Denver has one of the most walkable downtown areas in the entire country.
It is also a cultural city that has a population full of highly educated people.
Just about 699,298 people live in Denver.
The violent crime rate in Denver is 657 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 3,590 per 100,000 residents.
It is deemed to have some of the safest neighborhoods in America.
Yet Denver itself ranks in the top 10 for having some of the highest crime rates in America.
If you’re contemplating moving or visiting Denver, this guide will provide you with the top 10 safest neighborhoods, so you know which one to steer clear of.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Denver
1. Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle is the safest neighborhood in the entire city of Denver.
The population of the Golden Triangle is 1,869. Golden Triangle’s property crime rate is 1,769 per 100,000 residents.
The overall crime rate is significantly low.
Residents have a 1 in 49 chance of becoming victims of a crime while living in the Golden Triangle.
The Denver Art Museum is located in the Golden Triangle.
Living here also gives you easy access to downtown Denver.
The average cost of a home in Golden Triangle is $418,600.
2. Gateway-Green Valley Ranch
The population of Gateway-Green Valley Ranch is 35,927.
The crime rate here is 29% below the state’s average.
Because the crime rate is 2,314 per 100,000 residents, your chance of becoming a victim of a crime is 1 in 44.
Gateway-Green Valley Ranch is a wealthy neighborhood.
The average income of residents living here is $68,544.
The average cost of a home is $222,990.
Many of the families here own their homes.
The town is also liberal.
3. LoDo
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver is LoDo.
LoDo is short for lower downtown.
It is a notable neighborhood with a rich history.
The population of LoDo is 8,519.
Overall, the crime rate is 2,203 per 100,000 residents.
This area is considered 32% safer than the state’s average.
The chances of becoming a crime in LoDo are 1 in 46.
LoDo is ideal for young people because the neighborhood offers many restaurants and bars.
The Ball Arena, Coors Field, and Denver Union Station are also located in LoDo.
4. Five Points
Coming in at number five on the list of the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Denver is Five Points.
Not only is Five Points known as being safe, but it is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver.
The population of Five Points is 17,520.
The overall crime rate here is 3,559 per 100,000 residents.
This number is significantly lower compared to the state’s average.
Five Points was established sometime in the 1860s.
Most of the architecture from that time can still be found throughout the neighborhood.
The average cost of a home in Five Points is $395,167.
5. University
The University of Denver is located in the University, hence the name of the neighborhood.
It is also one of the safest locations in Denver.
The population of the University is 17,500.
The crime rate here is almost non-existent.
The violent crime rate is 297 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 3,656 per 100,000 residents.
Many of the residents who live here are either staff or students of the University of Denver.
The university is fortunate to have its very own police department.
You’ll often find them patrolling the neighborhood quite often.
6. Washington Park
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in Denver is Washington Park.
The population of Washington Park is 14,825.
The park in the neighborhood is a frequently visited spot for both residents and tourists.
The park offers plenty of activities for everyone to partake in.
The violent crime rate in Washington Park is 4,175 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is slightly above the national average.
And while this may be true, residents still report feeling safe in the neighborhood.
The average cost of a home in Washington Park is $537,873.
7. Southeastern Denver
Not only is Southeastern Denver a safe neighborhood to live in, but it’s also one of the largest neighborhoods in Denver.
The population of Southeastern Denver is nearly 124,000 people.
The violent crime rate is 556 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 3,160 per 100,000 residents.
The chances of becoming a victim of any type of crime while living in Denver are 1 in 27.
This is significantly low for a big city.
Southeastern Denver offers its residents a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
The average cost of a home in the area is $277,859.
8. Park Hill
Also making the list of the safest neighborhoods in Denver is Park Hill.
The population of Park Hill is 28,587.
The violent crime rate is 747 per 100,000 residents and the property crime rate is 3,724 per 100,000 residents.
Located within Park Hill are several smaller communities, including North Park Hill, Northeast Park Hill, and South Park Hill.
The average cost of a home here is $366,040.
The average cost of rent in the neighborhood is $672.
9. Southwestern Denver
Similar to Southeastern Denver is Southwestern Denver, which is also one of the safest places you could live in Denver.
The population of Southwestern Denver is 123,093 and is also a large community.
The violent crime rate is 758 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 3,489 per 100,000 residents.
Southwestern Denver provides easy access to various attractions around the city and other neighborhoods, including Lakewood.
Overall, it’s affordable to live in Southwestern Denver, with the average cost of a home being $227,605.
The average rent paid here is $848.
10. Baker
Last on the list of the safest neighborhoods in Denver is Baker.
The population of Baker is 5,795.
It is located just one mile from the Denver Civic Center.
It is also close to downtown Denver.
The overall crime rate in Baker, including violent and property crimes, is 4,729 per 100,000 residents.
Compared to other locations in big cities, Baker is much safer.
The average cost of a home in Baker is $355,880.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Denver
Here is a list of five safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to Denver:
- Be watchful of your surroundings. This first tip applies to any place you travel to, not just Denver. But it’s a great one to keep in mind, especially if you will be traveling within the downtown Denver area. The best way to prevent violent crime is to be aware of those around you while you’re out. During the night, stick to well-populated and well-lit areas.
- Keep car doors locked. Some of the highest crime types in Denver are property crime and car theft. So what does this mean for you as a traveler? If you’re going to be renting a vehicle, you should remember to lock your doors and avoid leaving anything valuable in it. If you can, try to park in parking garages or lots that have security.
- Never walk alone at night. Most people enjoy the nightlife scene. If you have plans to stay out late while in Denver, make sure that you have someone with you. If you are alone, avoid walking and instead call a rideshare service. If you must walk, the best way to protect yourself against crime is by staying away from alleys and areas that are poorly lit.
- Keep your hotel room locked. Always keep your hotel room locked while you’re gone, and never keep valuables out in the open. The best place for valuables that you must leave behind in a hotel room is a safe.
- Familiarize yourself with Denver. Before you travel to Denver, familiarize yourself with the area, especially if this is your first time traveling there. Utilize tools, including Google Maps, to help you scope out the surrounding area. Check to see whether there’s a police station or hospital located close to your hotel. Check to see whether there are any bus stops if you plan on taking public transportation.
Denver Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Denver Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What neighborhoods should I avoid while visiting Denver?
Here are some neighborhoods that are known as the most dangerous in Denver, and should be avoided at all costs:
- Stapleton
- Baker
- Five Points
- Central West Denver
- City Park
- Capitol Hill
- Auraria
Is the crime rate in Denver high?
In 2020, the crime rate in Denver was much higher than the national average.
In addition, the property crime rate was well above average as well.
The crime rate in 2020 was the highest in the city since the 1990s.
Is downtown Denver safe to walk around?
It is considered safe to walk around downtown Denver.
Yet, if you plan on walking in this area, you must always stay alert.
Just stick to the main streets in the area, including Broadway and Union Station.
Overall, if you keep your eyes open, you shouldn’t run into any safety problems.
