Is Colorado Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Whether you’re looking to enjoy Colorado’s world-famous skiing, its picturesque nature, or growing, exciting metropolitan areas, many consider Colorado to be one of the best states in the country to travel to.

Between the ski resorts in towns like Aspen and Vail and the food and nightlife scene in Denver, there are so many reasons why tourists flock to Colorado every year, and why so many others have planted roots there in recent years and made this state their home.

Before booking your trip to the Centennial State, check out this list of anything you may need to look out for to ensure your time is as safe as possible.

Warnings & Dangers in Colorado

OVERALL RISK: LOW

While Colorado’s crime rates have seen an increase in the past year, violent crime in the Centennial State remains on par with the national average. Like anywhere you go, exercise increased vigilance in places that aren’t familiar to you, and you should be just fine.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis, ridesharing apps, and public transportation are perfectly safe in Colorado. Like anywhere else, just be mindful of your surroundings and your property. When riding in taxis, ride in the back seat and keep the windows open if possible.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

While pickpocketing does happen, especially in urban areas, it isn’t something you need to spend time worrying about. Just stay mindful of your surroundings and property, don’t flash valuable items, and don’t leave your bags and belongings unattended. Keep in mind you are much more likely to encounter pick-pocketing than any violent crime.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Weather in Colorado can be unpredictable and sometimes even violent. Winters are subject to severe snowstorms, while Summers can see flash floods, tornadoes, and extreme hailstorms. Monitor the weather closely during your trip and stay indoors during severe weather watches and warnings. If you are outdoors or away from your hotel during a severe weather alert, then seek shelter immediately.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Colorado’s urban areas are very safe, and armed robberies are rare. With that being said, like anywhere else, don’t walk late at night, and stay close to other people whenever possible. To minimize risk, don't leave your hotel with any important documents or carry excessive amounts of cash.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Colorado has had two tragic mass shooting incidents in the past decade: The Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting in 2010 and another shooting in Boulder in 2021. Despite these two isolated incidents, Colorado does not have any ongoing security threats.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Panhandlers and scammers are unfortunately a problem wherever you go, but you won’t find them in Colorado as commonly as in other places. Any scams you will encounter here can be avoided by not engaging in pointless conversations with strangers. Before traveling to Colorado, research what local scams you may encounter during your trip.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

By following basic safety and precautionary measures, women solo travelers should feel perfectly safe traveling through Colorado. If possible, don't walk alone at night, don't wander into any poorly lit areas, and if you feel threatened, call 911 immediately.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Colorado, especially its mountainous areas like Denver, has access to fresh water from the state’s large amounts of snowmelt. On top of that, tap water is treated and well-regulated, so you should have no worries about drinking or using it.

Safest Places to Visit in Colorado

Fortunately, travelers do not need to compare the safety between different places in Colorado, because across the board, everywhere is safe.

Telluride’s crime rate is well below the national average, and on top of being safe, visiting this lovely town will give you access to some of the best skiing, golfing, and nature that the state has to offer.

Vail is also an incredibly safe option for those who are traveling for the state’s famous skiing, making it the perfect place for beginner and first-time skiers to try out the slopes.

Or, if you’re traveling to enjoy the beautiful cities that Colorado has to offer, then you’ll find you have very little to worry about as long as you act accordingly to basic safety measures.

Places to Avoid in Colorado

While Colorado has some of the safest and most beautiful areas in the country, like everywhere else, it has its fair share of spots that should be avoided.

Cities and towns like Glendale, Alamosa, and Sheridan have violent crime rates that are above the national average.

However, since these cities are very small, you should keep in mind that any crime that occurs there will increase their per capita crime rates.

When it comes to cities and urban areas throughout the state, you should also keep in mind that these too have neighborhoods you should avoid.

For example, petty crime, mugging, and gun violence rates in Denver’s Five Points and Park Hill neighborhoods are well above the national average.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Colorado

So... How Safe Is Colorado Really?

When it’s all said and done, Colorado is a travel destination that is as safe as it is beautiful and full of adventure.

Sure, its big cities have areas that people unfamiliar with Colorado should avoid, and outdoor activities come with inherent natural hazards, but every danger you’ll encounter in the state can be avoided by following basic safety precautions.

If you do your research ahead of time on what neighborhoods should be avoided if you venture into cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, you will find these cities to be very pleasant and welcoming.

Similarly, if you follow your guide’s instructions and pay attention to the weather on your excursions, you will get to enjoy the natural beauty that makes this state so famous to the fullest.

As for the rest of the state, just remember the safety tips mentioned in the list above, keep your wits about you, and you should be just fine.

Stay out of dimly lit areas, don’t accept any unsolicited help or items from strangers, and don’t leave the hotel with any important documents unless it’s necessary.

If you keep these in mind, your trip to Colorado is sure to be a safe and pleasant one.

How Does Colorado Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Unless your home country is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Typically, travelers will require either a B-1 visa if they are traveling for business or a B-2 visa if they are traveling for leisure. Please consult usembassy.gov for specific requirements for traveling to the United States from your home country.

Currency

Like most countries, the best way to exchange currency upon arrival to the United States is through a currency exchange desk at the airport. The Denver International Airport has three World Wide Money Exchange Locations: one in terminal A, one in terminal B, and one in the Jeppesen Terminal.

Weather

Colorado’s weather can vary wildly depending on when you choose to travel. Winters are often cold and snowy, while summers are hot and dry. Even throughout the day, the weather can change dramatically, so be sure to monitor weather forecasts carefully in the days leading up to your trip.

Airports

If you are flying into Colorado, then you are probably going to fly into Denver International Airport, which is by far the largest airport in the state. However, if you are traveling to Colorado for skiing, then you may want to consider flying into Vail, which is serviced by its airport.

Travel Insurance

Accidents can and do happen. The best way to protect yourself wherever you travel is to buy travel insurance. This way, you can enjoy the ease of mind if you choose to cancel your trip or if something should happen while you are traveling.

Colorado Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Colorado - Safety by City