Worst Places To Live In Colorado For 2024 (2024)

The 10 Worst Places To Live In Colorado For 2024

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0

Fort Lupton came into existence as a trading post in the 1830s, part of the early migration to the area. You can still see a reconstructed version of the original fort in town. Life was presumably tough in the area back then. It remains so today, as Fort Lupton stands as the number 1 worst place in Colorado to put down roots.

The education system is a major drawback for the 8,164 residents. Even on the high side, the schools in the area rank a paltry 4/10 on Great Schools.

There are pluses to life in Fort Lupton. The crime rate hovers about 60% below the national average. Meanwhile, the overall cost of living is about 10% below the U.S. norm, thanks in large part to affordable housing.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY-SA 3.0

In 2012, Aurora suffered a horrific mass shooting that killed 12 people and made headlines around the country. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident. The crime rate in the area stands about 50% above the national average. This is the main factor that makes Aurora the number 2 worst location in Colorado.

Though its 387,349 residents battle a high crime rate, Aurora has other benefits to provide. Located about a half hour east of Denver’s city center, it gives excellent access to the region’s major metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the economy is relatively strong, with unemployment at 5.5% and the median income at $78,685.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY-SA 3.0

Federal Heights, located in Adams County, Colorado, has unfortunately earned its reputation as one of the worst places to live in the state. With a concerning crime rate and poor safety conditions, it’s no wonder residents have concerns about their well-being. While it’s important to note that every community faces its own challenges, Federal Heights struggles with high crime statistics that contribute to its unfavorable ranking. However, amidst these difficulties, there is hope for improvement. By addressing the underlying issues and working towards creating a safer environment, Federal Heights can transform into a better place to live for its population of 6,062 residents. Additionally, its location within the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area offers opportunities for growth and development.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0

Lochbuie originated as a development called the Spacious Living Mobile Home Park…or “Space City” for short. These days, it gets its name from a town in Scotland. Unfortunately, it also counts as the number 4 worst place to live in Colorado.

Built on the northeastern edge of the circle of suburbs surrounding Denver, Lochbuie sports a median income of $84,556 and an unemployment rate of 2.3%. Education is a major problem for the 7,963 residents of the town. The schools score a 3/10 on Great Schools.

Things aren’t all bad in Lochbuie. Locals have excellent access to one of the region’s major metropolitan areas. It’s just a 30-minute drive to the city center.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0

Nestled within Arapahoe County, Colorado, the city of Sheridan has unfortunately earned the unenviable title of being the worst place to live in the state. With a population of 14,173 residents, Sheridan struggles with numerous challenges that contribute to its poor reputation. One major concern is the city’s high crime rate, which poses a significant safety risk for its inhabitants. In 2021 alone, there were 118 reported incidents of violent crime, including 0 murders, 17.0 cases of rape, 20.0 robberies, and 81.0 aggravated assaults. These alarming figures reflect a crime rate that surpasses many other cities in Colorado.

However, it is essential to note that despite its drawbacks, Sheridan offers hope for improvement. Efforts to enhance safety measures and address the underlying issues contributing to crime can help transform this troubled community into a safer place for its residents. Additionally, Sheridan’s location within the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area provides opportunities for economic growth and development. By focusing on addressing poverty levels and improving income prospects for its residents, Sheridan has the potential to rise above its current status as one of Colorado’s worst places to live.

Source: Wikipedia User Billy Hathorn | CC BY-SA 3.0

Trinidad has a violent history. In the early 20th century, it was the site of a deadly labor dispute between miners and the Colorado Fuel & Iron company. These days, those types of clashes are a thing of the past. Still, the community has its challenges. It sits at number 6 on the list of least appealing spots in Colorado.

The economy presents a major issue for Trinidad’s 8,334 inhabitants. The unemployment rate stands at 8.2%, while 20.1% of people struggle below the poverty line.

Crime is nearly double the national average and schools in the area top out at mediocre. That said, there are bright spots. Located in the southern part of the state, near the New Mexico border, residents can enjoy the region’s natural splendor at places like the Spanish Peaks State Wildlife Area.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0

Source: Wikipedia User Peter Romero | CC BY-SA 3.0

Source: Wikipedia User John Wark | CC BY-SA 3.0

When you’re looking at things from purely a scientific standpoint, Pueblo is by far the worst place in Colorado.

The crime here is really bad and nearly 1 in 15.1 residents are without jobs — by far the highest in the state. And those who are employed earn a measly salary. The schools are underfunded and home values are low and not climbing at all.

If you’ve been to Pueblo, it would be hard to argue against this ranking. And if you live there, you might have expected to see your town towards the top of the list. The rest of these cities are a distant second.

Source: Wikipedia User Jeffrey Beall | CC BY 3.0