Is Layton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Layton, Utah, is a city with a rich history and an ideal location for everything that makes northern Utah special.

Located about 25 miles north of Salt Lake City, it began as a modest farming community in the late 19th century.

Named after Christopher Layton, an early settler and prominent local figure, the city grew significantly during World War II with the establishment of Hill Air Force Base, which is still a vital part of the local economy and community.

Like many cities in the Salt Lake City metro area, Layton is growing quickly.

Since 2010, the population has jumped by more than 50%.

Layton is also a great base camp for four seasons of Utah adventures, with access to world-class skiing, floating on the Weber River, exploring Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, and plenty of modern amenities and attractions to keep you busy.

You can be an indoor or outdoor person and still have a great time in Layton.

If you’re visiting Layton for a convention, you’ll love how close everything is to the convention hall.

Plus, with so many transportation options, you can easily explore Salt Lake City and the Utah Valley while soaking in views of the Wasatch Mountain Range.

Warnings & Dangers in Layton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Layton and an abundance of things to do for a variety of interests.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Layton has figured out the art of public transportation. A free trolley gets you around town and takes you to the Utah Transit Authority's bus and rail stops. Nearby, Ogden has a free trolley, too. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful, with rental cars offering the most flexibility to explore the nearby mountains.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

With an average of two pickpockets or purse snatchings each year, this is a low risk. You're much more likely to have your car broken into. Basic personal safety steps will go a long way here. I would also encourage you to look up the video from August 2023 when a woman stole a wallet at a grocery store, and it was all caught on camera.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The Emergency Operations Plan for Layton lists the following disaster risks: extreme winds, landslides, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, snowstorms, severe thunderstorms, and dam failures. While that sounds pretty scary, the medium risk is just to help you prepare as much as possible. The threats come with plenty of advance notice, barring earthquakes which can't be predicted.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is a low risk. Not only are robbery rates well below the national average, but only 19% of those reported in the past five years were highway robberies.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Going back to the emergency operations plan, the city leaders address this concern by saying, "Due to the proximity of Layton to Hill Air Force Base, it is a potential target for domestic or international terrorism." While we're giving this a medium risk, you should also know that the AFB will have extensive security and most terrorism documentation highly focuses on prevention. You can help by reporting any suspicious activity.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

I have to give this one a medium risk simply because there are SO many reports of scams in Layton that could happen to a tourist. Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. You'll love this - in one scam, the people were selling fake gold but passing it off as real. They targeted people in the Walmart parking lot. That is until they approached Allen Swanson, who happens to be the Layton Police Chief.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women who live here face a greater risk of being a victim of violent crime, but for a visitor, the risk is low. However, you do need to use consistent safety practices here. Street smarts and skepticism go a long way.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023 report shows Layton was in full compliance with all requirements and had no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Layton

I’m surprised Layton doesn’t have a local tourism bureau, especially since it is home to the David Convention Center.

However, the Discover Davis and Visit Ogden websites do include places to visit in Layton.

Davis County covers about 20 north/south miles on the interstate, from just south of South Ogden to just south of North Salt Lake City.

Ogden is NOT in Davis County, so it’s worth looking at both websites.

We’re going to work our way west to east, starting at the Great Salt Lake.

Antelope Island, the crown jewel of the area, is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake.

It spans over 42 square miles and is known for its scenic beauty.

Options include hiking trails, backcountry riding trips, and stunning views of the lake.

Campers simply must score a spot to enjoy the night sky views.

Wildlife from birds to bison await on this isolated island.

The Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve is another great place to go birding, as more than 10 million birds migrate through this area each year.

The preserve features extensive boardwalks and trails that allow visitors to explore and observe the diverse flora and fauna.

As part of the Nature Conservancy list of properties, you know this is an epic outdoor experience.

A central shopping destination near the convention center, Layton Hills Mall houses a variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

SeaQuest Utah is also located there, showcasing numerous exhibits of marine life, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

Look for “hands-on” experiences to make the most of your time.

Usually, hikers have to choose between hiking a mountain or exploring a canyon.

At Adams Canyon, you get both.

The trail starts with several overlooks before descending to the stream below the canyon walls.

The trail’s turnaround point is a 40-foot waterfall.

Layton Commons Park is anything but common, with an amphitheater for performances, the local history museum, and a wave pool at Layton City Surf & Swim.

Kays Creek Parkway also runs through the park, with a paved pathway that is more like a nature trail following a lagoon than a traditional hiking trail.

Hill Aerospace Museum houses over 90 aircraft from different eras, including World War II and the Cold War.

Its exhibits highlight the history of aviation and military technology, featuring interactive displays and artifacts.

If you have a group of 10 or more people, you can schedule a guided tour.

I also wanted to give you information about the closest ski resorts to Layton.

• Snowbasin Resort: Located about 25 miles northeast of Layton, Snowbasin is known for its luxurious amenities, diverse terrain, and scenic views. It offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding trails for all skill levels.
• Powder Mountain: Also around 35 miles northeast of Layton, Powder Mountain is renowned for its abundant snowfall and extensive terrain spread across three mountains. It offers a more laid-back, uncrowded skiing experience.
• Nordic Valley Ski Resort: Situated approximately 30 miles northeast of Layton, Nordic Valley is a family-friendly resort known for its affordability and beginner-friendly slopes. It’s a great option for those new to skiing or snowboarding.

Places to Avoid in Layton

If you look at any crime distribution map for Layton, it looks like the most “dangerous” places are near the convention center.

Of course, that’s where most of the people are on any given day, so crime rates will be higher.

However, there isn’t a bad part of town or a high-crime area.

One random thing I want to note is that I’ve researched a lot of Utah cities, and especially in the Salt Lake City metro area, there have been several high-profile road rage cases.

One of those involved a motorcyclist who fired several shots at a vehicle which struck an 18-year-old female driver in the face.

The highway patrol says at least 30 incidents over the past six years involved someone pulling a gun out of anger.

“Let’s be absolutely clear: all of these are absolutely unacceptable.

When we’re talking about things happening on the freeway, at no time is anything going on the freeway where a physical confrontation is going to make that better.

At no time is brandishing a firearm from a vehicle at another vehicle and another person acceptable, or is that going to improve the situation at all,” Col. Michael Rapich of Utah Highway Patrol said.

Don’t get baited into a road rage fight, and if someone is harassing or threatening you on the road, call 911 and find the nearest police station.

Do NOT try to talk it out with the angry person.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Layton

So... How Safe Is Layton Really?

Violent crime rates are 30% lower than the state average and 57% lower than the national average.

On the other hand, the violent crime rate has increased by 57% since 2014.

While a growing city should expect to see more crime, the population growth was just 24%.

However, the city would need to see another decade of that type of growth before it would even be close to the national average.

Theft rates are just about at the national average, down 23% since a peak in 2019.

About 30% of all thefts over the past five years have been shoplifting.

Car break-ins and accessory thefts make up about 32% of all thefts, but that risk can be lowered or eliminated by locking car doors and not leaving personal items inside the vehicle.

Layton was also ranked in a Smart Asset report as one of the Top 25 Safest Suburbs in the Country.

However, I always want to caution you about any city that seems too safe.

This is also a city where a man murdered his Tinder date in 2021.

In 2023, a domestic violence call ended up being a triple murder/suicide.

We do know that just 8% of violent crimes in Layton over the past five years involved strangers, so that should reduce any worry you might have.

However, you can never let your guard down when visiting a new city.

How Does Layton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. Salt Lake City International Airport is one of the few international airports I've seen that doesn't offer currency exchange services. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

You'll get the typical cold, snowy winters and hot, sunny summers here, with fall and spring being more moderate. Pack layers of clothing to adapt to temperature shifts from day to night. Bug spray, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are needed, too.

Airports

Salt Lake City International Airport is just 30 minutes south of Layton. You can get there by car, taxi, or public transportation.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend comprehensive insurance for the peace of mind it provides against any emergency, weather impact, or other unexpected cost-accruing incidents.

Layton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Utah - Safety by City