According to a new study released from the Common Sense Institute, Colorado’s crime wave grew stronger in 2021, with an increase of 8.7% – more than double of 2020’s 4% increase.
In 2021, the total cost of crime in Colorado reached over $31 billion, a 12.9% increase from the cost in 2020. That averages out to $5,320 per a Coloradan.
Murder increased by 18% in 2021 alone, creating the highest rate of homicide since record collection began in 1985. There were 145 more murders in 2021 than the state experienced just two years previous in 2019. Last year, rape also increased, rising 7%.
Since 2020, Colorado has been leading the nation in auto theft. In 2021, auto theft increased again – this time by 32%, the highest on record since data collection began in 1985. The current auto theft rate is almost 250% more than it was ten years ago.
Pueblo leads the state in the fastest increase in property crimes at 27%, with Denver following closely behind at 27.4%. The study reported that “While 1 in 8 Coloradans live in Denver, 1 in 5 property crimes occur there.”
Denver is also experiencing the fastest increase in auto theft at 51% in 2021. Only 12% of Coloradans live in Denver, but 41% of auto thefts occur in the city.
These statistics are a harsh reminder that Colorado is facing a crime epidemic.
The full report is available here.