Commerce City, situated as a suburb of Denver, Colorado, boasts a population of approximately 60,000 residents. Recognized for its oil refinery, soccer stadium, and wildlife preserve, the question of safety for both inhabitants and visitors arises.
Commerce City holds a crime index of 9, indicating that it is safer than only 9% of cities across the United States. The yearly crime rate in Commerce City stands at 38.6 per 1,000 residents, surpassing both the national average of 22.0 and the Colorado average of 25.7.
Examining specific crime categories, the violent crime rate in Commerce City is 5.3 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 3.7 and the Colorado average of 3.4.
Similarly, the property crime rate is 33.3 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 18.3 and the Colorado average of 22.3.
However, it’s important to note that not all neighborhoods within Commerce City exhibit the same level of risk. Utilizing crime data from NeighborhoodScout, we can pinpoint the five neighborhoods with the highest crime density per square mile in Commerce City, ranked from the most to the least hazardous.
| Neighborhood | Crime Density (per sq. mile) | Population | Median Household Income | Median Home Value |
| Irondale | 111.8 | 4,000 | $36,667 | $191,900 |
| Derby | 69.6 | 8,000 | $39,583 | $206,800 |
| Dupont | 49.9 | 2,000 | $41,250 | $217,400 |
| City Center | 47.6 | 9,000 | $43,750 | $221,100 |
| E 104th Ave / Highway 2 | 40.9 | 12,000 | $67,708 | $303,300 |
Irondale
This neighborhood, situated in the northeast corner of Commerce City, exhibits a crime density of 111.8 per square mile, surpassing the city average of 10.6 by more than 10 times. Irondale is home to around 4,000 residents, primarily of Hispanic descent and with low incomes.
The median household income in Irondale stands at $36,667, falling below both the city average of $66,870 and the state average of $77,127. Additionally, the median home value in Irondale is $191,900, which is less than the city’s average of $284,600 and the state’s average of $394,600.
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Derby
This community, situated in the southeastern area of Commerce City, experiences a crime density of 69.6 per square mile, surpassing the city average by more than six times. Derby is home to approximately 8,000 residents, predominantly Hispanic and with lower-income backgrounds.
The median household income in Derby stands at $39,583, falling below both city and state averages. Similarly, the median home value in Derby is $206,800, also below the averages for both the city and the state.
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Dupont
This area, situated in the southwestern section of Commerce City, experiences a crime density of 49.9 per square mile, surpassing the city’s average by over four times. Dupont is home to approximately 2,000 residents, predominantly of white ethnicity and with lower income levels.
The median household income in Dupont stands at $41,250, falling below both city and state averages. Similarly, the median home value in Dupont is $217,400, also below the city and state averages. The community maintains a rural atmosphere, characterized by predominantly single-family homes and farms.
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City Center
This neighborhood, situated at the heart of Commerce City, has a crime rate of 47.6 incidents per square mile, exceeding the city average by more than fourfold. City Center is home to approximately 9,000 residents, predominantly Hispanic and with low incomes.
The median household income in City Center stands at $43,750, falling below both city and state averages. Similarly, the median home value is $221,100, also lower than the city and state norms.
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E 104th Ave / Highway 2
This area, situated in the northwest part of Commerce City, exhibits a crime density of 40.9 per square mile—nearly four times the citywide average. The E 104th Ave / Highway 2 region is home to approximately 12,000 residents, predominantly of white ethnicity and with middle-income levels.
The median household income in E 104th Ave / Highway 2 stands at $67,708, slightly surpassing the city average but falling slightly below the state average. The median home value in this area is $303,300, exceeding the city average yet remaining below the state average.
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Conclusion
In Commerce City, these five neighborhoods make up roughly 43% of the entire population and 76% of all crimes. While Commerce City offers attractions such as a wildlife preserve and a soccer stadium, its crime rates present a more alarming picture.
It’s important to note that not all areas within Commerce City face the same level of risk. Certain neighborhoods, especially those with lower median incomes and higher Hispanic populations like Irondale, Derby, Dupont, and City Center, exhibit significantly higher crime densities compared to the city average.
Additionally, recognizing the potential correlation between socioeconomic factors and crime rates allows for targeted interventions and community development initiatives that address the underlying causes of crime, ultimately fostering a safer and more equitable environment for all in Commerce City.
This analysis only scratches the surface. Further exploration could delve into specific crime types prevalent in each neighborhood, potential contributing factors, and existing community efforts to combat crime.
By developing a nuanced understanding of the city’s crime landscape, we can strive towards creating a safer and more vibrant future for Commerce City.
