Denver, CO Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 52% of major U.S. cities
Safety varies across 197+ neighborhoods — Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is Denver Safe?
Mostly yes — Denver is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
Denver has a crime rate that is 22% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 354.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Cedar Bridge earn an A+ safety grade, while Sun Valley rates D+. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting Denver.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 354
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
26% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 61
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
11% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
Denver Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
79 | -21% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
77 | -23% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
Denver Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in Denver?
Safety varies dramatically across Denver's 197+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 10Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 197 neighborhoods in Denver
All Denver Neighborhoods
Denver Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific Denver zip codes.
Denver Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Denver, CO?
Denver, CO has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 22% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 354 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 61 chance for property crime. Denver has lower crime than 52% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is Denver, CO safe to live in?
Denver is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 98% of the city's 197 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Cedar Bridge is one of the safest areas, while Sun Valley has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Denver is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Denver?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Denver are Cedar Bridge, Bear Creek Village, Rooney Valley, Green Mountain Park, and Savory Farm. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in Denver?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Denver include Sun Valley, Mile High Stadium, Lincoln Park / La Alma, Skyland, and Curtis Park / Five Points. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in Denver?
The estimated violent crime rate in Denver is 282.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 354 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.0 per 100K (21% below average); aggravated assault at 193.9 per 100K (28% below average); robbery at 59.1 per 100K (20% below average).
What is the property crime rate in Denver?
The estimated property crime rate in Denver is 1,632.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 11% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 61 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 195.1 per 100K (28% below average); larceny/theft at 1,163.0 per 100K (17% below average); vehicle theft at 274.2 per 100K (14% below average).
How does Denver crime compare to the national average?
Denver's overall crime rate is 22% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is vehicle theft (14% below average), while assault is 28% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Denver has lower crime than 52% of them.
Is Denver safe to visit?
Denver is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 11% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Cedar Bridge, Bear Creek Village, Rooney Valley.
How does Denver crime compare to the rest of Colorado?
Colorado as a whole has crime that is 14% above the national average. Denver's crime rate is 22% below the national average, making it safer the typical Colorado city.
What type of crime is most common in Denver?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Denver, with an estimated rate of 1,163.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 17% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,632 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (283 per 100K) in Denver, which is consistent with national trends.