Is Denver or Seattle Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Denver is safer than Seattle (Safety Score 2/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,755 per 100,000 versus 5,783 for Seattle — 0% lower. Denver has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Seattle has a 30% lower rate.
Denver — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Seattle — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Seattle, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 5,783.1 | -28.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 775.5 | +217.7 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 6.8 | +3.0 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 46.3 | +47.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 220.6 | -44.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 501.3 | +212.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 5,007.6 | -246.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 1,152.0 | -444.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 2,882.0 | -60.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 973.6 | +258.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Seattle safer?
Denver is safer with a total crime rate of 5,755 per 100K vs 5,783 for Seattle — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Seattle has 775.5. Seattle 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 Seattle, WA
Seattle, a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly grunge, which emerged here. Situated on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it’s home to a diverse population with a strong tech industry presence. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 760,058, Seattle has a total crime rate of 5,783.1 per 100,000 residents.