Grand Junction has once again placed dead last in a study of safe places to live in Colorado. Fruita, on the other hand, placed very high on the list of safe places to live.

The website Alarms.org produces a report based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics, combined with population data and internal research. Cities with a population less than 5,000 aren't even considered for this report.

Cities that meet the study's criteria are ranked by data including (per 100,000 people):

  • reported violent crimes
  • property crimes

Those numbers are weighted with violent crime accounting for 70% of the total and property crimes at 30%. The resulting number then has its decimal point moved a couple of spots to show rates based on 1,000 people.

What's the difference between Grand Junction and Fruita? Well, Grand Junction comes in #50 on the list of 50, while Fruita places #18. Other Western Colorado communities such as Gunnison, Durango, Delta, Montrose, and Aspen finish at #39, #40, #43, #44, and #46 respectively.

Should Grand Junction residents be concerned? Considering Denver came in one notch ahead of us at #49, we probably should be.

Strangely, I just had breakfast this morning with a resident who moved to Grand Junction from the upper east coast. According to him, the entire reason he moved and remains here is the quality of life, including and especially safety.

This is only one study. Unfortunately, it's not the first time Grand Junction has come in at #50 on a list of 50 via this report.

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