This amusing observation about Colorado skiers could be true. There are many world-class ski resorts in Colorado- from Aspen and Vail, to Telluride. Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains don’t just provide breathtaking landscapes. Their high altitude and dry climate create an abundance of light fluffy powder snow– the “Champagne Powder” that is appreciated by skiers from around the world.
But there’s more to Colorado than just winter sports. Colorado has the 2nd strongest economy in the US, with exciting job prospects. There is a range of growing industries here. Tourism jobs are always big due to the stunning scenery and recreational options. Even “cannabis tourism” has a niche here in CO, since recreational marijuana was made legal in 2012. But tech jobs are expanding (cybersecurity, aerospace, and biotechnology)- with over 130,000 tech jobs averaging $104k salaries. Despite Colorado’s high living costs- (5% higher than the nation) along with expensive housing (median home prices are $550k), there are great opportunities to pursue in the Centennial State. (However if you don’t like COLD winters- despite Colorado’s famously sunny days- read no further…)
“Is Colorado a safe state to live in?” you may ask, especially after an Oct 2024 WalletHub study ranked Colorado as the 7th least-safe state in the US. The study did have 15 safety indicators, (workplace safety, health risks, traffic accidents, violent crimes, etc.)- and various factor combinations can make one state seem riskier than another (e.g. CO has high property crime rates in some urban areas, whereas another state may not be as urbanized). Crime is higher in large cities like Denver, but very low in other regions such as Boulder or Longmont. Colorado ranked particularly high in healthy lifestyles, natural disaster preparedness and road safety. All these facts should be carefully studied for proper application.
So what are the top 5 safest cities in Colorado?
Brush is one of the safest cities in the northeast area of the state. It is a small city of 5,349 residents, and was named for a cattle baron in 1884, who later organized its first rodeo. It retains a small town feel with a historic downtown, but has urban accessibility to 1-76 and Highway 34. Brush’s economy is still based on agriculture and ranching. Median household incomes in Brush are around $71,845 and typical home values are $304,010, with median rents around $789/mo. Total crime in Brush is 16 per 1,000 people, lower than the national average.
Frederick, also located in northeast Colorado, is another safe city choice. Rapidly expanding from its 2020 population of 14,513, Frederick is a former mining town that has grown popular due to its comfortable commuting access to larger cities Denver, Boulder, and Longmont. In Jan 2025, median Frederick home prices were $524k, with median rents of $2,060/month, 4% higher than the national average. Crime rates here rank a little lower than Brush. Cities in this northeastern area of Colorado (e.g. Brush, Frederick, and Severance) tend to have a 13.4 % higher cost of living than the US average.
Gypsum is a small city of 6,927 residents, west of ski towns Vail and Beaver Creek. This safe living choice is especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who like hiking, fishing, camping, biking, etc. Gypsum gets its city name from the local gypsum deposits that are mined here. Median home values are around $402,052 and median rents are $1,714/mo. Overall crime in Gypsum is 31.29 per 1,000 slightly lower than the national average. However, if you dislike dealing with snow, pass on moving to Gypsum- it averages 47 inches of snow per year.
Eagle is in the midwest region of Colorado, convenient to ski meccas Vail and Beaver Creek. This city has 7,500 residents who enjoy the town’s family-friendly feel and active lifestyle- mountain biking and trail running are very popular. Eagle is more costly than the national average, with median home values of $641,564 and monthly rents of $1,652. Safety is good here, with an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, below the national average. Eagle is also no stranger to snow- it gets 51 inches of snow annually.
Fruita’s name is derived from its 1884 fruit-production past. This western city near the Utah border is now renowned for outdoor sports like mountain biking, hiking, and rafting. In Fruita, a median house costs $427,179, more expensive than the median national average of $356,585- 1 bedroom rents are $933/month. These costs make Fruita somewhat above the national average for housing and living costs. As far as safety, Fruita has proactive local enforcement, and an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Colorado?
Since the 3 most populated cities in CO are Denver (its capital), Colorado Springs, and Aurora, here’s a sampling of some safe neighborhoods from around each of these cities:
Safe Neighborhoods Around Denver
Golden Triangle This venerable old Denver neighborhood is one of Colorado’s safest neighborhoods. Living here also gives you easy access to downtown Denver. South of downtown Denver, Golden Triangle boasts the Denver Art Museum, fine-art studios, specialty stores, bistros and nightclubs. The average cost of a home in Golden Triangle is $418,600. The population of the Golden Triangle is small (1,869), and its overall property crime rate is 17.69 per 1000 residents.
LoDo, short for Lower Downtown, is a historic neighborhood of 8,519 residents, distinguished by its beautifully restored brick warehouses. This area is considered 32% safer than the state’s average with an overall crime rate is 22 per 1000 residents. LoDo is popular with young people because of its loft and studio living options, nightlife, and many restaurants and bars. Median house costs are $624,900, 1 bedroom apartments are $2,402/month.
Safe Neighborhoods Around Colorado Springs
Suburban Briargate has a 70% lower crime rate than the national average. Situated under the shadow of Pikes Peak, this upscale neighborhood is for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. This area is a favorite for military personnel due to its proximity to Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base. In 2025 home prices ranged from $450,000-$800,000- the median home price in Briargate is $515,000 and average apartment rent for a 1 bedroom is $1,573.
Black Forest is a rural forested neighborhood northeast of Colorado Springs. The lots here are large, homes are often custom, and prices are high- home prices range from $600,000 to over $1.5 million (median sold price is $1,217,500). The small 10% of renters here pay an average rent of $1,878/month. Military families like the easy commute to Peterson AFB, Schriever SFB, and the US Air Force Academy from Black Forest. While Black Forest experiences some crime, levels are below national averages. The area has wildfire risks though- the 2013 Black Forest Fire was one of Colorado’s worst wildfires.
Safe Neighborhoods Around Aurora
Meadowood is a quiet suburban enclave built in 1972, with a population of 7,127. Homes in Meadowood have a median home listing of $479k with 1 bedroom rents starting from $1,285 to $1,504. The crime rate in Meadow Wood is 906 per 100k people. Residents enjoy the area’s green spaces, outdoor activities, excellent schools, and proximity to good healthcare services.
Family-friendly suburban Tallyn’s Reach has a population of 7,044, with the median home value for a house here is $722,887 (median rents are around $2,204- though only 1% of residents are renters). Overall, crime in Tallyn’s Reach is -18.34% below the national average. Residents are proud of their natural setting among 200-year-old Ponderosa pines- they also enjoy the nearby Southlands Mall- Colorado’s largest open air shopping center.
Additional Safe Suburbs
If you check on what part of Colorado has the lowest crime rate, many safe suburbs are mentioned. Castle Rock (between Denver and Colorado Springs) tops the safest suburbs. Other low-crime suburbs are Louisville (near Boulder), Erie (between Boulder and Denver), Superior (east of Boulder), and Lone Tree, Cherry Hills Village and Highlands Ranch (south of Denver).
Here’s the safest cities, suburbs and neighborhoods in Colorado, known for their low crime and peaceful living. And if you do decide to relocate, watch out for any locals inviting you to try Colorado’s famous “Rocky Mountain Oysters”- they’re actually fried bull testicles, not oysters!
P.S. Do you want to know which areas in New Mexico and Kansas are the safest? Look for upcoming articles about their safest cities, where we’ll explore crime rates, cost of living, and best communities there.
