Wheat Ridge, CO Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wheat Ridge, CO

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Wheat Ridge is 135.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 130 violent crimes reported in Wheat Ridge, equivalent to 393 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 6.2%. Additionally, Wheat Ridge recorded 1681 property crimes, amounting to 5078 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 159.8%.

In Wheat Ridge, the crime rate stands at 5471 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 135.38%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Wheat Ridge that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Wheat Ridge maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 393 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Wheat Ridge shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

In the latest reported crime year, Wheat Ridge recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

With a property crime rate of 5078 crimes per 100,000 people, Wheat Ridge unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Wheat Ridge is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 20, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

With a total of 397 vehicle thefts last year, Wheat Ridge has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1199 per 100,000 people. This lands Wheat Ridge in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 84.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wheat Ridge?

AreaVibes surveyed 25 local residents in Wheat Ridge to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 64% of people answered that there was very little crime in Wheat Ridge and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 36% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Wheat Ridge a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Wheat Ridge, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Wheat Ridge presents a total crime rate that is 135% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Wheat Ridge experiences an average of 4.96 daily crimes, comprising 0.36 violent incidents and 4.61 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Wheat Ridge Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Wheat Ridge has decreased by 15.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Wheat Ridge is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 24.9%, while property crime has decreased by 14.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Wheat Ridge.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wheat Ridge

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Wheat Ridge crime rates. The population density in Wheat Ridge is 3412.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Wheat Ridge is $426,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Wheat Ridge, the average monthly rent stands at $1,164, while the national average is $949 per month.

Wheat Ridge crime map