Crime Rates in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is Utah’s biggest metro area. Unsurprisingly, total crime in the city is higher than in the rest of the state. However, out of all the U.S. cities, Salt Lake City doesn’t even break into the top 25 for most dangerous.
If you’re thinking about moving to Salt Lake City, you probably want to know if the area is safe.
What to know about these numbers
The following crime data may have you thinking that Salt Lake City is an overall crime-infested place. It is not. The Advocates law firm has been working here for decades, so we know that it is safe. In any city, crime is more common simply because there are more people. This metro area is no different.
As with car accidents, there is always a chance a crime will be committed against you. But the probability is small when going to work, grocery shopping, hanging out with friends, or just living your life.
The Salt Lake City Police Department has a crime map that shows the types and numbers of crimes committed throughout the city over several months.
Let’s break down the data to see how often certain crimes occur.
The violent crime rate
This is the type of crime most people fear, which is normal. The idea of homicide and aggravated assault is terrifying. If you survive, the consequences last well past the crime, affecting you mentally.
According to the SLCPD crime statistics, 2024 had 11 criminal homicides and 653 aggravated assault cases. To put that into perspective, Salt Lake City has over 200,000 residents, which doesn’t include the surrounding areas. That comes out to 238 violent crimes committed per 100,000 people.
Is there a chance that violent crime could happen to you? Yes, regardless of where you live. However, the data shows that this is very unlikely.
The property crime rate
Property crime is a criminal offense where someone steals, destroys, or unlawfully uses someone else’s property without force or threat.
Here are several types of property crime:
- Larceny
- Burglary
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Embezzlement
- Arson
- Motor vehicle theft
In 2024, there were 988 motor vehicle thefts, 447 residential burglaries, and 6,494 cases of multiple larceny/theft, which is essentially shoplifting and other forms of theft.
Where crime is most common
Salt Lake City crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods.
Here is a ranking of the five neighborhoods in the city with higher crime rates:
- Downtown: Population of 4,193 people. 2,259 violent crimes per 100,000. 160% more crime than the rest of the city.
- Poplar Grove: Population of 15,850 people. 2,200 violent crimes per 100,000. 153% more crime than the rest of the city.
- Glendale: Population of 14,606 people. 1,794 violent crimes per 100,000. 107% more crime than the rest of the city.
- Westpointe: Population of 7,257 people. 1,693 violent crimes per 100,000 people. 95% more crime than the rest of the city.
- People’s Freeway: Population of 6,142 people. 1,109 violent crimes per 100,000. 28% more crime than the rest of the city.
These areas have the most crime in all of Salt Lake City, and the numbers still aren’t very frightening. It seems as though downtown has the most violent crimes. But someone in that neighborhood still has just a 2.26% chance of experiencing violent crime.
Most neighborhoods experience little to no crime. Sugar House, The Avenues, and East Central are friendly, clean, and crime-free places to live, work, and raise families.
Crime rates are dropping
Although Salt Lake City has higher crime rates than the national average, the numbers are dropping across the board.
In 2024, the mayor and chief of police said the crime rate had reached a 15-year low. Law enforcement is doing its job well by conducting large operations that are protecting the city. There is also a lot of cooperation between state law enforcers and federal organizations like the FBI.
Less crime is happening. From north Salt Lake to West Valley City, it is getting safer every day for average citizens.
Salt Lake City has a crime index of 6.6/10, but it will likely drop in the coming years as educational and employment opportunities increase, law enforcement continues to expand its capabilities, and the people of SLC further develop a sense of community.
UT crime may seem like an issue from the outside looking in, but those living here have a different story. For every burglary, thousands of people have lived here for decades with no problems at all. Whether you are visiting or living here, we hope you enjoy Salt Lake City and all this interesting, beautiful, and safe city has to offer.