The Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Denver With Highest Crime Rate (2023)

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a city that boasts a diverse range of attractions, from a thriving business environment and a vibrant culinary scene to an exciting nightlife and a plethora of safe residential areas. However, like any other major city, some neighbourhoods in Denver have higher crime rates and should be avoided. Despite being relatively safe, Denver still has some areas that are considered dangerous. In this article, we will look at the ten neighbourhoods that rank as the worst in terms of safety in Denver.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Denver

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is known to be the most perilous neighborhood in Denver despite being a hub for art, culture, and history aficionados. It is a popular tourist destination, but visitors should be wary of the area’s high crime rate. With a population of 21,726, Capitol Hill has a staggering crime rate that is 431% higher than the national average. As a result, few hotels in the area are recommended, and property crime is rampant. Although violent crimes also occur in the neighborhood, burglaries, theft, and vehicle theft are the most common crimes.

City Park

City Park, located in Denver, is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the area due to its alarming crime rate. With a population of 8,202, this neighborhood has a crime rate that is 285% higher than the average rate for the state of Colorado. It’s important for residents and visitors to be aware of the high crime rate in City Park and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

City Park is a picturesque locality that houses the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, despite some safety concerns. While most residents do not report any crime, unsuspecting tourists may fall prey to theft, which is the most common type of crime in the area. Petty theft is a concern, but overall, City Park is a peaceful neighborhood.

Stapleton

Stapleton, a neighborhood in Denver, is known for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the city. With a population of 19,385, Stapleton’s crime rate is 277% higher than the national average, and it has a higher incidence of violent crimes than other neighborhoods in Denver. Shockingly, there have been 19 shooting incidents recorded in 2022 and 1,400 other incidents in this neighborhood alone. However, despite the alarming crime statistics, property crime is still the most common type of crime reported. Despite all this, residents report feeling relatively safe in Stapleton, with no reported instances of feeling unsafe while using public transportation or traveling on foot.

Central West Denver

Central West is a bustling neighborhood in Denver, with a population of 50,475 and a vibrant cultural scene. However, it is also known to be one of the most dangerous areas in the city. The overall crime rate in Central West is a staggering 8,412 per 100,000, which is a shocking 158% higher than the average rate in Colorado. Property crimes and petty theft are the most common types of crime in this area, with car and home break-ins being the primary concerns for residents. While violent crimes such as assault are not unheard of, they are relatively less frequent compared to property crimes.

Auraria

Located near the Central Business District, Auraria is a tight-knit community with a population of 799. Unfortunately, the crime rate in this area is 76% higher than the national average, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. The majority of these crimes take place after dark, and while violent crime is infrequent, petty theft and transient loitering are significant concerns. Fortunately, Auraria benefits from a strong police presence, which helps to monitor and control much of the crime in the area.

Five Points

Five Points, a historic neighborhood in Denver with a population of 16,264 residents, is considered one of the most dangerous areas in the city. Its crime rate is 52% higher than the national average, and while recent years have seen a decrease in crime, the area remains high-risk, particularly for property crime and theft. Both residents and visitors are advised against leaving cash or valuables in plain sight or in their vehicles. The danger level increases significantly at night, and violent crimes such as assault and robbery are not uncommon.

Baker

Baker is known to be one of the riskiest neighborhoods in Denver. Despite being a suburban area, this locality has an alarmingly high property crime rate. The population of Baker is just 5,795, yet its crime rate is 45% higher than the Colorado average. The majority of property crimes in Baker include theft, burglaries, and car theft. Although residents here do not feel unsafe, it is advisable not to keep valuables in plain sight.

Alamo Placita

Contrary to popular belief, Alamo Placita is not the most dangerous neighborhood in Denver. In fact, its crime rate is only slightly higher – by 13% – than the Denver average. The most prevalent crimes in the area are burglaries, car thefts, and petty offenses. It is safe to walk or take public transportation in Alamo Placita during both day and night. However, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight while traveling through the neighborhood.

Montbello

Montbello is a suburban locality located near Green Valley Ranch. With a population of 30,000, it has unfortunately experienced a high rate of property and violent crime. In 2020, there were 21 violent incidents and 56 property crimes reported in the area. Common crimes include assaults, muggings, and theft, with pickpocketing occurring in congested areas. However, it’s important to note that hotel safety in Montbello can vary greatly.

Central Business District

The Central Business District, home to around 10,000 people, is the beating economic heart of Denver. The area has a low incidence of violent crime but unfortunately, it ranks amongst the worst places in Denver for property crime, particularly petty thefts that mostly occur after dark. It’s worth being cautious when taking public transportation, especially at night and when choosing accommodation, as many hotels in the area are not recommended.

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