Janice R. Andrews
Colorado is included in the most recent edition of U.S. News & World Report, albeit not for reasons that the Centennial State would be pleased with. Colorado has secured the enviable third position on the list of the 10 most hazardous states in America, according to the respected publication’s annual survey.
The research, which was released on Thursday, examined a number of measures pertaining to the incidence of property and violent crimes in each of the 50 states. The main reason Colorado ranks so high on this list is because of its astronomical incidence of property crime, which includes crimes like auto theft, larceny, and burglary.
The study provides insights up to 2022 and serves as a picture of current patterns in criminal behavior across the country, drawing data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. Based on these results, Colorado has a violent crime rate of 492 occurrences per 100,000 people, which is about average compared to other top 10 states. According to the research, violent crimes cover a wide range of offenses, including rape, robbery, serious assault, and even murder and non-negligent manslaughter.
But what really makes Colorado unique is its startlingly high property crime rate—3,148 instances per 100,000 residents—which is the second highest in the country. Colorado is surpassed in this way only by the state of Washington, with 3,356 documented instances per
When one looks more closely at the data, one finds that a sizable amount of Colorado’s property crime is related to locally stolen autos. Such occurrences cost the state an astounding $544,995,284 in 2022 alone, illustrating the financial toll that pervasive criminal behavior has on society.
The implications of these findings are significant since Colorado, although being the 16th greatest state overall, is ranked as the third most hazardous state in the country due to its high rate of property crimes.
Amid the grim figures, there is a ray of optimism for those worried about safety within Colorado’s boundaries. The Centennial State has the fourth-best economy and the fifth-best education system in the country, despite its unimpressive safety rating.
In contrast to the report’s conclusions, it’s critical to acknowledge the preventative steps and resources that may be taken to address these alarming trends, as well as the collaborative efforts of local governments and communities to create safer settings for all citizens.
The larger discussion goes beyond statistics rankings as Colorado works through the difficulties of resolving its safety issues. It includes a shared resolve to put safety first, strengthen security protocols, and foster a robust and vibrant community for future generations.
