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Colorado Springs: A Growing Hub in Colorado’s Scenic Landscape
Colorado Springs, located in east-central Colorado, remains the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County.
As of 2025, Colorado Springs has an estimated population of 494,219, reflecting steady growth since the 2020 census figure of 478,961—a 3.2% increase over five years.
The city continues to be a leading urban center in Colorado and the largest city in El Paso County [1].
Colorado Springs is near the base of Pikes Peak, which rises 14,115 feet (4,302.31 m) above sea level on the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The city is the largest city north of Mexico above 6000 feet in elevation.- Visit Colorado Springs (VisitCOS), Official City Tourism Bureau.
The Impact of Gang Violence in Colorado Springs
According to SCLG, gang violence in Colorado Springs remains a persistent issue, contributing to several homicides annually.
For instance, there were three gang-related homicides in both 2014 and 2015, two in 2016, and a rise to three again in 2017, alongside 15 attempted murder charges related to gang activity that year [2].
In 2012, Colorado Springs police reported 1,300 gang members from 97 different gangs, primarily in the southwest areas of the city.
By 2018, this number had decreased to approximately 700 known gang members, including groups like the Crips, Bloods, South Side Surenos, and Nortenos.
According to law enforcement agencies, much of the violence is gang-on-gang. They pose more of a threat to each other than to the general public.
Though bystander casualties remain a concern when rival gangs fight, especially during drive-by shootings and crossfires
To combat this issue, the Colorado Springs Police Department reestablished its Gang Unit in 2019 after a three-year hiatus.
This unit, consisting of four detectives and a sergeant, focuses on gathering intelligence on gang activities and enhancing public safety by addressing gang-related crimes.
How to Avoid Gang Violence
- It’s always wise to avoid venturing into unfamiliar areas at night, whether or not it’s known for gang activity.
- If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts and report it to the authorities.
- If a place doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut and leave immediately.
Colorado Springs Organization Aims to Unite Local Gangs and Reduce Violence
Following a fatal Christmas Eve 2023 shooting at Citadel Mall that killed 18-year-old Teryus Thomas and wounded two others — one of nearly a dozen shootings at or near the mall since 2016 — Men of Influence intensified its community-based violence prevention efforts. The Colorado Springs Police Department described the December incident as a “targeted attack,” reflecting the ongoing gang-related tensions in the area. In response, Citadel Mall donated permanent space to Men of Influence, which officially opened in June 2024 to serve as a community center for violence intervention work.
Founded by DeAndre Smith and Shaun Walls, Men of Influence operates on a unique premise: rather than demanding gang members abandon their affiliations, the organization brings together representatives from different gangs — including Crips, Bloods, Surenos, and Nortenos — to establish communication channels that can de-escalate conflicts before they turn violent. “We’re not asking people to drop their flags and no longer gang bang and disown the gang,” Smith explained. “What we’re asking them to do is to keep that same energy but use it for good.” The organization’s approach focuses on “violence interruption” — creating safe spaces where members from rival neighborhoods can interact, addressing disputes through dialogue rather than retaliation, and providing mentorship to at-risk youth who might otherwise turn to gang activity.
At a March 2024 town hall hosted by The Gazette and KOAA News5, Smith emphasized that community-based programs require funding and support from city leaders: “The answer is already there — there’s a whole bunch of different grassroot organizations that are creating the answer for these problems, and they need to be funded.” In addition to violence prevention, Men of Influence operates Women of Impact, which provides housing, food, safety, clothing, and support services to women, children, and seniors affected by gang violence. The organization gained broader recognition in June 2025 when Peterson Space Force Base incorrectly labeled them in an internal memo as having “connections to local gangs and violence” before Colorado Springs police refuted those claims, clarifying that Men of Influence has never been involved in violence at their events.
Colorado Crime Statistics
- Over the past decade, Colorado’s crime rate has surged, making it one of the highest in the nation.
- As of 2022, Colorado ranks 4th nationally for combined property and violent crime rates, based on FBI data.
- This marks a significant increase from its 2012 ranking of 31st.
- Both property and violent crime rates have been steadily climbing since the early 2010s, with a noticeable acceleration in the early 2020s.
- Colorado now ranks 3rd in the nation for property crime rates and 8th for violent crime rates.
Source: Common Sense Institute [4]
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References:
1. https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/colorado/colorado-springs
2. https://www.shouselaw.com/co/blog/colorado-springs-gang-violence-how-much-of-a-problem-is-it/
3. https://www.fox21news.com/news/preventing-gang-violence-in-colorado-springs/
4. https://www.commonsenseinstituteus.org/colorado/research/housing-and-our-community/november-crime-snapshot-crime-rates-in-colorado