Is Denver or Golden Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Golden is safer than Denver (Safety Score 28/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 56% lower. Denver has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Denver is 35.8x 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
Golden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Golden, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Golden | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 2,510.8 | +3,244.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 123.8 | +869.4 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 0.0 | +9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 5.0 | +88.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 14.9 | +161.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 104.0 | +609.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 2,387.0 | +2,374.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 252.6 | +455.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 1,832.3 | +989.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 302.1 | +929.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Golden safer?
Golden is safer with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Golden has 123.8. Golden 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 Golden, CO
Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is home to Coors Brewery, a major employer since 1873. This historic city, with a population around 20,000, sits along Clear Creek, just west of Denver. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 20,193, Golden has a total crime rate of 2,510.8 per 100,000 residents.