weapon law violations are another area of focus. The county’s weapon law violations rate is 0.06, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.81 by 93%.

     

    Conclusion

    Examining the crime rates of Arapahoe, it is evident that the county’s overall crime landscape doesn’t pose significant challenges.

     

    Explore cities like Pueblo, CO, which have a similar violent crime rate to Boulder. Also, explore places with a similar property crime rate like El Paso, 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.