Colorado, long celebrated for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle and breathtaking mountain vistas, now finds itself facing a pair of troubling distinctions. According to two recent studies published on January 2, 2026, by Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, the Centennial State ranks among the nation’s highest for both human trafficking rates and bicycle thefts—a dual challenge that’s raising eyebrows and prompting calls for greater vigilance and community action.
The first study, which analyzed federal human trafficking data from 2005 to 2024 using the FBI Crime Data Explorer, places Colorado ninth in the U.S. for the concentration of human trafficking cases. Averaging 5.46 cases per million residents, Colorado’s rate is a staggering 69% above the national average of 3.23. With an average population of 5,553,620 over the study period, the state reported approximately 25 cases annually involving commercial sex acts and 5.2 cases of involuntary servitude, totaling about 30 human trafficking incidents each year.
“The data underscores the deep and enduring reach of human trafficking across the country,” a spokesperson for Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers told Business Newswire. “States like Colorado consistently report some of the highest rates, a reflection of tourism, economic disparities, and cross-state trafficking routes.” The spokesperson also pointed out that “the Epstein Files could shed light on individuals and networks tied to these areas,” referencing the possible connections between high-profile trafficking investigations and local patterns.
Colorado’s position in the top ten is notable, especially when compared with other states grappling with the issue. Nevada leads the list with 16.16 cases per million residents, followed by West Virginia (7.46), Wisconsin (7.25), Utah (6.88), Georgia (6.76), Texas (6.08), Tennessee (5.94), Kentucky (5.90), Colorado (5.46), and North Dakota (5.15). The methodology behind the ranking involved comparing the number of reported human trafficking incidents to each state’s population, providing a per capita snapshot that highlights where the problem is most acute.
Human trafficking, as defined by the FBI and cited in the study, encompasses both commercial sex acts and involuntary servitude. The persistence of the problem in Colorado is attributed by experts to several factors: the state’s popularity as a tourist destination, its economic diversity, and its location along major interstate routes that facilitate the movement of traffickers and victims alike. The study’s authors emphasize that the issue is not confined to large cities or international borders—rural communities and mountain towns are not immune.
While law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups have made strides in raising awareness and providing support to victims, the steady rate of cases over nearly two decades suggests that much work remains. The hope, as expressed by Ladah’s spokesperson, is that continued research and transparency—such as the release of the so-called Epstein Files—will bring to light the extent of trafficking networks and help authorities dismantle them more effectively.
But human trafficking isn’t the only crime where Colorado stands out. The state also leads the nation in bicycle thefts, according to a separate study by the same law firm. This time, analysts turned to state-level property crime and police data from 2020 to 2024, again using the FBI Crime Data Explorer. The results are striking: Colorado experiences about 94 bike thefts per 100,000 residents each year, more than double the national average of 38 per 100,000.
What’s driving this surge in bike thefts? Bryan Miick, owner of The Bike Shop in Grand Junction, Colorado, believes the answer lies in the state’s culture. “I think the general thing that leads to that is we’re an outdoor recreation place. You come to Colorado for that,” Miick told KKCO. The popularity of cycling, both for recreation and daily commuting, means there are simply more bikes—and often, more expensive ones—available for would-be thieves.
“People don’t think about it. Most people think of a bicycle as a kid’s toy, it’s not very expensive. But we’ve got bicycles here that cost as much as some cars do,” Miick explained. The high value of modern bikes, many of which are equipped with advanced technology and custom components, makes them especially attractive targets. According to Miick, most bike thefts are crimes of opportunity. “Probably the single biggest reason for bike theft is opportunity. If you just park your bike somewhere and go in to get a soda or something, we’ve even seen it across the street at the gas station, go in and get a soda, come out, your bike’s gone because it was there,” he said.
Miick and other local business owners have developed a set of practical tips to help cyclists protect their investments. First, he recommends always locking up both the wheels and the frame—thieves are less likely to bother with a bike that’s well-secured. Second, park your bike in visible, well-trafficked areas rather than secluded spots. “Any lock we have, if someone wants to get through it, there’s a way to get through it. But, if they have to work at it and someone sees them doing it, that’s less likely to be done than if it’s behind a bush or something next to a building where you think no one will see it,” Miick said.
He also cautions against leaving bikes locked up for long periods, a common practice among college students. Over time, even locked bikes can be stripped of valuable parts. And perhaps most importantly, Miick urges cyclists to record their bike’s serial number—a simple step that can make all the difference if a stolen bike turns up at a pawn shop or in a police investigation.
Both studies were conducted by Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, a firm known for its dedication to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value. While their focus is typically on personal injury cases, the firm’s research efforts shed much-needed light on broader social issues affecting Colorado and the nation at large.
For a state that prides itself on its natural beauty and active lifestyle, these findings are a sobering reminder that even the most idyllic places face serious challenges. From the shadowy networks of human trafficking to the everyday frustrations of bike theft, Colorado’s communities are being tested on multiple fronts. Yet, as advocates, business owners, and law enforcement officials point out, awareness and vigilance remain the first lines of defense.
As Colorado heads into 2026, residents and visitors alike are being urged to stay alert, support local prevention efforts, and remember that even small actions—like locking a bike or reporting suspicious activity—can make a real difference in the fight against crime.
