Is Boulder or Colorado Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boulder is safer than Colorado Springs (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Colorado Springs — 27% lower. Boulder has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boulder has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Colorado Springs is 4.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boulder — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colorado Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Colorado Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 4,167.1 | -1,111.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 718.3 | -396.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 7.7 | -7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 101.3 | -66.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 77.5 | -32.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 529.0 | -286.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 3,448.8 | -715.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 529.8 | -146.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 2,227.4 | -85.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 691.6 | -483.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Colorado Springs safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 4,167 for Colorado Springs — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Colorado Springs has 718.3. Boulder has lower violent crime.
About Boulder, CO
Nestled at the base of the Flatirons, Boulder is home to a highly educated populace, with a significant portion holding advanced degrees. This university city, known for its outdoor recreation and progressive culture, sits at an elevation of 5,430 feet. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 105,195, Boulder has a total crime rate of 3,055.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Colorado Springs, CO
Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a city with a strong military presence, home to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Its population of over 480,000 residents enjoys a high desert climate. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 491,474, Colorado Springs has a total crime rate of 4,167.1 per 100,000 residents.