Colorado is a state that draws in lots of tourists each year because of its beautiful landscapes, diverse culture, and outdoor things to do. But it’s not all great in the Centennial State.
Some cities in Colorado have a lot of crime and violence, making them not very safe for both visitors and people who live there. In this article, we’ll share the five most risky cities in Colorado, using the newest data and stats.
| City | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Grand Junction | 49 |
| Aurora | 36 |
| La Junta | 85 |
| Alamosa | 55 |
| Pueblo | 49 |
Grand Junction
Grand Junction, the biggest city in western Colorado, has around 70,000 people. Unfortunately, it’s considered the most dangerous city in the state, with a crime rate of 49 per 1,000 residents.
On average, a crime happens in Grand Junction every 3 hours and 13 minutes. The likelihood of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 23, while the chance of falling victim to a violent crime is 1 in 177.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Ashburn, Virginia
Aurora
Aurora, home to over 380,000 inhabitants, is the third-biggest city in Colorado.Additionally, with 36 crimes committed against every 1,000 citizens, it is the second most dangerous city in the state.
There were 728 violent crimes and 2,890 property crimes per 100,000 residents in the city in 2020. Visitors should take extra steps to protect their safety as Aurora is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation, according to the FBI.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Lynchburg, Virginia
La Junta
La Junta is a small city in the southeast of Colorado with around 7,000 people. It’s known for having a higher crime rate, making it the third-most dangerous city in the state, with 84.67 crimes for every 1,000 residents.
People who live there say that the safest part of La Junta is in the northwest, while the central neighborhoods are the riskiest. In these areas, there’s a 1 in 10 chance of being a victim of a crime.
When we look at the types of crime, the violent crime rate in La Junta is 18.2, which is less than the national average of 22.7. However, the property crime rate is 77.1, significantly higher than the U.S. average of 35.4.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Centreville, Virginia
Alamosa
Alamosa is a town in south-central Colorado with around 10,000 people. Unfortunately, it’s ranked as the fourth-most dangerous city in the state, with a crime rate of 54.8 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The city has a crime grade of D, which means it’s less safe than 65% of other cities in the U.S. In Alamosa, there’s a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to property crime and a 1 in 151 chance of experiencing a violent crime.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Most Dangerous City to Live in Oklahoma
Pueblo
Pueblo is a city in southern Colorado that is home to over 112,000 inhabitants.With 48.9 crimes committed against every 1,000 citizens, it ranks as the fifth most dangerous city in the state.
In Pueblo, there is a 1 in 21 risk of falling victim to a property crime. In Pueblo, there is a 1 in 167 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Poorest City in South Dakota
Official’s Efforts to Combat Crime in Colorado
Colorado officials are working to reduce crime in a few ways:
1. They’re spending $113 million in two years on different programs. This includes hiring and training more police, improving street lighting, helping crime victims, and expanding mental health services.
2. They want to allocate the budget to focus on preventing crime. This involves providing treatment for young people with behavioral issues, enhancing school safety, and supporting community-building programs.
3. They’re making changes to the justice system. This includes getting rid of the death penalty, limiting cash bail, reducing penalties for some crimes, and finding new ways to address mental health.
Despite these efforts, some people criticize them, saying they’re not sufficient or that they’re not the right approach. The problem of crime and public safety is expected to be a significant topic in upcoming elections and legislative sessions.
To Conclude
While Colorado has beautiful scenery and fun activities, some of its cities deal with high crime rates. Grand Junction, Aurora, La Junta, Alamosa, and Pueblo are identified as the five most dangerous, especially when it comes to property crime.
Despite efforts by Colorado officials, like more money, preventive actions, and changes to the justice system, people still debate how well these approaches work. Crime and public safety will likely be important topics in future political talks and policy decisions.
For tourists or potential residents, it’s important to stay informed about these risks and take necessary precautions to have a safe and enjoyable time in Colorado.
This might mean researching neighborhoods, using common-sense safety measures, and being aware of your surroundings. Remember, even in areas with higher crime rates, being alert and acting responsibly can significantly lower the chances of becoming a victim.
