Colorado is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes, thriving ski resorts, and outdoor recreation opportunities, but beneath the postcard beauty lies a different reality in some communities. Across the Centennial State, certain towns struggle with crime rates that far exceed state and national averages, where economic challenges and social issues have created environments where safety is a daily concern.
This list ranks the 25 most dangerous small towns in Colorado based on the latest crime data, focusing on both violent crimes (assault, robbery, murder) and property crimes (theft, burglary, vandalism). From former mining towns facing economic decline to suburban communities grappling with unexpected crime spikes, each location tells a story of challenges that go beyond Colorado’s reputation as a safe, outdoor paradise.
25. Broomfield
Population: 78,323
Crime Rate: Violent – 161 per 100,000; Property – 2,292 per 100,000
Broomfield has the lowest crime rates on this list, but still sees property crimes occur at twice the rate of many Colorado communities. Vehicle thefts and larceny drive most criminal activity in this suburban city between Denver and Boulder. The town’s rapid growth has brought new challenges in maintaining its historically low crime profile.
24. Golden
Population: 20,151
Crime Rate: Violent – 168 per 100,000; Property – 2,483 per 100,000
Golden faces property crime challenges typical of tourist destinations, with theft and burglary rates elevated by the constant flow of visitors to the Coors Brewery and Colorado School of Mines. Violent crime remains relatively low, but property crimes spike during peak tourism seasons. The town’s proximity to Denver contributes to some spillover criminal activity.
23. Lafayette
Population: 30,587
Crime Rate: Violent – 197 per 100,000; Property – 2,961 per 100,000
Lafayette shows a concerning trend in property crimes, particularly vehicle theft and residential burglary. The town’s location along major transportation corridors makes it vulnerable to transient criminal activity. While violent crime rates remain manageable, residents face nearly a 1 in 34 chance of experiencing property crime annually.
22. Littleton
Population: 44,879
Crime Rate: Violent – 198 per 100,000; Property – 2,814 per 100,000
Littleton struggles with property crime rates that exceed state averages, driven primarily by theft and burglary incidents. The city’s mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas creates opportunities for various types of property crimes. Drug-related offenses contribute to both violent and property crime statistics in certain areas.
21. Parker
Population: 65,473
Crime Rate: Violent – 203 per 100,000; Property – 1,844 per 100,000
Parker maintains relatively low property crime rates compared to other cities on this list, but violent crime has increased in recent years. Domestic violence and assault cases drive most violent crime statistics. The town’s affluent reputation masks underlying issues with substance abuse and family violence that contribute to crime rates.
20. Montrose
Population: 21,646
Crime Rate: Violent – 211 per 100,000; Property – 2,278 per 100,000
Montrose faces crime challenges typical of rural Colorado communities, with drug-related offenses driving both violent and property crime rates. The town serves as a regional hub, attracting both legitimate business and criminal activity from surrounding rural areas. Economic pressures from agricultural decline contribute to substance abuse issues.
19. Johnstown
Population: 20,639
Crime Rate: Violent – 212 per 100,000; Property – 3,672 per 100,000
Johnstown shows alarming property crime rates that far exceed both state and national averages. Vehicle theft and residential burglary plague this growing community north of Denver. Rapid population growth has outpaced law enforcement resources, creating opportunities for criminal activity to flourish in new developments.
18. Rifle
Population: 10,663
Crime Rate: Violent – 312 per 100,000; Property – 1,244 per 100,000
Rifle’s violent crime rate is nearly double Colorado’s average, driven by assault and domestic violence incidents. The town’s economy depends heavily on oil and gas extraction, leading to a transient workforce and social instability. Economic boom-and-bust cycles create conditions that contribute to higher crime rates during downturns.
17. Steamboat Springs
Population: 13,620
Crime Rate: Violent – 326 per 100,000; Property – 1,206 per 100,000
Steamboat Springs sees elevated violent crime rates unusual for a resort community, with alcohol-related assaults and domestic violence driving statistics. The town’s seasonal economy creates economic stress for year-round residents, contributing to social problems. Tourist-related incidents and seasonal worker conflicts add to crime challenges.
16. Lone Tree
Population: 14,061
Crime Rate: Violent – 341 per 100,000; Property – 10,356 per 100,000
Lone Tree faces the highest property crime rate on this entire list, with residents having a shocking 1 in 10 chance of becoming victims annually. The city’s numerous shopping centers and business districts attract thieves and shoplifters from across the Denver metro area. High-end retail establishments make the community a target for organized retail theft operations.
15. Loveland
Population: 81,102
Crime Rate: Violent – 384 per 100,000; Property – 2,388 per 100,000
Loveland struggles with both violent and property crime rates that exceed state averages. Drug-related crimes fuel much of the criminal activity, with methamphetamine and opioid abuse driving theft and assault cases. The city’s position along major transportation routes facilitates drug trafficking and associated criminal enterprises.
14. Sterling
Population: 13,114
Crime Rate: Violent – 394 per 100,000; Property – 3,536 per 100,000
Sterling faces significant crime challenges for a small rural community, with both violent and property crime rates well above state averages. Economic decline in agricultural sectors has contributed to drug abuse and associated criminal activity. The town struggles with limited law enforcement resources to address persistent crime problems.
13. Fort Morgan
Population: 11,835
Crime Rate: Violent – 398 per 100,000; Property – 2,490 per 100,000
Fort Morgan posts violent crime rates nearly triple the national average for communities of its size. Gang activity and drug trafficking contribute significantly to assault and robbery statistics. The town’s location along major highways makes it a transit point for criminal enterprises moving drugs and stolen goods.
12. Greenwood Village
Population: 15,288
Crime Rate: Violent – 408 per 100,000; Property – 6,995 per 100,000
Greenwood Village shows extremely high property crime rates despite its affluent reputation, with business districts and upscale neighborhoods attracting thieves and burglars. White-collar crime and fraud contribute to both violent and property crime statistics. The concentration of businesses and shopping centers creates numerous opportunities for criminal activity.
11. Glenwood Springs
Population: 10,311
Crime Rate: Violent – 420 per 100,000; Property – 3,760 per 100,000
Glenwood Springs faces crime challenges that stem from its role as a tourist destination and transportation hub. Seasonal workforce issues and tourism-related incidents drive both violent and property crime rates. Drug trafficking along Interstate 70 contributes to the community’s elevated crime statistics.
10. Brighton
Population: 43,473
Crime Rate: Violent – 424 per 100,000; Property – 2,635 per 100,000
Brighton struggles with violent crime rates that are significantly higher than Colorado averages, driven by gang activity and drug-related violence. The city’s proximity to Denver brings metropolitan crime issues to this formerly agricultural community. Economic challenges and rapid demographic changes contribute to social tensions and criminal activity.
9. Cañon City
Population: 17,193
Crime Rate: Violent – 435 per 100,000; Property – 3,981 per 100,000
Cañon City faces unique crime challenges as home to multiple state correctional facilities, with ex-offender populations contributing to elevated crime rates. Property crime rates are particularly concerning, with burglary and theft occurring at nearly four times the national average. The prison economy creates social dynamics that influence local crime patterns.
8. Wheat Ridge
Population: 31,999
Crime Rate: Violent – 436 per 100,000; Property – 4,568 per 100,000
Wheat Ridge posts some of the highest property crime rates in Colorado, with residents facing a 1 in 22 chance of becoming victims annually. Vehicle theft and residential burglary plague this Denver suburb, while violent crimes including assault and robbery also exceed state averages. Economic decline in certain neighborhoods has contributed to increased criminal activity.
7. Longmont
Population: 99,818
Crime Rate: Violent – 457 per 100,000; Property – 2,737 per 100,000
Longmont faces elevated violent crime rates that exceed both state and national averages, with gang activity and drug trafficking contributing to assault and robbery statistics. The city’s rapid growth has strained law enforcement resources and created new opportunities for criminal enterprises. Property crimes, while lower than some communities on this list, still present significant challenges.
6. Fountain
Population: 29,457
Crime Rate: Violent – 498 per 100,000; Property – 2,075 per 100,000
Fountain struggles with violent crime rates approaching 500 per 100,000 residents, nearly triple the national average. Domestic violence and assault cases drive crime statistics in this Colorado Springs suburb. Military transient populations and economic challenges contribute to social instability and elevated crime rates.
5. Grand Junction
Population: 70,554
Crime Rate: Violent – 504 per 100,000; Property – 3,231 per 100,000
Grand Junction faces significant crime challenges as Colorado’s largest city on the Western Slope, with drug trafficking and gang activity driving both violent and property crime rates. The city serves as a regional hub for criminal enterprises, with interstate highways facilitating drug and stolen goods trafficking. Economic challenges from energy sector volatility contribute to social problems.
4. Evans
Population: 22,394
Crime Rate: Violent – 529 per 100,000; Property – 1,917 per 100,000
Evans posts alarming violent crime rates that are more than triple the national average for communities of its size. Gang violence and drug-related crimes drive assault and robbery statistics in this Greeley suburb. Despite relatively lower property crime rates, the high incidence of violent offenses makes Evans one of Colorado’s most dangerous small towns.
3. Northglenn
Population: 38,287
Crime Rate: Violent – 540 per 100,000; Property – 3,319 per 100,000
Northglenn faces severe crime challenges with both violent and property crime rates far exceeding state and national averages. Gang activity and drug trafficking contribute to high assault and robbery rates, while property crimes including vehicle theft and burglary plague residents daily. The city’s location in the Denver metro area exposes it to metropolitan-level crime problems.
2. Englewood
Population: 35,238
Crime Rate: Violent – 642 per 100,000; Property – 5,646 per 100,000
Englewood ranks among Colorado’s most dangerous communities with violent crime rates approaching 650 per 100,000 residents and property crime rates exceeding 5,600 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 18 chance of becoming crime victims annually, with drug-related violence and gang activity driving assault and robbery statistics. The city’s urban density and economic challenges create conditions that foster criminal enterprises.
1. Commerce City
Population: 70,245
Crime Rate: Violent – 768 per 100,000; Property – 2,893 per 100,000
Commerce City claims the dubious distinction of being Colorado’s most dangerous small town, with violent crime rates nearly five times the national average. Gang violence, drug trafficking, and industrial-area crime contribute to assault and robbery rates that shock even law enforcement veterans. The city’s industrial landscape and proximity to major transportation corridors create ideal conditions for criminal enterprises to flourish.
References
- BeautifyData – Colorado cities by Violent Crime Rate (2023, FBI UCR)
- BeautifyData – Colorado cities by Property Crime Rate (2023, FBI UCR)
- U.S. Census Bureau – City & Town Population Totals: 2020–2024 (Vintage 2024 overview)
- U.S. Census Bureau – Colorado incorporated places population table (Vintage 2024)
- Colorado Cities by Population (Vintage 2024 numbers)
- NeighborhoodScout – Colorado Crime Profiles & Statistics
