Is Arvada or Denver Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Arvada is safer than Denver (Safety Score 23/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,765 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 52% lower. Arvada has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Arvada has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Denver is 6.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Arvada — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Arvada, CO
Denver, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Arvada | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,765.3 | 5,754.7 | -2,989.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 286.4 | 993.2 | -706.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 20.8 | 93.6 | -72.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.5 | 176.2 | -129.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 218.3 | 713.4 | -495.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,478.9 | 4,761.6 | -2,282.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 343.7 | 708.0 | -364.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,760.0 | 2,821.6 | -1,061.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 375.2 | 1,231.9 | -856.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvada or Denver safer?
Arvada is safer with a total crime rate of 2,765 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Arvada has a violent crime rate of 286.4 per 100K while Denver has 993.2. Arvada has lower violent crime.
About Arvada, CO
Arvada, CO, a Denver suburb, boasts a rich agricultural past, once known for its "Celery Capital of the World" status. The city spans both Jefferson and Adams counties, with a population exceeding 120,000. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 120,456, Arvada has a total crime rate of 2,765.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Denver, CO
Denver, the "Mile High City," sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, a hub of Western expansion since its 1858 founding during the Gold Rush. This rapidly growing city is home to a diverse population of over 700,000 residents. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 722,031, Denver has a total crime rate of 5,754.7 per 100,000 residents.