Is Denver or Thornton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Thornton is safer than Denver (Safety Score 18/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,114 per 100,000 versus 5,755 for Denver — 46% lower. Denver has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Thornton has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Denver is 5.0x 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
Thornton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denver, CO
Thornton, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denver | Thornton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,754.7 | 3,114.2 | +2,640.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 993.2 | 278.4 | +714.8 |
| Murder Rate | 9.8 | 1.4 | +8.5 |
| Rape Rate | 93.6 | 79.5 | +14.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 176.2 | 49.4 | +126.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 713.4 | 143.3 | +570.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,761.6 | 2,835.9 | +1,925.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 708.0 | 277.0 | +431.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,821.6 | 2,067.9 | +753.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,231.9 | 490.9 | +741.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Thornton safer?
Thornton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,114 per 100K vs 5,755 for Denver — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denver has a violent crime rate of 993.2 per 100K while Thornton has 278.4. Thornton 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 Thornton, CO
Thornton, a northern Denver suburb, began as a post-WWII housing boom community. It spans parts of Adams and Weld counties, with a diverse, family-oriented population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 145,847, Thornton has a total crime rate of 3,114.2 per 100,000 residents.