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Colorado Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 189 people in Colorado.

  • Colorado's violent crime rate is higher than the national average. It stands at 5.29 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Colorado's property crime rate is considerably higher than the national average. It is recorded at 45.99 incidents per 1000 residents, in stark contrast to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on June 2nd, 2024 at 07:58 pm

    by | Sep 7, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Colorado, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Colorado, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Colorado. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Colorado Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 30,486 265,180 33,446
    Rate per 1000 5.29 45.99 5.8

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 52 different types of crimes recorded in Colorado. 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.

     

    Colorado’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

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

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Colorado vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Colorado 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 Colorado in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Colorado’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 368 4,086 19,179 4,310 2,528
    Rate per 1000 0.06 0.71 3.33 0.75 0.44
    Population 5,766,585

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Colorado

    • Colorado’s murder crime rate is 0.06, which is lower than the national average of 0.07 by 14%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.71, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 61%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 3.33, which is higher than the national average of 2.83 by 18%.
    • Robbery is a concern in Colorado, with a crime rate of 0.75, which is higher than the national average of 0.63 by 19%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.44, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 300%.

    Colorado’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Colorado has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Colorado, the rate of property crimes is 45.99 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Colorado vs. National Average

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

     

    Colorado’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 22,988 1,341 55,838 887 120,385 40,851 22,890
    Rate per 1000 3.99 0.23 9.68 0.15 20.88 7.08 3.97
    Population 5,766,585

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Colorado

    • Colorado experiences a burglary crime rate of 3.99, which is higher than the national average of 2.72 by 47%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.23, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.08 by 188%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Colorado, with a crime rate of 9.68, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 146%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.15, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 275%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 20.88 in Colorado, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 50%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 7.08, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.68 by 164%.
    • Colorado faces a higher rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 3.97, which is 356% higher than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Colorado’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 24,110 8,180 296 860
    Rate per 1000 4.18 1.42 0.05 0.15
    Population 5,766,585

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

    Colorado’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a concern in Colorado, with a rate of 4.18, which is higher than the national average of 3.89 by 7%.
    • Weapon law violations are a significant area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.42, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.81 by 75%.

     

    Conclusion

    Colorado’s crime rates show variation compared to national averages. Murder and assault rates are below the national average, while rates for rape and robbery are slightly above it. Kidnapping incidents are significantly higher. Property crimes such as burglary, arson, vandalism, and theft exceed national averages, with motor vehicle theft being particularly concerning. Identity theft is also a significant issue, and weapon law violations surpass the national average. Conversely, drug offenses are lower than the national average.

    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.