Is Boulder or Denver Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boulder is safer than Denver (Safety Score 19/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 47% 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: Denver is 6.9x 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
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boulder | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,055.3 | 5,754.7 | -2,699.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 322.3 | 993.2 | -670.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 9.8 | -9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 35.2 | 93.6 | -58.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 176.2 | -131.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.4 | 713.4 | -471.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,733.0 | 4,761.6 | -2,028.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 383.1 | 708.0 | -324.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,141.7 | 2,821.6 | -679.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 208.2 | 1,231.9 | -1,023.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulder or Denver safer?
Boulder is safer with a total crime rate of 3,055 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boulder has a violent crime rate of 322.3 per 100K while Denver has 993.2. 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 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.