Looking for a safe Colorado locale?
Welcome to Colorado! The Centennial State has long been a popular tourist destination due to the beautiful Rocky Mountains and winter activities. Many residents are proud to call the state home, and people move there every year for its scenic views, not to mention its famous sports teams, educational institutes, and overall quality of life.
Ready to move to a high altitude with a snow-capped mountain view on your drive to work or to your dream retirement spot? Take a look at our list of the 10 safest cities in Colorado.
1. Frederick
Quiet, historic town with low crime costs
Crime Rate Comparison: 76th percentile for safety (safer than 76% of cities)
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 16.46, Violent: 2.128, Property: 7.981
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $787/$267
Frederick is a small town located in Weld County, north of Denver. Originating as a coal mining community, Frederick honors its history with an annual Miners Day Celebration. Frederick is certainly a safe choice for anyone looking to move to Colorado.
2. Severance
Quiet Growth, Strong Safety
Crime Rate Comparison: 67th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 18.88, Violent: 2.174, Property: 11.02
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $868/$301
Nestled in northern Colorado, Severance is a safe city thanks to low violent crime and proactive community policing. Add in a blend of small-town calm with growing suburban appeal, and enjoy this smart pick for families seeking space and security.
3. Johnstown
Fast-growing and family-oriented with decent crime control
Crime Rate Comparison: 54th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 25.30, Violent: 2.638, Property: 15.09
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,161/$408
Located in northern Colorado, Johnstown is a small town in Weld and Lamar counties. The city’s population has nearly doubled in the past decade, with more residents arriving every year. Priding itself on its sense of community, Johnstown enjoys festivities such as an annual barbecue day and the winter Johnstown Jingle.
4. Windsor
Family-friendly with a focus on green industry
Crime Rate Comparison: 51st percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 23.69, Violent: 2.413, Property: 13.62
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $897/$341
This northern Colorado town, Windsor, still prides itself on its green industries, including recycling, ethanol production and wind turbine manufacturing. Windsor is a safe, progressive city to call home.
5. Erie
Balanced suburban living with moderate safety
Crime Rate Comparison: 49th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 24.35, Violent: 2.930, Property: 11.04
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,155/$396
Erie is a growing town located in Boulder and Weld counties. Like many older Colorado towns, Erie’s roots are in the coal mining industry. Fast-forward, Erie is now an affluent Denver suburb. Despite growth, Erie is committed to preserving the beautiful natural environment around it, with more than 1,100 acres dedicated to open space.
6. Milliken
Blue-collar roots with balanced safety metrics
Crime Rate Comparison: 42nd percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 26.68, Violent: 2.635, Property: 14.97
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,285/$441
Located in Weld County, Milliken has a history of perseverance, going from a struggling trading post in the late 1800s to a booming town that prides itself on kindness and diversity. Milliken is home to many parks, and not just ones with trees; the Hillsboro Skate Park welcomes all bikers and skaters!
7. Fruita
Safe, scenic, and steadily watched
Crime Rate Comparison: 42nd percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 26.72, Violent: 3.693, Property: 13.64
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,143/$427
Located in western Colorado, Fruita offers small-town charm with steady safety metrics. From the Dinosaur Journey Museum to the James M. Robb State Park, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Fruita remains a solid choice for those seeking peace of mind near Colorado’s red rock beauty.
8. Eaton
Rural, affordable, and relatively safe
Crime Rate Comparison: 30th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 31.71, Violent: 4.457, Property: 18.33
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,335/$481
Eaton is another small town in the Weld County region with great safety ratings. Named after Benjamin Harrison Eaton, an irrigation pioneer, Eaton and its surrounding farmland still depend on its namesake’s irrigation techniques. Want a break from the farm life? Try a hot air balloon ride, where you can see the beautiful Colorado scenery for miles.
9. Castle Rock
Safe living with big perks
Crime Rate Comparison: 26th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 34.02, Violent: 2.678, Property: 21.92
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,214/$431
Castle Rock combines scenic charm with suburban convenience. Despite rapid growth, it maintains a strong safety record with low violent crime and community-focused law enforcement. Residents enjoy excellent access to parks, schools, and shopping. Castle Rock is a well-rounded choice for families and professionals alike.
10. Louisville
Artsy, outdoorsy, and somewhat secure
Crime Rate Comparison: 13th percentile for safety
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents): Overall: 44.98, Violent: 3.530, Property: 23.76
Most Common Crime: Theft
Cost of Crime Per Household/Per Resident: $1,449/$557
Louisville is a former coal-mining city located in Boulder County. In addition to its low crime rates, the city takes pride in its arts community, strong school system, and excellent restaurants. Committed to preserving the natural space around it, Louisville has 1,700 acres of open space for trails and parks.
The Bottom Line
Colorado’s safest cities aren’t just numbers—they're communities where crime costs stay low, quality of life runs high, and local pride is strong. Whether you want quiet suburbs or artsy mountain towns, there's a safe option for every lifestyle.
The "Safest Cities" series evaluates and ranks the safest cities in each U.S. state using crime data from the FBI and state databases. Our analysis considers population size, violent and nonviolent crime rates, the most common crime, and comparisons to national and state averages. Violent crimes include homicide, assault, robbery, and sexual assault, while nonviolent crimes encompass burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offenses. Each city’s safety score is weighted, emphasizing violent crimes. Data inconsistencies and reporting variations are acknowledged as limitations. This analysis aims to help individuals and families make informed decisions about where to live.
Other Colorado Resources
Your Complete Guide to Moving to Fort Collins, CO
Best Suburbs Surrounding Greeley, Colorado
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The 10 Best Places to Retire in Colorado
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Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.