F
218%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
165%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
229%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSalt Lake City/100k peopleUtah/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime14,904n/a (estimate)7,4012,1372,324
Murder13n/a6.52.06.3
Rape380n/a188.759.540.0
Robbery413n/a205.129.666.1
Assault1,164n/a578.0150.7268.2
Violent crime1,970n/a (estimate)978242370
Burglary1,316n/a653.5201.7269.8
Theft9,887n/a4,909.81,485.11,401.9
Vehicle theft1,731n/a859.6208.4282.7
Property crime12,934n/a (estimate)6,4231,8951,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Salt Lake City, UT

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Salt Lake City crime rate is higher than the national average by 218.4%. Specifically, there were 1970 violent crimes in Salt Lake City, equivalent to 978 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 164.5%. Furthermore, Salt Lake City recorded 12934 property crimes, amounting to 6423 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 228.6%.

Having a crime rate of 7401 per 100,000 residents, Salt Lake City experiences a crime rate that is 218.44% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Salt Lake City contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Salt Lake City ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 978 per 100,000 people, Salt Lake City is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Salt Lake City, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Salt Lake City faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 6423 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Salt Lake City stands at 1 in 16, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Salt Lake City faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 1731 vehicle thefts, translating to 860 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Salt Lake City in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 117.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Salt Lake City?

What do the local residents think about crime in Salt Lake City? Well, based on a recent survey of 162 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 41% of Salt Lake City residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 59% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Salt Lake City a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Salt Lake City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Salt Lake City has a total crime rate that is 218% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 40.83 daily crimes (5.4 violent daily crimes and 35.44 daily property crimes) in Salt Lake City.

Has Crime in Salt Lake City Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Salt Lake City. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Salt Lake City has decreased by 7.3%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 1.3%, while property crime has decreased by 8.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City Neighborhood Crime Rates

Salt Lake City is a large urban city with at least 19 distinct neighborhoods. As a result, crime rates will differ dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Typically, high density neighborhoods that are located close to the city center, experience more crime than neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City include: Greater Avenues, Wasatch Hollow and Yalecrest. Some neighborhoods that have a higher number of reported crime that you might want to avoid include: Westpointe, Poplar Grove and Glendale.

Potential Causes for Crime in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a poverty rate of 15.2, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Salt Lake City crime rates. For instance, in Salt Lake City, the population density stands at 1813.8 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Salt Lake City, there are 3.03 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

Salt Lake City crime map



The Salt Lake City crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Salt Lake City as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Salt Lake City crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Salt Lake City crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Salt Lake City crime rates are 218% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Salt Lake City are 165% higher than the national average
  • In Salt Lake City you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Salt Lake City is safer than 1% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Salt Lake City has decreased by 5%

Salt Lake City, UT Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Salt Lake City (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Salt Lake City, per 100,000 residents. In Salt Lake City, the total number of daily crimes is 3.46 times more than the Utah average and 3.18 times more than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Salt Lake City are 4.05 times more than the Utah average and 2.65 times more than the national average. For property crime, Salt Lake City has a daily crime rate that is 3.39 times more than the Utah average and 3.29 times more than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Salt Lake City (higher is better)

        Is Salt Lake City safe in comparison to other cities in the state of Utah as well as in comparison to the rest of the areas across the United States. Using the gauges above, which compare crime in Salt Lake City to other cities in the state and across the country, Salt Lake City is 0% safer than other cities of Utah and 1% safer than other cities in the nation. Salt Lake City has a ranks below average in comparison to other cities in the country.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Salt Lake City

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Salt Lake City is 1 in 103
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Salt Lake City is 1 in 16
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Salt Lake City is 1 in 14
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Salt Lake City? In Salt Lake City, UT you have a 1 in 103 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 14 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Salt Lake City.

        Year Over Year Crime In Salt Lake City (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Salt Lake City, UT is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Salt Lake City has increased by 1%, while the property crime rate in Salt Lake City has decreased by 6% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Salt Lake City has decreased by 5% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Salt Lake City police department

        Item Salt Lake City Utah National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)5833,469558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.02.43.3
        There are a total of 583 Salt Lake City police officers. This results in 3.0 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 28.7% greater than the Utah average and 6.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Utah

        State Total offenders Utah /100K National /100K
        Utah8,736362266
        There are a total of 8,736 sex offenders in Utah. This yields a total of 362 sex offenders in Utah per 100,000 residents which is 36% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Emigration Canyon, UT1,59834266300
        Granite, UT80098766863
        Alta, UT39698766863
        Holladay, UT30,461105819923
        Bountiful, UT43,9911111,1971,308
        South Jordan, UT73,695661,3581,424
        West Bountiful, UT5,7241831,4341,617
        Salt Lake City, UT200,1339786,4237,401

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Yonkers, NY200,1833109161,226
        Huntsville, AL199,8452991,5061,805
        Huntington Beach, CA199,7782542,2422,496
        Grand Rapids, MI199,4179793,0063,986
        Glendale, CA199,3571501,8261,976
        Salt Lake City, UT200,1339786,4237,401
        Source: The Salt Lake City, UT crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.