When it comes to dangerous places in Utah, they’re almost completely nonexistent. Even our state’s most troublesome areas are still significantly safer than anywhere else in the country. However, RoadSnacks and Movoto focused on years of FBI crime data and census populations that were above 5,000 and 10,000 residents to find the most alarming places in our state. So, if you’ve ever wondered statistically which places you might want to avoid once the sun goes down, these locations might be the ones.

1. South Salt Lake
Steven Vance/Flickr
With a population of roughly 24,000 residents, the city of South Salt Lake seems to continuously remain at the top of Utah's lists of most dangerous places. In 2014, residents living in the area were at a 1 in 15 risk of becoming a victim of theft or arson as well as a 1 in 121 chance of becoming a victim of arson, murder or rape. With a crime rate that's been steadily climbing, it's safe to say we'll most likely see this location at the top of another list next year.
2. Salt Lake City
Loco Steve/Flickr
With a population of roughly 190,000 residents, this city's large size contributes to its dangerous statistics. The second most crime ridden location in Utah, the city has had an increase in violent crimes over the past several years. So, what's your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Salt Lake City? 1 in 12 according to Movoto.
3. Ogden
denebola2025/Flickr
Home to 84,000 Utah residents, Ogden was actually named one of the best places to raise a family back in 2010. Even though this city has a significant crime rate, it still manages to have a 67% less crime rate than South Salt Lake. Your chances of becoming a victim of property crime? 1 in 20 as of 2019.
4. Washington
Raymond Shobe/Flickr
According to Movoto, the city of Washington is actually has the eighth most violent crimes in all of the Beehive State. But the main statistic that proved for this city to be so dangerous? Its high murder rate - the third highest murder rate in the state!
5. Tooele
Ken Lund/Flickr
Murder is uncommon here, but unfortunately, things like assault, robbery, and rape are not. Overally, Tooele residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming the victim of a crime.

Related Stories

The Charming Small Town In Utah That Was Named After A Native American Chief

The Charming Small Town In Utah That Was Named After A Native American Chief

 The Breathtaking Historic Home In Utah You Must Visit This Year

The Breathtaking Historic Home In Utah You Must Visit This Year

 People Used To Flock To This Tiny Utah Town To Mine Silver In Sandstone

People Used To Flock To This Tiny Utah Town To Mine Silver In Sandstone
6. Brigham City
Ken Lund/Flickr
Go up north in Utah and this city of over 18,000 residents and you'll discover the mildly dangerous location that is Brigham City. Known for being the Gateway to the World's Greatest Wild Bird Refuge, residents here actually have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of arson or theft.
7. Cedar City
Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to crime? It would appear that Cedar City is the place you want to avoid. The city reportedly has some of Utah's highest murder and violent crime rates, leaving some of our nearly 30,000 residents feeling a bit weary. Overall, residents have a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim at some point.
8. Sandy
LivingLandscapeArchitecture/Flickr
Sandy ranks eighth in the state for murders and total crimes per capita, and one has a 1 in 32 chance of one day becoming the victim of a crime here.
9. West Jordan
West Jordan City Hall/Facebook
For every 100,000 residents of Jordan, there were 186 violent crimes in 2019. This means that, for every one person who lives here, there were .0019 crimes - which is unusually high.
10. Payson
Ken Lund/Flickr
In 2012, Payson, Utah, had the second highest murder rate in the state. Nowadays, things are better, but it still has a high rate of violent crimes and property crime.

Were you shocked to see any of these cities make the list? What would you call the most dangerous places in Utah? For more facts about the Beehive State, see why Utah Is Said To Have The Nation’s Worst Drivers!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Most Dangerous Places in Utah

Tori Jane | August 08, 2022

What are some of the most dangerous towns in Utah?  

Oh, Utah. Let’s be real here: the four corners region is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and we can’t get enough of it, ever. Utah is one of the four states included in this area, and it’s definitely worth a visit no matter where you’re coming from. Of course, there are some parts of Utah that tend to have higher crime rates than others; this doesn’t mean they’re “dangerous” in the literal sense, but more in the sense that you do have a higher chance of something happening while you’re here (usually in the realm of property theft). Of course, unsurprisingly, some of the big cities in Utah make the top of the list, though there are small towns in Utah that do, too. Some of the top “most dangerous” towns in Utah at the time of this writing include South Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Roosevelt, Murray, and West Valley.  

What is life in Utah like?  

Life in Utah is amazing, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. The truth is, everywhere you go is going to have less-than-perfect areas of town and rougher parts of cities, but that doesn’t mean visiting should ever be out of the question. There are some truly amazing hiking trails in Utah, and the state parks in Utah are second to none. In fact, our state and National Parks are among the most visited in the entire country, and for good reason: Utah is one of the most scenic places in the United States, and we are obsessed. Life here is quiet and nice, with little crowding and an overall high sense of the quality of life.  

Where are some dangerous places to avoid in Utah? 

Honestly? Despite the stats (which can look scary but really aren’t), Utah is an excellent little state to visit. Other than the five towns and cities listed above, there are a few more with higher-than-average crime rates to be wary of. Some of those cities and towns include Ogden, Moab, Riverdale, Park City, and Tooele. Ogden has 83% less violent crime and 100% less property crime than, say, South Salt Lake, which has made the #1 spot on the Top Ten Most Dangerous lists for years now.  

Related Articles

Explore Utah