United States · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Denver scores 76/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Denver is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in certain neighborhoods and during peak summer evenings. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 28 July 2026
76
/ 100
Safer than ~81% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:06Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-27T09:23:27.0923131-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateArmed or strong‑arm robbery is uncommon but can occur in isolated downtown alleys and near the light‑rail stations after dark
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is frequent in crowded venues such as Union Station, the 16th Street Mall, and major sporting events
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Travelers report feeling generally secure during daylight but note heightened vigilance needed after dark, especially in the central business district
Yes — Denver is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in certain neighborhoods and during peak summer evenings.
Denver scores well on institutional safety and official guidance, yet crime perception and heat‑related risks are moderate. Recent local reports highlight rising concerns about property crime and occasional violent incidents in specific districts.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Denver is a modern, well‑governed city that scores high on institutional safety and official guidance, but the latest data shows a mixed picture for visitors. The composite safety index sits at 79 / 100, indicating it is safer than most countries, yet the city’s crime perception and heat‑related hazards pull the score down to moderate levels. Recent news from July 2026 warns that Denver ranks among the most unsafe vacation cities in America, citing a surge in property crimes and a few high‑profile robberies in the LoDo entertainment area. Pickpocketing is especially prevalent in crowded hubs such as Union Station and the 16th Street Mall, while armed robbery remains rare but has occurred after dark in isolated alleyways. Travelers also face scams like inflated rideshare fares and ATM skimming near downtown banks, so using licensed apps and keeping valuables concealed is essential. Heat waves have produced a noticeable spike in heat‑related emergencies, so staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon temperatures (often near 41 °C) is advisable. Overall, visitors feel reasonably safe during daylight but must exercise heightened vigilance after dark and in specific neighborhoods, following the practical tips above to mitigate the identified risks.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Denver districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Denver safety map.
South Broadwayavoidavoid: elevated violent crime and gang‑related activity documented in recent police bulletins
West Colfaxavoidavoid: high rates of assault and drug‑related incidents reported in multiple recent sources
Capitol Hillcautioncaution: higher property crime rates and occasional nighttime disturbances reported in recent local coverage
Sloan's Lakecautioncaution: recent incidents of vehicle break‑ins and sporadic street‑level drug activity noted in local news
Five Pointscautioncaution: moderate property crime and occasional nighttime disturbances noted in local reports
Highlandsafersafe: consistently low violent crime reports and active community policing presence
Washington Parksafersafe: well‑patrolled residential area with low crime incidence and strong neighborhood watch activity
Cherry Creeksafersafe: low crime rates and strong commercial security presence
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Armed or strong‑arm robbery is uncommon but can occur in isolated downtown alleys and near the light‑rail stations after dark
After dark, be most careful around South Broadway, West Colfax, Capitol Hill, Sloan's Lake. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Denver's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Denver is generally safe for visitors, but stay alert in certain neighborhoods and during peak summer evenings. Denver scores well on institutional safety and official guidance, yet crime perception and heat‑related risks are moderate. Recent local reports highlight rising concerns about property crime and occasional violent incidents in specific districts. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags South Broadway, West Colfax as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Denver ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 76/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the United States safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: denver.json (CC BY 4.0).
