These Are the 15 Safest Cities in Colorado

Colorado ranks highly among U.S. states for education, economy, healthcare, and infrastructure, but surprisingly low for crime levels – in 2024, USAToday ranked us 47th out of 50 for crime and corrections. That said, crime rates vary, and Denver certainly has an outsized impact on that figure. Based on data for violent crimes and property crimes, these are safest cities in Colorado, including several familiar names from Boulder County.

Is Colorado Safe?

The overall crime rate in Colorado is above the national average, with about 492.5 violent crimes per 100,000 people compared to 380.7 nationwide, and 3,147.6 property crimes per 100,000 versus the U.S. average of 1,954.4, in 2022.

However, crime levels vary widely across the state. Smaller towns and suburban areas tend to be much safer than larger cities like Denver or Pueblo.

The safest cities in Colorado have low violent and property crime rates, strong police departments, quick response times, higher household incomes, and active community involvement. These factors combine to create secure, stable neighborhoods for residents.

The 15 Safest Cities in Colorado

Colorado is home to many safe communities, but these 15 cities stand out for their low crime rates and high quality of life. Sorted by population, they represent the safest places to live in Colorado, from small towns to large cities (based on data from neighborhoodscout.com).

Top 5 Safest Small Towns (<10,000 people)

Smaller towns tend to have tight-knit communities and lower crime. These five rank the highest:

Milliken: Only 0.1 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, generally considered to be the safest city in Colorado.
Wray: Only 0.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Olathe: Reported no violent crimes in the most recent data year, though past years have shown slightly higher rates.
Ault: Reported no violent crimes in the most recent data year, with extremely low property crime as well.
Snowmass Village: Only 4.8 property crimes per 1,000 people.

Safest Midsize Cities (10K–100K people)

These midsize cities offer both amenities and safety:

Frederick: Only 0.7 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, making it one of the safest cities in Colorado overall.
Windsor: Maintains very low crime rates across all categories. Only 0.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Louisville: Ranked high for safety year after year. Only 1.42 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Erie: Offers both low crime and suburban comfort. Only 0.4 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
Firestone: Growing community with strong safety statistics. Between 0.5 to 2.7 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

Safest Large Cities (>100K people)

Some of Colorado’s largest cities still manage to maintain strong public safety records. These cities stand out for low violent crime rates, solid infrastructure, and livable communities:

Centennial: The safest large city in Colorado, with about 1.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents
Fort Collins: A stable and well-policed college town reporting around 2.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, with overall crime well below national averages
Arvada: Family-friendly and well-managed, with about 2.3 violent crimes per 1,000 and relatively low property crime
Boulder: Slightly higher property crime, but still very livable with around 2.6 violent crimes per 1,000
Castle Rock: One of the safest large cities, reporting just 0.6 violent crimes per 1,000 and strong community amenities

Is Longmont Safe - Safest Neighborhoods in Longmont Colorado

How safe is Longmont?

Longmont has a moderate crime rate compared to other cities in Colorado. It sees about 4.6 violent crimes and 27 property crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it above the state average. While not among the safest cities, it’s not one of the most dangerous either.

Many neighborhoods in Longmont remain family-friendly and well-patrolled. The city has invested in public safety programs and community policing efforts.

Areas near downtown and along major corridors like highways 119 and 287 may report more incidents, while residential zones on the west and north sides tend to be quieter.

Safest Cities in Colorado Map

Safest Places to Live in Colorado for Families

For families seeking both safety and a high quality of life, Windsor, Erie, Castle Rock, and Louisville stand out. These cities combine low crime rates with excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and active recreation centers.

Each offers a strong sense of community and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re after top-rated school districts or peaceful neighborhoods with outdoor space, these are some of the safest places to live in Colorado for raising children.

Safest Neighborhoods in Colorado

Some of the safest neighborhoods in Colorado are found in upscale areas like Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, and Castle Pines. These communities combine low crime rates with high household incomes and access to premium amenities such as private schools, parks, and gated properties, making them ideal for secure, high-quality living.

Most Dangerous Cities in Colorado

While many cities in Colorado are safe, others face higher crime rates. Pueblo, Denver, and Aurora consistently rank among the most dangerous cities in Colorado based on FBI crime data. These areas report elevated levels of both violent and property crime, making them important contrasts in statewide safety trends.

How to Choose a Safe City in Colorado

Tips for Researching Neighborhood Safety

Start by checking FBI crime statistics, local crime maps, and community forums for real-world insights. Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day to assess lighting, traffic, and general activity. This gives a better sense of the area’s overall safety.

Extra Safety Measures to Take

Simple steps like installing security cameras, joining a neighborhood watch, or adding alarms can improve peace of mind. Active community involvement also plays a big role in creating a safer environment.

FAQs

What city in Colorado has the lowest crime rate?

Milliken, Wray, and Frederick consistently report the lowest violent and property crime rates, making them top contenders for the safest cities in Colorado.

What’s the safest city in Colorado near Denver?

If you’re looking near Denver, Lone Tree, Centennial, and Castle Pines offer low crime rates and strong community safety.

Is Colorado a safe state to live in?

Colorado’s overall crime ratings have only been increasing over the years, however safety rankings can vary significantly depending on the city or neighborhood. It is important to note that Colorado’s crime ratings are above the national average.

Where is the safest place to raise a family in Colorado?

Windsor, Louisville, and Erie combine low crime, great schools, and family-friendly amenities, making them ideal for raising children.

Are big cities in Colorado safe?

Some, like Fort Collins and Centennial, are considered safe. Others, such as Pueblo and Denver, report higher rates of crime and should be researched more carefully.