The Mile High City is a lively, progressive metropolis with much to offer in the way of art, food, culture, (and legal substances), and as a result, the flood of new residents continues to swell with every passing year. While it can be exhilarating to live and work in a city that remains in a constant state of flux, growth and change also come with unfortunate consequences, leading many to wonder, “Is Denver safe?” Although we live in a fairly safe city, the increase in population has also resulted in an increase in crime, which means there are some bad areas of Denver. Based on the number of offenses and crime density per square mile, here are the eight most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver.
- Lincoln Park
Wally Gobetz/Flickr Lincoln Park is not only one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, but it also has a crime rate and poverty rate that exceeds city and national averages. In May 2015, Lincoln Park already had a reported 548 offenses and a crime density of 430 per square mile, and you can bet that statistic had more than doubled by year’s end. Lincoln Park has its perks, though, including some stunning pieces of graffiti. Lincoln Park, Denver, CO 80204, USA
- Cheesman Park
Pedro Cambra/Flickr The actual park is one of the safest locations in the neighborhood. (It’s also one of the most unique parks in Denver, as it was built on top of a burial ground.) Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the surrounding area. due to the number of drug and alcohol related crimes that occur around Colfax Avenue, Cheesman Park makes the list, albeit on the lower end. Over the course of one year, there were 1,006 offenses, resulting in a crime density of 1,909 per square mile. Cheesman Park, Denver, CO, USA
- Civic Center
Wally Gobetz/Flickr Ironically, what began as part of Mayor Robert W. Speer’s City Beautiful civic improvement campaign in the early 1900s, is now one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. While Civic Center remains a stunning cultural epicenter, it’s also the widely known chosen location for the city’s homeless population, drug and alcohol users, thieves, vagrants, and the like. There were a reported 1,444 offenses in one year alone and a crime density of 4,750 per square mile. Civic Center, Denver, CO, USA
- Lower Downtown
Kent Kanouse/Flickr Another Mile High mecca for tourists, drifters, drinkers, and cool kids is the ever hip area known as LoDo. Unfortunately, the large number of people roaming the streets of Denver’s transportation hub also means an extensive number of crimes. Within one year, there were 1,575 offenses reported, with a crime density of 3,588 per square mile. Union Station, Denver, CO 80202, USA
- East Colfax
Kent Kanouse/Flickr Rather than being known for being home to the longest continuous street in America , East Colfax has a reputation for being among the bad parts of Denver to avoid - something that hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the past, Playboy magazine once called Colfax “the longest, wickedest street in America,” and if you’ve ever passed through the East section at night, you know that statement to be true. East Colfax is regarded as one of the city’s up and coming neighborhoods, but it’s also known for drugs and prostitution. Back in 2015, there were 1,827 offenses reported, with a crime density of 1,709 per square mile. East Colfax, Denver, CO, USA
- Capitol Hill
Wally Gobetz/Flickr Not only one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Cap Hill is also one of Denver’s hippest, trendiest areas to live, and there are an infinite number of cool bars, shops, restaurants and other places to see and be seen. But not surprisingly, that also makes it a hot spot for crime. Back in 2015, there were 2,232 reported offenses and a crime density of 3,302 per square mile. Capitol Hill, Denver, CO, USA
- Five Points
Kent Kanouse/Flickr Five Points is another of our city’s newly revitalized, hippest parts of town to live and hang and apparently get into trouble. It’s no longer among the worst neighborhoods in Denver, but with a crime density of 2,167 per square mile and 3,810 offenses over the course of one year, it’s most definitely a place to exercise caution. Five Points, Denver, CO, USA
- Central Business District
Wally Gobetz/Flickr With a crime density of 7,007 per square mile and 3,020 offenses in just one year, Denver’s CBD sadly reigns supreme among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. And unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard about the shootings at 16th Street Mall, which like Civic Center, attracts hoards of both tourists and vagrants, which don’t seem to mix. In the words of the honorable Edward Abbey, “When the biggest, richest, glassiest buildings in town are the banks, you know that town’s in trouble.” Interestingly enough, 16th Street has been named one of the most most beautiful streets in the world. Central Business District, Denver, CO, USA
So, did you know these were the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver? Where to you think the bad areas of Denver are? Have any opinions on the best neighborhoods near Denver? Tell us.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Lincoln Park is not only one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, but it also has a crime rate and poverty rate that exceeds city and national averages. In May 2015, Lincoln Park already had a reported 548 offenses and a crime density of 430 per square mile, and you can bet that statistic had more than doubled by year’s end. Lincoln Park has its perks, though, including some stunning pieces of graffiti.
Lincoln Park, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Pedro Cambra/Flickr
The actual park is one of the safest locations in the neighborhood. (It’s also one of the most unique parks in Denver, as it was built on top of a burial ground.) Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the surrounding area. due to the number of drug and alcohol related crimes that occur around Colfax Avenue, Cheesman Park makes the list, albeit on the lower end. Over the course of one year, there were 1,006 offenses, resulting in a crime density of 1,909 per square mile.
Cheesman Park, Denver, CO, USA
Ironically, what began as part of Mayor Robert W. Speer’s City Beautiful civic improvement campaign in the early 1900s, is now one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. While Civic Center remains a stunning cultural epicenter, it’s also the widely known chosen location for the city’s homeless population, drug and alcohol users, thieves, vagrants, and the like. There were a reported 1,444 offenses in one year alone and a crime density of 4,750 per square mile.
Civic Center, Denver, CO, USA
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Another Mile High mecca for tourists, drifters, drinkers, and cool kids is the ever hip area known as LoDo. Unfortunately, the large number of people roaming the streets of Denver’s transportation hub also means an extensive number of crimes. Within one year, there were 1,575 offenses reported, with a crime density of 3,588 per square mile.
Union Station, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Rather than being known for being home to the longest continuous street in America , East Colfax has a reputation for being among the bad parts of Denver to avoid - something that hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the past, Playboy magazine once called Colfax “the longest, wickedest street in America,” and if you’ve ever passed through the East section at night, you know that statement to be true. East Colfax is regarded as one of the city’s up and coming neighborhoods, but it’s also known for drugs and prostitution. Back in 2015, there were 1,827 offenses reported, with a crime density of 1,709 per square mile.
East Colfax, Denver, CO, USA
Not only one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Cap Hill is also one of Denver’s hippest, trendiest areas to live, and there are an infinite number of cool bars, shops, restaurants and other places to see and be seen. But not surprisingly, that also makes it a hot spot for crime. Back in 2015, there were 2,232 reported offenses and a crime density of 3,302 per square mile.
Capitol Hill, Denver, CO, USA
Five Points is another of our city’s newly revitalized, hippest parts of town to live and hang and apparently get into trouble. It’s no longer among the worst neighborhoods in Denver, but with a crime density of 2,167 per square mile and 3,810 offenses over the course of one year, it’s most definitely a place to exercise caution.
Five Points, Denver, CO, USA
With a crime density of 7,007 per square mile and 3,020 offenses in just one year, Denver’s CBD sadly reigns supreme among the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. And unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard about the shootings at 16th Street Mall, which like Civic Center, attracts hoards of both tourists and vagrants, which don’t seem to mix. In the words of the honorable Edward Abbey, “When the biggest, richest, glassiest buildings in town are the banks, you know that town’s in trouble.” Interestingly enough, 16th Street has been named one of the most most beautiful streets in the world.
Central Business District, Denver, CO, USA
Now that we’ve focused on the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver, let’s shift the focus to something much happier – the best neighborhoods near Denver!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Denver May 12, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo Where is the creepiest town near Denver? The places to avoid in and around the city don’t end with the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. There’s also Gilman, the creepiest ghost town near Denver. At one time, it was a flourishing town with several businesses; however, everything came to a sudden halt in 1984, when it was deemed inhabitable by the EPA due to the presence of hazardous waste. What is the most scenic town near Denver? Just like there are bad areas in and around Denver, there are tons of amazing small towns near Denver, including Evergreen. Easily one of the most scenic towns in Denver, its Main Street is bordered by a towering wall of boulders and the idyllic Bear Creek. There’s more to Evergreen than stunning natural beauty, though. The charming downtown boasts eateries, boutiques, and more, making it a great choice for an in-state escape.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Denver
May 12, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
Where is the creepiest town near Denver? The places to avoid in and around the city don’t end with the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. There’s also Gilman, the creepiest ghost town near Denver. At one time, it was a flourishing town with several businesses; however, everything came to a sudden halt in 1984, when it was deemed inhabitable by the EPA due to the presence of hazardous waste. What is the most scenic town near Denver? Just like there are bad areas in and around Denver, there are tons of amazing small towns near Denver, including Evergreen. Easily one of the most scenic towns in Denver, its Main Street is bordered by a towering wall of boulders and the idyllic Bear Creek. There’s more to Evergreen than stunning natural beauty, though. The charming downtown boasts eateries, boutiques, and more, making it a great choice for an in-state escape.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The places to avoid in and around the city don’t end with the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denver. There’s also Gilman, the creepiest ghost town near Denver. At one time, it was a flourishing town with several businesses; however, everything came to a sudden halt in 1984, when it was deemed inhabitable by the EPA due to the presence of hazardous waste.
What is the most scenic town near Denver?
Just like there are bad areas in and around Denver, there are tons of amazing small towns near Denver, including Evergreen. Easily one of the most scenic towns in Denver, its Main Street is bordered by a towering wall of boulders and the idyllic Bear Creek. There’s more to Evergreen than stunning natural beauty, though. The charming downtown boasts eateries, boutiques, and more, making it a great choice for an in-state escape.
