Is Burlington or Colchester Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colchester is safer than Burlington (Safety Score 41/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 1,975 per 100,000 versus 4,769 for Burlington — 59% lower. Burlington has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Colchester has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Burlington is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Burlington — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colchester — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Burlington, VT
Colchester, VT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Burlington | Colchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,768.8 | 1,975.4 | +2,793.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 479.1 | 215.7 | +263.4 |
| Murder Rate | 2.3 | 0.0 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 20.2 | 28.4 | -8.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 54.0 | 11.4 | +42.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 402.7 | 176.0 | +226.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,289.6 | 1,759.7 | +2,530.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 384.7 | 90.8 | +293.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,716.0 | 1,634.8 | +2,081.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 189.0 | 34.1 | +154.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington or Colchester safer?
Colchester is safer with a total crime rate of 1,975 per 100K vs 4,769 for Burlington — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Burlington has a violent crime rate of 479.1 per 100K while Colchester has 215.7. Colchester has lower violent crime.
About Burlington, VT
Burlington, Vermont, a city on Lake Champlain, is home to the Ben & Jerry's original ice cream shop. Its population is approximately 45,000, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 44,456, Burlington has a total crime rate of 4,768.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Colchester, VT
Colchester, Vermont, a town of over 20,000 residents, sits on the shores of Lake Champlain. It is home to Saint Michael's College, a Catholic liberal arts institution founded in 1904. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 17,617, Colchester has a total crime rate of 1,975.4 per 100,000 residents.