MoneyINC Logo
25+
Years of
Trust
13,000+
Articles
Written 
10M+
Annual 
Readers
300+
Global
Mentions

The 20 Safest Places to Live in Colorado

Snowmass Village

When people move to a new city, the topic of security becomes a serious one. After all, these people are looking to settle down and raise a family, and crime rate stats figure prominently in their decision making. As such, various reporting agencies work to keep track of just how safe our cities are, and Colorado is no different. In this article, we'll be looking at some of the safest places to live in Colorado. But before we do, it's good form to know exactly what we're talking about with regards to the crime rate. For instance, we'll be looking at both violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of aggravated assault, rape, robbery and murder. Whereas property crime involves auto theft, arson, and burglary. In the following article, the methodology used to determine the order of each city was determined using FBI stats and collated by Homesnacks, with the last update for 2020 being 3/08/2020.

Centennial

20. Centennial

In 1876, Colorado became a member of the United States of America. To commemorate that event, they named a city, "Centennial". Centennial Colorado is not only a historic community, but also one of Colorado's safest. Residents and tourists can enjoy a wide variety of activities during the day from boating to escape room games, then stop by Big Bill's New York Pizzeria for a snack. Crime rates for Centennial stand at 24.67 percent below the national average. Violent crimes are 50.95 percent and property crimes are 20.27 percent below the national average.

Fruita

19. Fruita

If you're looking for one of the safest places in Colorado where you'll be surrounded by a plethora of hiking trails, spectacular rock formations, and a host of outdoor activities, then Fruita is the place for you. Dinosaur fanciers will enjoy the Dinosaur Journey Museum, and fans of military history will enjoy the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial. You can do all this and more, with the knowledge that the overall crime rate in Fruita is 28.18 percent below average. When it comes to violent and property crimes, the percentages are 39.27 percent and 26.32 percent below the national average. This means that an individual has a 1 in 61.7 percent chance of experiencing a property crime, and 1 in 446.8 chance of experiencing a violent crime.

Castle Rock

18. Castle Rock

Castle Rock is located in Douglas County, and holds a population of around 56,000 residents. The standard of living is good here, with plenty of eateries, hotels and entertainment venues available. Places of interest include Rock Park, the Theater of Dreams Arts and Event Center, and the Castle Rock Adventure Park. When it comes to crime, rates are pretty low for such an established and bustling city, with overall rates 39.36 percent below the national average. Violent crimes are a nice 84.88 percent, and property crimes are 31.72 percent below the national average. This means that residents and tourists have a 1 in 66.6 chance of experiencing a property crime, and a 1 in 1,792.4 percent chance of experiencing a violent crime.

Parker

17. Parker

23 miles from Denver is the city of Parker. Housing a growing population of around 50,000 this suburb of Denver is located in Douglas County. Suburban in nature, Parker has plenty of places of interests for tourists and residents alike. The crime rate for Parker is 41.43 percent below the national average, with violent crime sitting below 73.17 percent and property crime at 36.11 percent below the national average. This translates to residents and tourists having a 1 in 71.2 chance of experiencing a property crime, and a 1 in 1,010.4 percent chance of experiencing a violent crime.

Johnstown

16. Johnstown

Johnstown is a small rural town which shares both Weld and Larimer Counties. The residents are friendly, but the town itself is rather bare of entertainment or attractions. However, it's near places of interest such as the Mad Russian Golf Course, the Sweet Heart Winery, and the Loveland Museum. When it comes to crime, Johnstown total crime rate is 46 percent below the national average, so the probability of residents to experience a crime is 1 in 72. Violent crime is 86 percent below the national average, with property crime 39 percent below the national average.

Erie

15. Erie

With a rapidly growing population exceeding 20,000, the historic town of Erie is beginning to make a name for itself. Located in both Boulder and Weld Counties, residents and tourists are within close range of the fabulous city of Boulder. This town still hosts an "Old West" flavor, which attracts tourists to their town. As for crime, the total rate is 56.33 percent below the national average, with violent crime 73.14 percent and property crime 53.51 percent below the national average.

Fort Lupton

14. Fort Lupton

This scenic town in Colorado sits 30 minutes away from the Denver International Airport. Rich with history, it's said that the town is the result of Lt. Lancaster Lupton's dream of creating a viable town out of a trading post, way back in 1835. Today, Lupton is home to the Coyote Creek Golf Course, and Fort Museum Lupton. As for crime rates, Fort Lupton ranks 61.41 percent below the national average, with violent crimes 86.89 percent below and property crimes ranking 57.13 percent below the national average.

Firestone

13. Firestone

With overall crime rates 62 percent below the national average, the historic town of Firestone is considered one of the safest places to live in Colorado. Residents here have a 1 in 103 chance of experiencing a crime, which makes Firestone more secure than 75 percent of U.S. cities. Located in Weld County, you'll find that Firestone's rural setting and friendly population contribute much to its popularity with those looking to start families or escape the rat race.

Estes Park

12. Estes Park

Estes Park is the place to settle if you're into skiing, horseback riding, along with a whole slew of outdoor recreational activities. It's also within a few hours drive to Denver, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park. As far as crime rates go, Estes Park is one of the safest places to live or in Colorado,with an overall crime rate that ranks 62.88 percent below the national average, a violent crime rate 40.69 percent and property crime rate a good 66.61 percent below the national average. In other words, a person has a 1 in 136.1 chance of experiencing a property crime, and a 1 in 457.1 chance of experiencing a violent crime

Carbondale

11. Carbondale

Carbondale is located in Garfield County and is the 'go-to' town for those who choose to live under the Rocky Mountains without the high cost of living found in Aspen. Carbondale might have a lower cost of living, but their quality of life is quite good, and that includes low crime rates. Overall crime in Carbondale is 63.79 percent below the national average, with violent crime at 72.43 percent and property crime 62.34 percent the national average. In other words, residents of Carbondale have a probability of 1 in 120.7 when it comes to experiencing a property crime, and 1 in 983.1 percent chance of experiencing a violent crime.

Eaton

10. Eaton

Eaton is a small town in Colorado, with a population around 5,100. Eaton is perfect if you're searching for a place to live that has a rural feel, as it's a farming community. Located in Weld County, you'll find the schools are above average. Crime rates here are 69 percent below the national average. It's more secure than 81 percent of all U.S. cities. Attractions near Eaton include the highly rated Lee Maxwell Washing Machine Museum and Bruce's Bar. Those with an interest in military history might want to visit the A.J. Eaton House Museum.

Haxtun

 

9. Haxtun

Haxtun is a small, beautiful town that always seems to leave a positive impression on its visitors. Visitors who come to this quaint town do so for the serenity it offers. As for security, Haxtun enjoys a low crime rate which is 70 percent below the national average. Violent crime is nonexistent at 100 percent below the national average, and property crime comes in at 65 percent the national average. As such, the crime rates are 70 percent lower than the national average, with visitors and residents having a 1 in 130 chance of experiencing a crime. This makes Haxtun more secure then 90 percent of all the cities in the U.S. However, while most of the cities on this list show a decrease in crime, Haxtun has seen in increase by at least 17 percent over the year.

Cherry Hills Village

8. Cherry Hills Village

Cherry Hills Village overall crime rate is 72,85 percent below the U.S. average, with violent crimes standing at 100 percent below the national average. Yes, you read that right: Cherry Hills Village experienced no violent crimes in 2020. When it comes to property crimes, its 68.30 percent below the national average. Don't be put off by its small size, this municipality has one of the highest standards of living in the state of Colorado. While there aren't many attractions within the village, residents and tourists do have access to ski resorts, the Harvard Gulch Golf Course, and the Roxborough State Park.

Milliken

7. Milliken

The humble town of Miliken began as a small trading post in Colorado, and has since grown into one of the safest places to live Colorado. Miliken has an overall crime score of 73.70 percent lower than the national average, with violent crime being 70.86 percent lower and property crime 80.33 percent lower. Miliken is a small town located in Weld County, with a 2020 population of 8,876. Its well known attractions include the Mad Russian golf course, the Devil's Backbone, and Boyd Lake State Park.

Windsor

6. Windsor

Serene and beautiful, Windsor was founded by immigrants who made their way as sugar beet farmers. Today, Windsor has grown into one of the safest places to live in Colorado, with crime rates 75.11 percent below the national average. Violent crimes are 93.85 percent below average, and property crimes 71.97 percent. So, residents in Windsor would have a 1 in 4,406.8 chance of experiencing a violent crime, and a probability of a 1 in 162.2 chance of experiencing a property crime. Top attractions in Windsor include Windsor Lake, High Hops Brewery, and River Bluffs.

Louisville

5. Louisville

This historic town in Colorado has repeatedly garnered the honor of being listed as one of the top 100 places to live in America. The people are friendly, the standard of living is good, and so are the schools. Regarding crime, this old mining town gets an "A" from homefacts.com when it comes to being a safe and secure city. It's overall crime score is 77.27 percent lower than the national average. The breakdown is as follows: Violent crime is 79.13 percent lower than the national average, and property crime is 72.95 percent lower. Louisville is a suburb of Denver located in Boulder County, with a population over 20,000. It has a suburban feel, good schools, and plenty of parks and eateries.

Snowmass Village

4. Snowmass Village

Snowmass Colorado has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best places on earth to experience winter sports. In fact, world class skiing enthusiasts from around the globe visit Snowmass to take advantage of its perfect snowfall and breathtaking trails. For a city bustling with so much activity, you may be surprised to know how low their crime rates are. First, the overall crime rate ranks 81 percent below the national average. Secondly, their violent crime and property crime are also very low, at 84 percent and 81 percent below the national average, respectively. This creates a pretty secure place for both residents and tourists, as you have a 1 in 208 chance of experiencing a crime here. All this adds up to the fact that when in Snowmass, you're safer than 89 percent of all cities in the U.S.

Olathe

3. Olathe

Olathe is a small, quiet town nestled in Colorado. Known for the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival's good food, music and entertainment, Olathe is also known for its very low crime rate. The overall crime rate in Olathe is 83 percent below the national average, with violent crime a whopping 100 percent below, and property crime 80 percent below the national average. All tolled, residents and visitors of Olathe have a probability of a 1 in 227 chance of experiencing a crime. This makes Olathe 94 percent safer than other cities in the U.S. If that's not all, whatever crime they've had has decreased by 73 percent over the years.

Wray

2. Wray

Visiting Wray Colorado is akin to heading back in time to a historic prairie town. In fact, it's one of the reasons tourists visit this region. Wray is known for it's neat and tidy picnic parks and free camping spots. According to FBI crime data, the town of Wray, Colorado is 96.71 percent lower than the national average. Violent crime is 88.55 percent below that national average, and property crimes 98.08 percent. Places of interest in Wray include the Wray museum, which houses an exhibit by the Smithsonian, Lenz Family Farms, Beecher Island and Greater Prairie Chicken Tours.

Frederick

1. Frederick

Frederick Colorado comes in at number one on our list of the safest places to live in Colorado. Frederick as a crime rate that is 98 percent below the national average, with violent crime coming in at 92 percent below the national average, and property crime at 99 percent below the national average. With a population of 13,480, you have a 1 in 1913 chance of being the victim of a crime in Frederick, meaning you're 95 percent more secure in Frederick than in 95 percent of all cities in the U.S. Frederick's appeal also extends to the high quality of life, which includes attractions, eateries and activities. Things to do in Frederick include Backbone Adventures, Aero-Cruise Balloon Adventures, and Anderson's Farms.

Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

Related Articles

Stay ahead of the curve with our most recent guides and articles on , freshly curated by our diligent editorial team for your immediate perusal.
As featured on:

Wealth Insight!
Subscribe to our Exclusive Newsletter

Dive into the world of wealth and extravagance with Money Inc! Discover stock tips, businesses, luxury items, and travel experiences curated for the affluent observer.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram