Douglas County, Colorado, boasts a reputation as one of the safest regions in the United States, featuring an overall crime rate of 1,394 per 100,000 residents. Nevertheless, safety levels vary across the county, and certain neighborhoods exhibit higher crime rates than others.
This article aims to pinpoint the five most hazardous neighborhoods in Douglas County, drawing insights from crime maps and statistics provided by CrimeGrade.org.
The 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Douglas County
| Neighborhood | Population | Crime per capita score | Total crimes | Violent crimes | Property crimes |
| Acres Green | 3,000 | 79.8 | 239 | 35 | 204 |
| Roxborough Park | 9,000 | 67 | 602 | 18 | 584 |
| Parker | 57,000 | 52 | 2,937 | 97 | 2,840 |
| Castle Pines | 11,000 | 48 | 530 | 13 | 517 |
| Highlands Ranch | 97,000 | 47 | 4,543 | 153 | 4,390 |
Acres Green
Acres Green, located in the north-central region of Douglas County, is a census-designated place (CDP) with a population of approximately 3,000. It holds the highest crime per capita score in the county, registering at 79.8, which is more than double the county average of 36.08.
As per the 2021 Statistics Summary from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Acres Green recorded a total of 239 crimes last year, including 35 classified as violent and 204 as property crimes. Notably, Acres Green was the site of one of the two homicides reported in the county during 2021.
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Roxborough Park
Roxborough Park, located in the southwestern corner of Douglas County, is a Census-Designated Place (CDP) with a population of approximately 9,000. It registers the second-highest crime per capita score in the county, standing at 66.9, marking an 85% increase over the county average.
Based on the 2021 Statistics Summary from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roxborough Park experienced a total of 602 crimes during the year.
Among these, 18 were classified as violent crimes, while 584 were categorized as property crimes. Additionally, Roxborough Park accounted for one of the two homicides reported in the county for the year 2021.
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Parker
Parker, situated in the northeastern part of Douglas County, boasts a population of approximately 57,000. With a crime per capita score of 51.6, it holds the third-highest ranking in the county, surpassing the county average by 43%.
As per the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office 2021 Statistics Summary, Parker reported a total of 2,937 crimes in 2021. Among these, 97 were categorized as violent crimes, while 2,840 were property crimes.
Notably, Parker recorded the highest number of robberies in the county, reaching 37—a notable 106% increase from the figures reported in 2020.
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Castle Pines
Castle Pines, located in the central part of Douglas County, has a population of approximately 11,000. It ranks fourth-highest in crime per capita within the county, scoring 48.2, which is 34% above the county average.
As per the 2021 Statistics Summary from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Castle Pines recorded a total of 530 crimes during the year. Out of these, 13 were classified as violent, while 517 were categorized as property crimes.
Notably, Castle Pines reported the highest incidence of financial crimes in the county, totaling 90, reflecting a 29% increase from the previous year (2020).
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Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch, situated in the northwest part of Douglas County, has a population of approximately 97,000. It ranks fifth in terms of crime per capita in the county, scoring 46.8, which is 30% higher than the county average.
Based on the 2021 Statistics Summary from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Ranch recorded a total of 4,543 crimes in 2021. Among these, 153 were classified as violent, while 4,390 were categorized as property crimes.
Notably, Highlands Ranch reported the highest number of aggravated assaults in the county, reaching 107, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
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Conclusion
These areas exhibit crime rates surpassing the county average, and they share common traits, including high population density, elevated median household income, and a pronounced prevalence of property crimes.
It’s crucial to recognize that the per capita crime score isn’t the sole determinant of a neighborhood’s safety and overall quality of life. Various factors, such as social and economic conditions, law enforcement and prevention initiatives, and the perception and reporting of crime, contribute to the overall crime situation.
Therefore, one should approach the crime per capita score cautiously and consider the broader context. It should not be solely relied upon as a conclusive or comprehensive measure of the crime risk in a neighborhood.
