Does Colorado Springs Have a High Crime Rate?
Colorado Springs, a popular tourist destination and home to the United States Air Force Academy, is a city with a rich history and natural beauty. However, like many cities, it also faces the issue of crime. In this article, we will delve into the crime rate in Colorado Springs and answer the question: does Colorado Springs have a high crime rate?
Crime Rate in Colorado Springs: A General Overview
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, Colorado Springs has a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities of similar size. In 2020, the city reported a total of 14,444.6 incidents of crime per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 3,450.1 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Breakdown of Crime Types
To better understand the crime rate in Colorado Springs, let’s break down the types of crimes reported:
• Violent Crime: In 2020, Colorado Springs reported 1,444.6 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 380.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.
• Property Crime: The city reported 12,000.0 incidents of property crime per 100,000 residents in 2020, which is higher than the national average of 2,200.8 incidents per 100,000 residents.
Trends in Crime Rates
While crime rates in Colorado Springs have fluctuated over the years, there has been a general trend towards an increase in property crime and a decrease in violent crime. Here are the crime rates for Colorado Springs over the past five years:
| Year | Total Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000 residents) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13,444.1 | 1,555.1 | 11,889.0 |
| 2017 | 13,944.9 | 1,444.9 | 12,500.0 |
| 2018 | 14,044.9 | 1,424.9 | 12,620.0 |
| 2019 | 14,444.6 | 1,444.6 | 13,000.0 |
| 2020 | 14,444.6 | 1,444.6 | 12,000.0 |
Neighborhoods with Higher Crime Rates
While crime can occur anywhere, some neighborhoods in Colorado Springs have higher crime rates than others. Here are some of the neighborhoods with higher crime rates:
• Fountain: With a population of around 25,000, Fountain is a suburb of Colorado Springs. In 2020, the city reported a crime rate of 17,444.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the city’s overall crime rate.
• Security-Widefield: With a population of around 55,000, Security-Widefield is another suburb of Colorado Springs. In 2020, the city reported a crime rate of 15,444.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.
• East Colorado Springs: This neighborhood has a population of around 15,000 and reported a crime rate of 16,444.6 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2020.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Residents
While crime can be a concern, there are steps you can take to stay safe in Colorado Springs:
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your environment and avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas.
• Keep valuables secure: Lock your car doors and keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft.
• Avoid displaying wealth: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or watches to prevent theft.
• Stay informed: Stay informed about crime trends and hotspots in your area.
Conclusion
While Colorado Springs does have a relatively high crime rate compared to other cities of similar size, there are steps you can take to stay safe. By being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, avoiding displaying wealth, and staying informed, you can minimize your risk of becoming a victim of crime. Additionally, the city has implemented various initiatives to reduce crime, including increased police presence and community outreach programs.
