Are you thinking about visiting or moving to Salt Lake City but wondering if it’s safe?
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when it comes to safety in this vibrant city.
Salt Lake City is generally safe, but like any major city, it has areas with higher crime rates. Downtown and tourist areas are typically well-patrolled and secure, but staying vigilant is always a good idea.
Property crime is more common than violent crime, so locking your car and keeping belongings secure is essential.
To finish, we also tell you how to enhance your CCTV cameras for more effective proactive detection of theft and vandalism!
Crime index Salt Lake City 2023
According to a recent report, in 2023, Salt Lake City hit a huge milestone: crime dropped to a 15-year low.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Chief Mike Brown announced that overall crime was down 11% compared to the previous year.
Violent crimes? Down 10%.
Property crimes? Down 12%.
Homicides stayed the same, but here’s the kicker: the city went from 17,000 crimes in 2020 to 13,371 in 2023. That’s real progress.
Based on the data from the SLC Dashboard, Salt Lake City’s commitment to safety is evident, with impressive statistics to support their efforts.
- 38 defendants charged in 2023 (313 since 2021).
- Drugs seized: 1,080 kg of meth (over a ton), 4 kg of crack, and 1.84 kg of heroin.
- Guns recovered: 35 illegal firearms in 2023, bringing the total to 362 since 2021.
- Cash seized: $52,834 in 2023, adding to the $887,475 total since the project started.
- Charges: 60%+ of defendants are tied to illegal firearm possession.
- Who are they?: 36.8% are on probation or parole, 26.3% have gang affiliations.
Now, what does this mean?
This isn’t just luck—this is intentional. A ton of meth off the streets? That’s cutting into drug trafficking networks. Taking 35 guns from people who shouldn’t have them? That’s 35 fewer chances for violence. These numbers show a city taking control, not just reacting.
But here’s where it gets interesting: What does a ton of meth say about drug trends? Or the fact that over a third of these defendants were already on probation or parole? These are the conversations Salt Lake City is sparking.
And they’re not done. With a 15-year low in crime, these actions are part of a bigger picture. The city is turning data into strategy, and strategy into results.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact.
Is Salt Lake City safe for tourists?
Well, let’s look at the numbers. In 2023, Salt Lake City’s airport welcomed a record-breaking 26.9 million passengers. That’s a lot of people choosing this city as their destination—and it speaks volumes about its safety.
You know what else speaks volumes? The fact that tourism in Utah generated a staggering 23.4 million dollars in economic output in 2024. That’s no small feat.
Now, let’s talk about what makes Salt Lake City a “Safecation” destination. Imagine fresh mountain air, scenic trails, and wide-open spaces, all perfect for a socially distanced getaway.
And it gets better: travel incentives like $200 Delta gift cards, $100 gas cards, and free passes to top attractions are making it even easier for travelers to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Safe, conscious travel isn’t just possible—it’s exactly what Salt Lake City is built for.
Is Salt Lake city safe for residents?
Salt Lake City has once again earned a spot on the prestigious list of the best places to live in the U.S. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 rankings, which evaluated the 150 most populous metro areas, Salt Lake City secured an impressive position at number 58 overall.
This ranking takes into account five key categories: desirability, value, job market, quality of life, and net migration. While being in the top 100 is certainly noteworthy, it’s worth mentioning that Salt Lake City has dropped from its previous rankings of 23rd place in both 2021 and 2022.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Salt Lake City still shines as a desirable destination, but like any city, it’s constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and opportunities. The drop in ranking could reflect changing dynamics, but it also signals that the city remains a top contender in terms of overall livability.
Should you relocate to Salt Lake City?
While Salt Lake City offers a winning combination for anyone looking to relocate. The job market is thriving, especially in tech, healthcare, and finance, giving you plenty of career opportunities.
Living here is affordable—the cost of living is much lower than in other major cities, so you get more for your money. For families, it’s a great place with safe neighborhoods and top-rated schools.
What do the locals say?
Heidi Macdonald says:
Salt Lake City is generally safe, with no major areas to avoid while walking or driving. However, if you’re out late at night, extra caution is advised. The biggest safety concern tends to be the aggressive drivers, especially those running red lights. Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking, stay alert. Otherwise, enjoy all the great things the city has to offer!
Kathy Duan, who has been living in Utah since 1990, says:
While many neighborhoods in Salt Lake County have their appealing aspects, it’s advisable to be cautious around 3500 South and 3200 West in West Valley City, due to its reputation for gang activity and frequent shootings. Conversely, areas like Rose Park in the northwest of Salt Lake City and Magna on the western edge of the county have somewhat negative reputations but are beloved by residents who live there.
Area Vibes conducted a poll on the liveability in Salt Lake City. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Salt Lake City appealing for residents:
- 67% say it’s family-friendly
- 50% find it walkable to grocery stores
- 71% love the lots of parks available
- 50% say it’s walkable to restaurants
- 63% feel the neighbors are friendly
- 46% feel safe at night
- 50% feel a strong sense of community
If you want to grow your career and enjoy a high quality of life, Salt Lake City is a solid bet!
Salt Lake City safety map:
The safety map above illustrates Salt Lake City’s crime distribution. Darker shaded areas indicate higher crime rates, often associated with property and violent crimes and frequently featured in news reports. In contrast, lighter shaded areas highlight the city’s safest neighborhoods.
According to NeighborhoodScout, the top three safest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City are:
- University Village
- Greater Avenues East
- City Creek
Regional Overview:
Northern Salt Lake City:
This region includes areas near downtown and the Capitol Hill district. While it has pockets of safety like the Avenues and City Creek, certain neighborhoods closer to industrial zones may experience higher property crime rates.
Southern Salt Lake City:
Known for its suburban feel and family-friendly communities, the southern part of Salt Lake City typically has lower crime rates. Areas near Sugar House and Holladay are considered safer, but proximity to major commercial zones can occasionally impact crime statistics.
Western Salt Lake City:
This area is more industrial and has historically been associated with higher crime rates, particularly property crimes and some violent offenses. However, ongoing community initiatives and developments are helping to improve safety over time.
Eastern Salt Lake City:
Eastern neighborhoods, such as Greater Avenues East and University Village, are among the safest in the city. These areas benefit from a combination of residential communities, university influence, and lower crime rates.
The most dangerous neighborhoods of Salt Lake city:
Some areas of Salt Lake City, like Westpointe and Glendale, see higher crime rates compared to the rest of the city.
It’s a mix of economic struggles, social issues, and criminal activity that make these neighborhoods riskier. But don’t just write them off—efforts are being made to improve safety.
Let’s find out what initiatives the government is taking to make Salt Lake City safe!
What is the government doing to make Salt Lake City safer?
Here’s how they’ve taken action:
- Cracked down on the New Yorker Social Club: 15 arrests and 6 firearms removed from the streets, sending a strong message about tackling violence head-on.
- Shut down a THC vape distribution ring: Over 10 arrests, disrupting an illegal operation and taking dangerous substances off the market.
- Launched a Police Community Response Team: With this team handling 3,400 low-priority calls, officers can focus on high-priority incidents, improving overall efficiency and response times.
But they didn’t stop there. Salt Lake City also rolled out a public crime dashboard, keeping citizens informed and holding everyone accountable.
These efforts aren’t just random actions—they’re the result of data-driven strategies and strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community. It’s a clear commitment to creating a safer city for all.
Are they done? No. But they’re moving in the right direction.
Is Salt Lake City a safe bet for businesses?
Yes, no doubt about it! According to KBS:
Bankrate ranks Salt Lake City as the sixth-best U.S. city to start a career, based on an analysis of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the country!
Salt Lake City just ranked #1 in North America for ease of doing business, and it’s no accident.
According to Arizona State University’s DBNA report, the city crushed it across six key areas: starting a business, employing workers, taxes, electricity, land use, and resolving insolvency.
Derek Miller, CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, nailed it when he said success isn’t accidental—intentional efforts like the Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator and Women’s Business Center of Utah are breaking down barriers and driving growth.
Read our latest blogs to find out how the residents of Atlanta, Washington D.C., Detroit, Dallas and even the areas around them are staying safer with remote video monitoring!
- Is Dallas safe? Crime rate and safest neighborhoods.
- Is Washington DC safe for tourists and residents? 2024 update.
- Is Detroit Safe? A Comprehensive Look at 2024 Crime Rates.
- Atlanta crime rate stats & safest neighborhoods: 2024 insights.
- Top Safest Cities in North Carolina: Where to Live in 2024.
Here’s how businesses are staying safe in Salt Lake City and leveraging proactive security solutions to protect their operations.
How to stay safer in Salt Lake City in 2024?
Safety is a top priority for any business. In Salt Lake City, businesses are staying ahead of the game with security solutions that focus on proactive measures and prompt detection.
Whether it’s safeguarding assets, protecting employees, or ensuring smooth operations, the city’s emphasis on creating a safe environment complements its ease of doing business.
It’s not just about reacting to issues; it’s about preventing them before they happen—because a secure business is a successful business.
Conclusion:
Salt Lake City is a safe and growing city, offering a solid foundation for both residents and businesses.
With crime rates at a 15-year low, ongoing efforts from local authorities to tackle safety challenges, and a thriving job market, the city is a great place to live and work.
While some areas may have higher crime rates, stay ahead of potential threats with real-time alerts and proactive security measures.
Contact us now to learn about our Live Remote Video Monitoring in Salt Lake City and how you can enhance your security and safeguard your assets, no matter where you are.