Is Denver or Fort Collins Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Collins is safer than Denver (Safety Score 30/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 58% lower. Denver has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Fort Collins has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Denver is 4.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Fort Collins — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Fort Collins | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 2,429.2 | +3,325.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 273.9 | +719.3 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 1.8 | +8.1 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 22.9 | +70.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 24.6 | +151.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 223.5 | +490.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 2,155.3 | +2,606.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 228.7 | +479.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 1,742.4 | +1,079.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 184.2 | +1,047.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Fort Collins safer?
Fort Collins is safer with a total crime rate of 2,429 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Fort Collins has 273.9. Fort Collins has lower violent crime.
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.
About Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its economy benefits from a strong craft brewing industry and a young, educated population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 170,509, Fort Collins has a total crime rate of 2,429.2 per 100,000 residents.