Utah is a beautiful state, full of wonderful people and incredible scenery, and overall, it's a very safe place to live. In fact, according to the FBI's report of crime statistics, Utah is ranked number 39 in the nation for violent crime. The FBI's report includes statistics for the year 2018, which is the most recent available.
The website RoadSnacks.com recently ranked the most dangerous places in Utah, using the FBI's statistics. It looked at the number of people per city and the number of crimes committed, including violent crimes and property crimes. Here are the eight most dangerous cities in Utah. You might be surprised by some of them!
1. South Salt Lake City
The list of the most dangerous places in Utah begins in South Salt Lake City. South Salt Lake claims the number one spot for violent crime again this year. With just over 25,000 residents, the city experienced 242 violent crimes during 2018, six of which were homicides. The city is also ranked first in the state for property crimes, with 1,796 reported that year.
2. Salt Lake City
With 202,633 residents, Salt Lake City is Utah's largest city, and it has its share of crime. 1,480 violent crimes were reported to police in 2018, and there were 10 homicides that year. Salt Lake City ranks second in the state for violent crimes as well as property crimes. Of course, this is no reason not to spend time in Utah's biggest city. Learn about some of the top attractions in Salt Lake City.
3. West Valley City
West Valley City has experienced a lot of growth in the last few years, and its crime rate has grown as well. Last year, the city was ranked fifth in the state for violent crime; this year, it ranked third. With 137,132 residents, police reported 945 violent crimes, including 8 homicides. 4,915 property crimes were reported in 2018. On another note, when you visit West Valley City, you can look forward to charming attractions and hidden-gem restaurants, such as Ogie's Cafe.
4. Murray
A quiet suburb of Salt Lake, the city of Murray feels safe to most residents, but it comes in at number four in the Beehive State for crime. The city is home to 49,675 residents, and reported 216 violent crimes in 2018, including one homicide. Murray is the 8th most dangerous city in Utah for violent crime, but ranks 3rd for property crime, with 3,027 reports filed.
5. Ogden
Ogden was home to 87,616 residents in 2018, and its ranking on this list fell from fourth to fifth, so perhaps things are looking up a bit for this pretty city. Violent crimes for the year totaled 417, and property crimes 3,218 property crimes were reported. That being said, there are also many people that consider Ogden to be one of the best places to live in Utah.
6. Moab
You might be surprised to see the charming town of Moab on this list. It's a small community with just 5,274 residents, which means that a slight bump in crime can mean a big bump on the city's ranking for crime rates. While it claimed a rank of 20th most dangerous last year, it climbed to 6th this year with 33 violent crimes, including one homicide. Residents experienced 175 property crimes.
7. Price
The small town of Price had just 8,201 residents in 2018, but police reported 34 violent crimes and 486 property crimes that year. That might not seem like much, but considering that the population is so low, it means that 1 in 16.9 residents experienced property crime.
8. Park City
Park City is one of Utah's most beautiful mountain towns, and is popular with both residents and tourists alike. It might be surprising to see this upscale town on the list, but because of its small population, even a small number of crimes can impact its ranking. In 2018, Park City had a population of 8,491 residents and reported 51 violent crimes and 225 property crimes.
Even the most dangerous places in Utah have low crime rates compared to many other places in the country. Do you feel safe in your community? Tell us in the comments below! And to end things on a positive note, learn about the most beautiful places in the Beehive State when you read our previous article: The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Utah Who Loves The Outdoors.
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