Delta County, situated in western Colorado, is a rural area boasting a population of around 31,000 residents. Renowned for its emphasis on agriculture, mining, and outdoor recreation, the county raises questions about its safety for both inhabitants and visitors.
As per crime statistics gathered by NeighborhoodScout, Delta County exhibits a crime rate of 37.57 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the national average of 32.85.
While the county maintains a lower rate of violent crime (2.32 per 1,000) compared to the national average (3.7 per 1,000), it registers a notably higher rate of property crime (35.25 per 1,000) compared to the national average of 29.15 per 1,000.
Notably, the prevalence of crime varies across distinct areas within the county, with certain neighborhoods demonstrating higher safety levels than others.
Referring to the crime map from CrimeGrade.org, which outlines crime per capita in each neighborhood, we have pinpointed the five neighborhoods in Delta County with the highest risk, outlined as follows:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Property Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
| Delta City Center | 51.67 | 49 |
| Crawford | 50 | 50 |
| Hotchkiss | 44 | 44 |
| Paonia | 43 | 43 |
| Cedaredge | 36 | 35 |
Delta City Center
This area is the most densely populated and urban in the county, hosting approximately 6,000 residents. It exhibits the highest crime rate in the county, registering 51.67 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Notably, the property crime rate is exceptionally elevated, reaching 49.33 crimes per 1,000 residents, a figure 69% higher than the county average. Additionally, the violent crime rate surpasses the county average, standing at 2.33 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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Crawford
This town, located in the northern part of the county, has approximately 400 residents. It ranks second in the county for its crime rate, recording 50 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Specifically, the property crime rate is the highest in the county, reaching 50 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure is 72% above the county average. Notably, the area reports a zero violent crime rate, indicating that no violent crimes were reported in the region.
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Hotchkiss
This town, situated in the northern part of the county, is home to approximately 900 residents. It ranks third in terms of crime rate within the county, registering 44.44 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Additionally, the property crime rate is notably elevated at 44.44 crimes per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average by 56%. On a positive note, the town reports a zero violent crime rate, indicating no incidents of violent crime in the area.
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Paonia
This town, situated in the northeast of the county, is home to approximately 1,400 residents. It ranks fourth in terms of crime rate within the county, recording 42.86 crimes per 1,000 residents.
Additionally, the property crime rate is notably elevated at 42.86 crimes per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county average by 52%. On a positive note, the violent crime rate is zero, indicating a lack of reported violent crimes in the area.
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Cedaredge
This town, situated in the southeastern part of the county, is home to approximately 2,200 residents. It ranks fifth in terms of crime rate within the county, registering 36.36 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The property crime rate here slightly exceeds the county average, recording 34.55 crimes per 1,000 residents. On the other hand, the violent crime rate is below the county average, with 1.82 crimes per 1,000 residents.
These five districts make up approximately 35% of the county’s population, yet they contribute to 58% of the county’s crime. Primarily situated in the northern and eastern regions, where population density is higher and economic conditions are more challenging, these areas contrast with the generally safer southern and western parts of the county.
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To Conclude
Delta County, with its picturesque landscapes and emphasis on agriculture and outdoor recreation, raises concerns among residents and visitors due to its crime rates. Although it has a lower-than-average violent crime rate, the property crime rate exceeds the national average, showing notable variations among different neighborhoods.
The analysis focuses on five neighborhoods in the north and east, which experience a higher incidence of crime. This highlights a troubling correlation between population density, economic challenges, and increased criminal activity.
To ensure the safety of everyone in Delta County, addressing the root causes of crime in these areas is crucial. This involves promoting community development, creating economic opportunities, and implementing targeted public safety initiatives.
Additionally, transparency can be improved by providing easily accessible crime data, and fostering open communication between residents and law enforcement can increase awareness and empower individuals to actively contribute to a safer Delta County.
