Some folks come here for the skiing.
Others for the legal cannabis.
But certain towns offer an entirely different kind of thrill – the adrenaline rush of checking your car locks twice.
These communities have mastered the art of combining breathtaking landscapes with breath-taking crime statistics.
1. Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo sits along the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado.
This steel town has a population of about 112,000 people.
The city was once known as the “Pittsburgh of the West” because of its steel mills.
Today, those abandoned industrial areas create challenges for law enforcement.
Crime rates here are shocking. Pueblo leads Colorado with 14.1 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
That’s three times higher than the state average.
Why It’s On This List: Gang-related shootings plague neighborhoods near the Arkansas River, and the Bessemer district’s abandoned steel mill zones concentrate criminal activity.
2. Denver, Colorado
Denver is Colorado’s capital and largest city with over 715,000 residents.
The Mile High City attracts millions of visitors each year.
Denver has serious crime problems. The city reports 1,022 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Auto theft is out of control here. Denver sees 31.2 car thefts per 1,000 residents.
That’s why you’re better off parking in well-lit areas and never leaving valuables visible.
3. Aurora, Colorado
Aurora is Colorado’s third-largest city with about 379,000 residents.
It sits just east of Denver in the metro area.
The city has beautiful parks and diverse neighborhoods.
Many families choose Aurora for its affordable housing options.
Crime concentrates along certain streets. Colfax Avenue accounts for 38% of all assaults in Aurora.
The city reports 951 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
4. Commerce City, Colorado
Commerce City has about 56,000 residents in the Denver metro area.
The city is home to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, where the Colorado Rapids play soccer.
Many young families live here because of newer housing developments.
The city has grown rapidly in recent years.
Crime rates remain concerning. Commerce City reports 768 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
That puts it in the top five most dangerous cities statewide.
5. Trinidad, Colorado
Trinidad sits near the New Mexico border in southern Colorado. This small city has only about 8,000 residents.
The historic downtown features beautiful Victorian architecture. Trinidad was once a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail.
Small size doesn’t mean safety.
Trinidad reports 735 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s higher than many much larger cities.
Why It’s On This List: This small border town has disproportionately high violent crime rates that rival much larger urban areas across the country.
6. Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood has about 156,000 residents in Jefferson County. It’s the fifth-largest city in Colorado.
The city offers easy access to the Rocky Mountains. Many outdoor enthusiasts choose Lakewood for its hiking and biking trails.
Crime affects daily life here.
Lakewood reports 716 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes are also a major concern for residents.
Why It’s On This List: Despite its proximity to outdoor recreation and suburban feel, Lakewood maintains high crime rates that put residents at risk.
7. Sheridan, Colorado
Sheridan is a tiny city with just over 6,000 residents. It sits completely surrounded by other Denver metro communities.
This small community offers affordable housing options.
Many working families choose Sheridan for its lower cost of living.
The crime rate is staggering. Sheridan has 711 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s why locals say the west side is much safer than the north side.
Why It’s On This List: Vehicle theft and regular theft are extremely common, with crime rates that are 375% higher than the national average.
8. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is Colorado’s second-largest city with about 472,000 residents. Pikes Peak towers over this military town.
The city hosts several military installations including Fort Carson.
Tourism also drives the local economy.
Crime happens despite the military presence. Colorado Springs reports 692 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes affect thousands of residents each year.
Why It’s On This List: Even with significant military and law enforcement presence, Colorado Springs maintains high crime rates across both violent and property crime categories.
9. Cortez, Colorado
Cortez sits in southwestern Colorado near Mesa Verde National Park. About 8,700 people call this small city home.
The area attracts tourists visiting ancient cliff dwellings. Agriculture also plays a big role in the local economy.
Rural doesn’t always mean safe. Cortez reports 669 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
That’s surprisingly high for such a small community.
Why It’s On This List: This small tourist town near Mesa Verde has violent crime rates that exceed expectations for a rural Colorado community.
10. Englewood, Colorado
Englewood has about 35,000 residents in the Denver metro area. The city sits just south of downtown Denver.
Many young professionals choose Englewood for its proximity to downtown.
The light rail makes commuting easy.
Crime affects this inner suburb. Englewood reports 642 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Property crimes are also common throughout the city.
Why It’s On This List: Despite its convenient location and transit access, Englewood struggles with both violent and property crime rates that concern residents.
11. Glendale, Colorado
Glendale is a small city with about 4,600 residents in the Denver metro area. It’s completely surrounded by Denver on all sides.
The city covers less than one square mile. Many businesses line Colorado Boulevard through the heart of Glendale.
Crime rates are surprisingly high. Glendale reports 638 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s why you’re better off avoiding certain areas after dark.
Why It’s On This List: This tiny enclave city has disproportionately high crime rates despite being completely surrounded by Denver neighborhoods.
12. Federal Heights, Colorado
Federal Heights has about 12,500 residents in Adams County. The city sits just north of Westminster in the Denver metro area.
Many working families choose Federal Heights for affordable housing. The community has several parks and recreational facilities.
Crime affects daily life here. Federal Heights reports 621 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes also concern many residents.
Why It’s On This List: Despite efforts to improve community safety, Federal Heights maintains crime rates that put it among Colorado’s most dangerous cities.
13. Alamosa, Colorado
Alamosa sits in south-central Colorado’s San Luis Valley. About 9,800 people live in this college town.
Adams State University brings thousands of students to the area. Agriculture dominates the surrounding valley.
Small town problems persist. Alamosa reports 614 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Most crimes happen near the campus area.
14. Thornton, Colorado
Thornton has about 141,000 residents in the Denver metro area. The city sits north of Denver in Adams County.
Many families move here for newer housing developments.
The city has grown rapidly over the past two decades.
Growth brings challenges. Thornton reports 597 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s why local police have increased patrols in certain neighborhoods.
15. Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction is western Colorado’s largest city with about 65,000 residents. It sits where the Colorado and Gunnison rivers meet.
The area is known for wine country and outdoor recreation.
Many retirees choose Grand Junction for its mild climate.
Crime affects this retirement destination. Grand Junction reports 589 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes also impact many residents.
Why It’s On This List: Even this popular retirement destination in wine country struggles with crime rates that exceed state averages.
16. Westminster, Colorado
Westminster has about 114,000 residents in the Denver metro area. The city sits between Denver and Boulder.
Many tech workers choose Westminster for its location. The city offers easy access to both downtown Denver and the mountains.
Suburban crime is real. Westminster reports 572 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s why residents say certain areas feel less safe at night.
Why It’s On This List: This well-located suburban city maintains higher crime rates than many residents expect for their community.
17. Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Wheat Ridge has about 31,000 residents in Jefferson County. The city sits just west of Denver.
Many young families choose Wheat Ridge for its affordable homes. The area has several parks and recreational facilities.
Crime concerns persist. Wheat Ridge reports 568 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Auto theft is particularly common here.
Why It’s On This List: Despite its family-friendly reputation and parks, Wheat Ridge struggles with both violent and property crime rates.
18. Northglenn, Colorado
Northglenn has about 38,000 residents in Adams County. The city sits north of Denver in the metro area.
The community features well-maintained neighborhoods and parks. Many middle-class families call Northglenn home.
Safety concerns remain. Northglenn reports 554 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s why local police focus on community policing efforts.
Why It’s On This List: This middle-class suburban community has crime rates that concern residents despite ongoing police community outreach efforts.
19. Greeley, Colorado
Greeley has about 108,000 residents in northern Colorado. The University of Northern Colorado calls this city home.
Agriculture and education drive the local economy. Many students and farming families live in the area.
College town challenges. Greeley reports 547 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
But here’s the catch – most incidents happen near campus or downtown.
20. Arvada, Colorado
Arvada has about 121,000 residents in Jefferson County. The city sits northwest of Denver in the metro area.
Many families choose Arvada for its excellent schools. The historic downtown area features shops and restaurants.
Even good schools don’t prevent crime. Arvada reports 539 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes also affect many neighborhoods.
Why It’s On This List: Despite excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, Arvada maintains crime rates that put it among Colorado’s most dangerous cities.