Jefferson County, Colorado, spans a broad range of urban and rural landscapes, making it a sizable and varied county. With a population of approximately 600,000 individuals and an expansive area covering 774 square miles, the county exhibits diversity in its geographic and demographic aspects.
While overall safety in the county is commendable, boasting a crime rate lower than the national average, there are specific neighborhoods where crime and violence rates exceed those of others.
We will leverage data sourced from CrimeGrade.org to pinpoint and highlight the five neighborhoods in Jefferson County with the highest rates of violent crime per 1,000 residents.
| Neighborhood | Population | Violent crime rate (per 1,000 residents) | Median household income | Poverty rate |
| Edgewater | 5,500 | 9.09 | $47,000 | 18.90% |
| Wheat Ridge | 31,000 | 6 | $54,000 | 11.80% |
| Lakewood | 157,000 | 5 | $63,000 | 8.20% |
| Arvada | 121,000 | 4 | $82,000 | 6.40% |
| Golden | 21,000 | 4 | $67,000 | 11.90% |
Edgewater
Edgewater, situated on the western shore of Sloan’s Lake in Jefferson County, is a small city with approximately 5,500 residents. The violent crime rate in Edgewater stands at 9.09 per 1,000 residents, more than double the county’s average of 3.83 per 1,000 residents.
One potential explanation for the elevated crime rate in Edgewater could be its close proximity to Denver, the state capital and Colorado’s largest city. Denver itself has a violent crime rate of 7.65 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 residents.
Additionally, Edgewater grapples with a high poverty rate of 18.9%, exceeding the county average of 7.9%. Poverty is commonly linked to increased levels of crime and social challenges.
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Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge, situated in the northwest part of Jefferson County, is an established city with approximately 31,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 6.45 per 1,000 people.
The city has an older demographic, with a median age of 42.4 years, surpassing the county’s average of 39.4 years. Additionally, Wheat Ridge exhibits a lower median household income, standing at $54,000, compared to the county average of $77,000.
Wheat Ridge faces potential challenges associated with aging infrastructure, economic stagnation, and societal shifts. Notably, it has a significant Hispanic population, accounting for 21.6%, which exceeds the county average of 14.8%.
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Lakewood
Lakewood, situated in the central part of Jefferson County to the west of Denver, holds the distinction of being the county’s largest city, boasting a population of approximately 157,000 residents. According to CrimeGrade.org, it exhibits a violent crime rate of 4.79 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the third-highest in the county.
This city is characterized by its diverse and dynamic nature, featuring a blend of urban and suburban areas. With a median household income of $63,000, Lakewood closely aligns with the county average of $77,000. Additionally, it shares a comparable poverty rate of 8.2%, only slightly higher than the county average of 7.9%.
Read More: Identifying the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Denver County, Colorado
Arvada
Arvada, situated in the northeast part of Jefferson County and bordering Denver and Adams County, is a sizable city with a population of approximately 121,000 people. According to CrimeGrade.org, it exhibits a violent crime rate of 3.91 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the fourth-highest in the county.
Despite its crime rate, Arvada is a thriving and expanding city, boasting a median household income of $82,000, surpassing the county average of $77,000. Additionally, it maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 6.4%, which is below the county average of 7.9%.
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Golden
Golden, situated in Jefferson County’s western region near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is a petite city with around 21,000 residents. The city faces a notable violent crime rate of 3.81 per 1,000 residents, ranking as the fifth-highest within the county, as reported by CrimeGrade.org.
Despite its elevated crime rate, Golden boasts a rich history and picturesque surroundings, offering cultural and recreational highlights such as the Colorado School of Mines, Coors Brewery, and the Clear Creek Trail.
In terms of economic indicators, Golden exhibits a median household income of $67,000, slightly below the county average of $77,000. However, it grapples with a higher poverty rate of 11.9%, surpassing the county average of 7.9%.
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Conclusion
While Jefferson County boasts an overall safety record surpassing the national average, certain neighborhoods exhibit pockets of concentrated violent crime, emphasizing the importance of a nuanced understanding of local challenges.
The significant gap between the top-ranked Edgewater (9.09 violent crimes per 1,000 residents) and the fifth-ranked Golden (3.81 per 1,000 residents) underscores the need to consider factors beyond overall crime rates.
Socioeconomic indicators such as poverty, median income, and demographic shifts likely contribute to shaping the crime landscape in these neighborhoods.
