With a state population of over 3.2 million, the capital and largest city, Salt Lake City, is home to around 200,000 residents.
As a result of its low population, Utah is generally regarded as one of the safest states in the U.S. to reside in.
However, not all cities and towns in Utah are created equal.
Between 2016 and 2019, violent crime rates dropped significantly, and property crime rates decreased in 2019.
The most recent statistics show the Beehive State’s violent crime rate at 23.6 total incidences per 1,000 individuals.
If you’re considering moving to Utah or want to gather information before visiting, it’s essential to understand the most dangerous cities in the state.
So keep reading to find out!
Contents
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Utah
Ten: Logan
Home to the main campus of Utah State University, Logan has a diverse economy due to the college, which is also the largest employer.
However, with a population of over 50,000, Logan has crime rates of 2.17 violent crimes and 13.28 property crimes per 1,000 individuals.
Recently, three homicides were recorded, and of the reported violent crimes, 70% are aggravated assaults.
By 2050, the population is expected to double, increasing crime rates.
Nine: West Jordan
Settled in 1847, West Jordan was initially a mining, milling, and agriculture city.
Although the town has modernized since evidence of these industries can be seen around town.
West Jordan is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has become a commercial hub due to the four main retail centers, such as the Jordan Landing shopping center, which holds the first Sears Grand.
West Jordan is also the third most populated city in the state, with 117,600 residents.
Unfortunately, with so many people in this town, crime accompanies the population.
West Jordan is number nine on this list because it has a violent crime rate of 2.24 per 1,000 residents, primarily aggravated assaults and one homicide.
The city also has a property crime rate of 21.72 per 1,000 people, the ninth highest in the state.
Eight: Cedar City
This medium-sized city of 33,600 was established in 1851 and selected due to the area’s massive iron and coal deposits.
Iron mining was so successful that it continued through the 1980s.
Today, Cedar City is a tourist destination and commercial center, with the primary employers being Intermountain Healthcare, Iron County School District, and Southern Utah University.
The city has a violent crime rate of 2.77 incidences per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 18.80 per 1,000 individuals, hence the reason it’s number eight on this list.
In addition, 75% of reported violent crimes were aggravated assaults, and only six were robberies.
Seven: Grantsville
In 1850, Mormon pioneers settled Grantsville and built several wells to deliver fresh water, hence the city’s nickname, Twenty Wells.
A Walmart distribution center was recently developed, resulting in a population rise.
Grantsville is also a popular commuter destination in Salt Lake City.
Despite this increase, the town is still tiny but ranks seventh in violent crimes with an incident rate of 3.01 per 1,000 residents, which is on par with the national average.
The property crime is 13.57 per 1,000 residents, which is low.
Unlike most other locations on this list, aggravated assault and robbery are low, but Grantsville has a high rape crime rate at 1 per 1,000 individuals.
Six: Woods Cross
Although Woods Cross is another tiny city with a population of just 11,500, it has a violent crime rate of 3.64 per 1,000 residents and one reported homicide.
Statistically, this puts Woods Cross at the top of Utah’s homicide list.
Property crimes are low at 13.88 per 1,000 individuals, and the city has a low poverty rate of 7%.
Woods Cross is a popular destination due to the Children’s Museum of Utah and the Museum of Church History and Art.
A few state parks are also in Woods Cross, part of the Wasatch Mountain Range Front.
Five: Ogden
As Utah’s eighth largest city, Ogden has historically been an important railway hub and continues to be today.
The proximity to a national rail network has made the town a manufacturing destination.
The largest employer is the Internal Revenue Service, with other healthcare and education facilities in the area.
In addition, Ogden boasts numerous historical sites within the city limits.
Unfortunately, this city of 87,800 residents also has the fifth-highest violent crime rate of 4.37 per 1,000 individuals and the fourth-highest property crime rate in Utah at 36.55 per 1,000 residents.
In addition, 60% of the reported violent crimes were aggravated assaults, and the city had six homicides.
Four: Murray
This mid-sized city of 49,600 was established as an industrialized city, but few remnants of this industry remain.
Today, Murray is best known for its commerce and trade and dedicates $2 per capita to revitalized forests.
As a result, Murray has been a “Tree City” since 1977.
Although the city’s largest employer is the Intermountain Medical Center, revenue is generated through Murray’s presence in boxing, golf, soccer, basketball, baseball, rugby, hockey, and ice skating.
Despite these positive aspects, Murray has a violent crime rate of 4.39 and a high property crime rate of 58.22 per 1,000 residents.
In addition, 6% of violent crimes were reported as aggravated assaults.
Three: West Valley
West Valley is Utah’s second most populated city, with 137,200 individuals.
Only incorporated in 1980, West Valley City has four neighborhoods: Redwood, Chesterfield, Granger, and Hunter.
Additional city expansion occurred in 2010 with the addition of the $500 million Fairborn Station in the downtown area.
Significant employers include Swift Transportation, the United Parcel Service, and Discover Financial.
Unfortunately, the rapid growth in the 1970s also brought crime, and today, West Valley has a violent crime rate of 6.99 per 1,000 individuals and 31.89 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
Eleven manslaughters were recorded, and 66% of violent crimes in the city were aggravated assaults.
Two: Salt Lake City
As Utah’s capital and the largest city with over 200,000 residents, it has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1847.
Due to the extensive outdoor activities, the population has significantly grown since Mormon pioneers stepped foot on the soil.
In addition to hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City has 85 parks, is home to the University of Utah, and is considered the United States‘ industrial banking center.
Unfortunately, will so many people calling the city home, violent crime rates are at 7.12 incidents and property crimes at 56.57 per 1,000 residents.
Half of all violent crimes are aggravated assaults, and the city has the highest number of robberies in Utah, placing it at number two on this list.
One: South Salt Lake
Utah’s most dangerous city in South Salt Lake is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
The city experienced an extensive re-development in 2010, including a Chinatown development in 2012, contributing to the crime figures slowly dropping since 2007.
Also, a focus on education has resulted in the launch of several educational campuses and facilities within the city limits.
Regardless of these positive developments, South Salt Lake has the highest violent crime rate of 8.01 incidences per 1,000 residents and the highest property crime rate of 72.85 per 1,000 people.
Additionally, 66% of violent crimes were reported as aggravated assaults.
5 Safety Trips for Traveling to Utah
One: Don’t Travel Alone at Night
While most of Utah is safe, walking around alone at night is still not advisable, especially after exiting a local bar.
It’s incredibly easy to wander into a bad neighborhood and put yourself at risk for a violent act to occur.
In addition, taxis and Ubers are plentiful in populated areas around the state.
Two: Contact the Rangers Office When Camping
Utah is a nice mix of desert, mountains, and forest, with plenty of camping opportunities.
Therefore, before heading out into the wilderness, contacting the local ranger’s station is critical to inform them of your travels.
Cell phone service in isolated areas is spotty or non-existent, so if there’s an emergency, you want the rangers office to know where you are headed.
Three: Dress Accordingly in the Mountains
Most mountainous areas have a microclimate that can change the weather patterns and temperatures in minutes.
One moment it could be sunny and beautiful; the next, a massive blizzard could bog you down, so always be prepared for weather changes with the proper hiking gear.
Four: Watch Your Pockets
Pickpockets can be found in every city worldwide, and the largest Utah cities are no exception.
Plenty of panhandlers go through Utah and try to scam people out of money or steal their belongings.
Five: Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Access to public Wi-Fi can be an excellent chance to connect on social media or browse the Internet in areas with poor cell phone service.
However, never engage in activities with sensitive data like banking or credit card information, as hackers can easily access these unencrypted networks to gather your information.
Utah Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Utah Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common violent crime in Utah?
Theft and robbery are the state’s two most common violent crimes, with assault being a close second, followed by robbery and burglary.
What is the safest city in Utah?
According to SafeWise, the safest city in the state is Lone Peak due to the low number of total crimes.
What is the best place to live in Utah?
Niche launched a 2022 report that determined Greater Avenues to be the best place to live in the state.
The low cost of living, high education rate, home values, job market, crime and safety, family grade, public school ratings, health and fitness activities, weather, outdoor activities, and walkability score determined this.
It’s surprising to see some of my favorite Utah destinations on this list. Makes me wonder what factors contribute to their dangerous reputation.
I’ve visited a few of these cities and didn’t realize they had such high crime rates. It’s eye-opening to see them ranked among the most dangerous.