Is Orem Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Orem, Utah, is in the fast-growing Utah Valley, south of Salt Lake City and just north of Provo.

It’s known for being a family-friendly suburban area.

Founded in 1919 and named after Walter C. Orem, the president of a local railroad, the city has evolved from its agrarian roots into a vibrant community.

Historically, Orem was primarily agricultural, with orchards and fields defining its landscape.

Over time, it transitioned into a bustling urban center, now known for its educational institutions, technological industries, and welcoming atmosphere.

With a population of almost 100,000 people, Orem has grown 11% since 2010.

While Utah County has about 660,000 people, that number is expected to expand to 1.65 million by 2065.

Why are Orem and this area so popular?

It starts with those stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains lining the eastern edge of the city.

Next, Utah Lake flanks the western edge of the city, with sailing, beaches, and walking paths near the largest freshwater lake statewide.

As simple as this suburb seems, you might be surprised by some of the entertainment all-stars that hail from here, including Julianna Hough and her brother Derek Hough, who are professional dancers, and the legendary Donnie and Marie Osmond.

Warnings & Dangers in Orem

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk in Orem is low. It's an extraordinarily family-friendly city and close to many major attractions and locations in the state. You can't beat the location.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Utah Transit Authority has a robust public transportation system, with a route that goes from Ogden to Provo, with several stops in Orem. A local route also goes in a loop around Orem. Taxis, rideshares, and rental cars are widely available. All options are low-risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Since 2018, about four pickpockets have happened each year, with an average theft of $1100. The risk is low, but it's also a good reminder to limit what you carry and leave valuables at home and not to carry large sums of cash.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Orem is at risk for earthquakes due to its proximity to the Wasatch Fault. Additionally, the city faces wildfire risks, particularly during dry, hot summers. Flooding from snowmelt in spring can also impact the area, with summer thunderstorms also bringing the potential of flash flooding, high winds, and intense lightning.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates are 87% lower than the national average. Over the past five years, about three muggings have happened each year. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The risk is low, but as part of a larger metropolitan area, you should always keep your guard up and report suspicious activity. The Homeland Security Department releases a Terrorism Advisory Bulletin every couple of months, and that's a great place to see the current landscape of international and domestic terrorism concerns and safety steps.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

While domestic abuse across Utah County has been up nearly 300% over the past few years, there is little reason for a female visitor to be concerned. This is a town full of families with a friendly and helpful vibe.

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 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations.

Safest Places to Visit in Orem

The best tourism research website is utahvalley.com, which covers Utah County and the Utah Valley region.

Orem is between Lehi and Provo, but the valley stretches from Lehi to Santaquin.

Orem doesn’t have a traditional downtown area, but there are plenty of shopping districts and residential strip malls with a variety of stores.

The area known as City Center does have a 23-acre park with trails and is a popular place for festivals throughout the year.

The Murdock Canal Trail System is for bicyclists to ride as much of the 20-mile route over a canal between Orem and Lehi.

More than 250,000 people take this trail each year.

At Utah Valley University, a free Art Museum offers rotating exhibits and four permanent galleries of various creative forms.

Roots of Knowledge at Utah Valley University is an expansive stained-glass installation that chronicles the evolution of human knowledge.

Spanning over 200 feet, it features intricate panels depicting significant historical, cultural, and scientific milestones.

Guided tours are available throughout the week.

Just west of Orem is Vineyard, which is on the shore of Utah Lake.

The Utah Lake Shore Trail and Vineyard Beach are just a few miles from Orem.

About 10 miles south is Utah Lake State Park in Provo, which is one of the most popular ways to access the freshwater lake.

Sailing tours are available there, too.

Provo Canyon, located just northeast of Orem, Utah, offers a picturesque escape with its scenic drive along U.S. Route 189.

This route winds through stunning landscapes featuring steep canyon walls, the sparkling Provo River, and cascading waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls.

Visitors can stop at various lookout points to capture breathtaking views or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Also, some Mormon temples will offer tours.

You should check with the preferred church to see if there are times available during your visit.

Even if you don’t believe the same things as Mormons, the temples are still quite stunning.

Places to Avoid in Orem

Orem might be the first city I have absolutely nothing to mention when it comes to avoiding a place.

While it’s highly residential, you do get hotels lining both University Avenue and the interstate.

You are close to the lake and the mountains, plus centrally located in the Utah Valley.

You do want to avoid going to Orem without doing some research.

For example, the alcohol laws here are a little different from any other state.

For example, the rules are different in a restaurant and a bar.

You can’t go to a restaurant and order alcohol without also ordering food.

Certain locations that sell beers will be limited to 4-5% alcohol by volume.

Other states might have beers that go as high as 7%.

Also, the level of being intoxicated while driving is 0.05%, whereas other states are at 0.08%.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Orem

So... How Safe Is Orem Really?

Violent crime rates have increased by 344% over the past decade.

However, the rates as of 2022 were still 54% lower than the national average and 23% lower than the state average.

In addition, almost 60% of violent crimes have happened in private homes over the past five years.

Only one in five violent crimes involved a victim unknown to their attacker.

Theft rates hover right at the national average as of 2022.

About 37% of those are related to car break-ins or car accessory thefts.

Another 26% are tied to shoplifting.

Car thefts have been down 41% since 2019, with an average of three cars a week stolen in 2022.

It’s interesting that during my research, I ended on a search results page with one article saying Orem was one of the safest cities in the country, another article saying Orem was ranked as one of the best places to live and buy a house, and a third was about an overnight shooting at a high-rise residence that left three people hurt and five people arrested.

Every community is going to have some crime, and Orem is one of the safest places within one of the safest states.

Common sense and personal safety habits will go a long way here.

How Does Orem 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. 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 does not offer a currency exchange service desk, but ATMs are on site. Your home bank offers the lowest fees, while local ATMs will charge the highest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

You get a nice mix of all four seasons in Orem, with winters between 40° and 21°F and summers peaking in the upper 80s or low 90s with upper 50s for nighttime lows. With an average snowfall of around 40 inches, this isn't the snowiest place in the state, but the mountains are nearby to experience some epic skiing. Pack comfortable outdoor clothing and sunscreen.

Airports

Salt Lake City International Airport is 45 miles away, and most of that is easy interstate driving. That's the only major airport in the state.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance just makes sense in a place where the weather can cause delays or cancelations. Be sure you have roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage on your rental car. If you don't have health coverage in the U.S., get an emergency supplemental plan, just in case.

Orem Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Utah - Safety by City