The 15 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Denver, CO

Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It’s called the Mile High City and is located along the Rocky Mountain Front Range, so the scenery is beautiful. Denver has a strong economy and a lot of appealing elements to life there, including the beautiful weather.

According to FBI statistics, City Park, Capitol Hill, Central Park, Jefferson Park, and Montbello are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. These localities consistently score highest in both violent and property crimes per capita, with rates ranging from 56 to 128 percent greater than the rest of Denver. Central West Denver, Highland, and Northern Denver are also places to avoid.

Along with crime rates, some of the factors that can play a role in the quality of a neighborhood include median household income and the median home prices. Follow along as we explore the 15 most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver, CO.

As the name indicates, the City Park neighborhood is adjacent to Denver’s best park, so there are perks to living there, including the expansive green space.

There are also a lot of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, but City Park has a total crime rate that’s 306% higher than the national average. Around 66% of City Park residents are renters, and 34% are owners. Despite the above-average crime, the median home value in the City Park neighborhood is exceptionally high at $536,416, and the median rent is $1,149.

According to FBI records, there were a total of 12,547 crimes reported in City Park during the 2020 calendar year. Murder and auto theft were among the crimes committed.

There were 2,002 violent offenses and 10,545 property crimes in total. These figures are huge compared to a population of 8,202 people; the crime rate is quite high.

Capitol Hill is one of the most densely populated Denver neighborhoods. There’s a lot of history in the neighborhood, like the Molly Brown House. There are numerous cafes and dining options in the neighborhood, but unfortunately, the crime rate is higher than Denver as a whole. Violent crime is 351% higher than the national average, with property crime 295% higher.

The average sale price of a home in Capitol Hill, despite the high crime, is around $330,000. The average rent in the neighborhood is lower than many other areas in the city, at $1,150. Capitol Hill has a lot of professionals who call the neighborhood home, but it’s important to lock up your valuables and be careful when walking there at night, especially alone.

For the 2020 calendar year, there have been a total of 12,447 crimes reported in Capitol Hill. Murder, assault, rape, auto theft, burglary, and other property-related crimes are among them.

Property crime also outnumbers violent crime by a large margin. 1,983 violent offenses and 10,464 property crimes were reported. All of this happened in a neighborhood with a population of 21,726 people.

Central Park is a Denver neighborhood once known as Stapleton. It is east of downtown Denver, and it’s located at the former site of the Stapleton International Airport. It’s the biggest residential neighborhood within the city of Denver.

There are 12 subdivisions that are part of Central Park and a combination of public and private schools, pools, and shopping and business districts. The Central Park neighborhood connects to the Denver Metro via commuter rail service.

In total, 8,842 crimes were committed in Central Park in 2020. These offenses include both violent and nonviolent crimes.

Property crimes outnumbered violent crimes. There were a total of 7,973 property offenses reported, but only 869 violent incidents. This is, nonetheless, a higher crime rate in a population of 19,385 people.

Jefferson Park is often described as an up-and-coming neighborhood, and there’s a lot of current residential and commercial development going on. West Highland and Highland neighbor it. Jefferson Park is near downtown and offers more affordable housing.

The crime in Jefferson Park is 181% higher than the national average, and violent crime is 100% higher than the U.S. average. You have a 1 in 15 chance of becoming a victim in Jefferson Park.

While Jefferson Park is a more affordable alternative to some other nearby neighborhoods, the median home value is still $525,249, and the median rent is $1308. Most people in the neighborhood rent, and only 24% of residents are homeowners.

In the 2020 calendar year, there were a total of 8,714 reported crimes, according to FBI records. Murder and property theft were among the crimes committed.

Property crimes outnumbered violent crimes. There were 878 violent crimes and 7,836 property crimes reported per capita, and those are extremely high numbers for a neighborhood of 5,554 people.

This neighborhood, which has a population of over 30,000 people, is plagued by violent and nonviolent crime. According to the Denver Crime Post, there were 21 reported violent crime incidents and 56 property crime incidents in June 2020 alone.

In this neighborhood, a police patrol is made of concrete. Petty theft has been reported in Montbello, making pickpocketing and mugging commonplace in congested areas.

The safety of public transit is likewise compromised. Visitors and travelers should keep their belongings and cash close at hand. The hotel recommendations are extremely disparate, with an average of 50% recommended for Denver security.

This neighborhood had a total of 11,817 reported crimes. This comprised a wide range of offenses, from murder to theft. According to FBI figures, 1,872 violent crimes and 9,945 property crimes were committed.

Central West Denver isn’t a cheap neighborhood, with a cost of living that’s 7% more expensive than the U.S. average. At the same time, it does have some crime issues. For example, crime in Central West Denver is 173% higher than the average in the U.S., and the chance of being a crime victim is 1 in 15.

The household income is 21% lower than the rest of Colorado, and the income per capita in the neighborhood is $26,434, lower than the U.S. average. The median home value is lower than Colorado’s at $245,607, and the median rent price is only $883. Unfortunately, the high school graduation rate in the neighborhood is 24% lower than the state’s average.

In total, 8,412 crimes were committed in Central West Denver in 2020. These offenses include both violent and nonviolent crimes.

Property crimes outnumbered violent crimes. There were a total of 6,703 property offenses reported and 1,709 violent incidents. This is, nonetheless, a higher crime rate in a population of 50,475 people.

This is Denver’s slum district. In the 1990s, this neighborhood was plagued by crime complaints, owing to its various seedy sections. It is expected to minimize the number of reports it produces, as it now has only 15,265 personnel. The cops have been very active in their response.

Walking or riding for exploration is only done during the day in this area. Tourists and women traveling alone are less safe at night. Public transportation is associated with fewer crime complaints, which inevitably leads to a reduction in small theft such as cash mugging. This is still not one of Denver’s more family-friendly neighborhoods.

In total, 8,009 crimes were committed in Highland. These offenses include both violent and nonviolent crimes. In 2020, property crimes outnumbered violent crimes.

There were a total of 7,212 property offenses reported, but only 797 violent incidents. This is, nonetheless, a high crime rate in a population of 15,265 people.

There are a few different names Northern Denver goes by, including the North Side and North Denver. Several neighborhoods are part of the larger North Side of Denver, including Sloan’s Lake, West Highland, and Berkeley.

The total crime in Northern Denver is 123% higher than the National Average, with violent crime rates that are 224% higher. This part of the city has 64% more crime than the rest of Denver.

Northern Denver, which has a population of 5,549 people, had a total of 8,412 reported crimes in the 2020 calendar year. Murder, rape, assault, property theft, and auto theft are all examples of these crimes.

Around that time, there were fewer violent crimes than property crimes. Property crimes accounted for 6,703 per capita, while violent crimes accounted for 1,709.

The income per capita is lower than the U.S. average at $26,057, and the home value is 15% lower than in Colorado. The homeownership rate is only 54%, which is 16% lower than the average in the rest of the U.S. High school graduation rates in Northern Denver are 19% lower than in Colorado.

The population of this area is only 11,380 people. Despite having a livability rating of 78 percent, Alamo Placita has a crime rate that is 13 percent higher than the Denver average, adding to the reasons for it being one of Denver’s worst neighborhoods.

The patrolling officers don’t appear to be taking full responsibility for the crimes. It’s reassuring to see that these criminals are specific and don’t hang around in dark places at night. Even for females traveling alone, wandering, and exploring past daytime on foot/bike is safe. Because incidents on public transportation are not reported, it is safe to believe that they are safe.

For the 2020 calendar year, there have been a total of 6,783 crimes reported in Alamo Placita. Murder, assault, rape, auto theft, burglary, and other property-related crimes are among them.

Property crime also outnumbers violent crime by a large margin. 580 violent offenses and 6,203 property crimes were reported.

Auraria is a Denver neighborhood with a total crime rate around 101% higher than the national average. It’s in central Denver, to the west of downtown Denver.

At one point in Denver’s history, Auraria was a thriving community, but many say it never fully recovered from a flood in 1864. While crime rates are high, the cost of living is also high. For example, the median home value is $500,000, and the median rent is $1,250.

Auraria does have an urban feel, and there are some appealing things about calling the neighborhood home, despite the crime. For example, it’s popular among young professionals, and there are also a number of parks, coffee shops, and restaurants.

In Auraria, there were a total of 6,126 crimes reported in 2020. Murder and rape were among the offenses committed, as were burglary and property theft.

Property crimes outweighed violent crimes at this time. Per capita, there were 5,172 property crimes and 955 violent crimes reported.

Baker is a Denver neighborhood with a 30-block historic district. The historic district designation for the Baker Historic District was granted in 2000. There is a wide range of home prices in Baker.

For example, home prices range from $390,000 to $875,000, while to rent, you might find yourself paying a low of $850 up to a high of $3500 a month. The neighborhood has light rail access, which makes it convenient.

Unfortunately, the crime rate in this historic Denver neighborhood is relatively high. The total crime rate is 389% higher than the national average, with property crime 427% higher. You have a 1 in 9 chance of being a victim of crime in the Baker neighborhood.

This neighborhood had a total of 4,729 reported crimes. This comprised a wide range of offenses, from murder to theft. According to FBI figures, 737 violent crimes and 3,992 property crimes were committed.

This area has a population of 28,587 residents and a livability rating of 68 percent. The total crime rate of Park Hill is 3,282 per 100,000 population, with property crimes accounting for the majority of reported crimes. This neighborhood saw some gang violence and drive-by shootings in the early 2000s. Not one of the best places to stay in Denver, it appears.

Recently, there has been a lot of gang activity, although it isn’t overpowering. The neighborhood offenders/gangsters, on the other hand, are on pins and needles as a result of the police patrol. Females and guests can safely explore during the day and at night.

A total of 4,491 offenses were reported in 2020. Murder, rape, car theft, and burglary were among the crimes committed. There were 767 violent crimes and 3,724 property crimes reported per capita out of this total.

This densely packed neighborhood, which has 123,093 residents, is one of Denver’s high-crime districts, with numerous theft incidents. Although there is a police presence, it is not as substantial as it once was. Because the neighborhood is not particularly walkable, female travelers traveling alone will find it difficult to get around at night. They don’t attach to a group, though.

Most scenarios advise against taking the bus because cash and personal items are rarely secure. The safety of surrounding hotels is also a concern. The crime rate in southwest Denver is 20% higher than the national average.

In Southwestern Denver, there were a total of 4,247 crimes reported in 2020. Murder and rape were among the offenses committed, as were burglary and property theft.

Property crimes outweighed violent crimes at this time. Per capita, there were 3,499 property crimes and 748 violent crimes reported.

Five Points is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, and it’s on the northeast side of the city’s central business district. Five Points was once the home of many of the leaders of Denver.

However, in the 1950s through the 1990s, Five Points started to decline, with residents moving to newer homes in the suburbs. While there have been efforts to redevelop Five Points, it’s remained one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver.

Some of the redevelopment efforts of Five Points have been successful, with wealthier residents moving in, raising the median household income. There are pockets of Five Points that are considered trendy and up-and-coming for residents, and then more dangerous areas. The violent crime rate in Five Points is 672% higher than the national average, and the property crime rate is 392% higher.

This neighborhood had a total of 3,559 reported crimes. This comprised a wide range of offenses, from murder to theft. According to FBI figures, 554 violent crimes and 3,004 property crimes were committed.

This neighborhood has a rust belt vibe about it. Crime is rising because of the growth in bars, drunk driving, fights, and stabbings. This is one of the Denver neighborhoods to stay away from.

In this community, there isn’t much of a police presence. Larimer Street, 20th & Lawrence, the Solera, and 2020 Lawrence are all good places to visit, especially if you’re a female traveler on your own. Residents don’t fail to report the high number of bike thefts in this area.

Lodo, which has a population of 8,519 people, had a total of 2,203 reported crimes in the 2020 calendar year. Murder, rape, assault, property theft, and auto theft are all examples of these crimes.

Around that time, there were more violent crimes than property crimes. Property crimes accounted for 1,859 per capita, while violent crimes accounted for 343.