Is Colorado Springs or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Colorado Springs (Safety Score 20/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Colorado Springs — 29% lower. Colorado Springs has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Colorado Springs is 16.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colorado Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colorado Springs, CO
Lafayette, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colorado Springs | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,167.1 | 2,953.2 | +1,213.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 718.3 | 272.7 | +445.6 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 0.0 | +7.7 |
| Rape Rate | 101.3 | 62.4 | +38.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 77.5 | 19.7 | +57.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 529.0 | 190.5 | +338.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,448.8 | 2,680.5 | +768.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 529.8 | 489.5 | +40.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,227.4 | 1,951.3 | +276.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 691.6 | 239.8 | +451.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado Springs or Lafayette safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100K vs 4,167 for Colorado Springs — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colorado Springs has a violent crime rate of 718.3 per 100K while Lafayette has 272.7. Lafayette has lower violent crime.
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.
About Lafayette, CO
Lafayette, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits in southeastern Boulder County. Its rich history and proximity to Boulder and Denver attract a diverse mix of residents. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 30,442, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 2,953.2 per 100,000 residents.