A new report from the Common Sense Institute indicates a general decline in violent crime across most of Colorado’s largest cities since 2022, though trends vary significantly by location. The findings have prompted public discussion regarding the interpretation of crime data and its underlying causes.

The city of Aurora experienced a substantial 36.25% drop in its violent crime rate during the period studied. In contrast, Colorado Springs saw a 12.2% increase in the same category. The report also noted that property crime rates have fallen in the majority of the state’s major urban centers, including Denver and Green Valley Ranch.

The analysis, which also explored the economic impact of criminal activity, has been met with varied reactions from Colorado residents. Some have raised questions about the validity of the statistics, suggesting that changes in how crimes are reported could be affecting the numbers.

Others have pointed to the potential influence of law enforcement response and judicial system decisions on the final crime data. The release of the report has spurred a wider conversation among the public about the factors that shape crime statistics and public safety policies.