Salt Lake County, the most populous county in Utah, has over 1.1 million residents. It includes Salt Lake City, which is both the state capital and the largest city in Utah. The county boasts various attractions like the Great Salt Lake, Temple Square, ski resorts, and cultural events.
However, it’s important to note that not all areas within the county offer the same level of safety and desirability. Some neighborhoods experience higher rates of crime and violence, which can make them less appealing for both residents and visitors. In this article, we will examine the five neighborhoods in Salt Lake County with the highest levels of crime, based on data from CrimeGrade.org, NeighborhoodScout, and SLC.gov.
Kearns
Kearns, located in the southwest part of Salt Lake County, is a designated residential area with around 36,000 residents spread across 4.8 square miles. Initially established as a military base during World War II, it later transformed into a residential community.
The median household income in Kearns is approximately $57,000, with a 12% poverty rate. As per CrimeGrade.org, Kearns has a relatively high crime rate, with 6.3 violent crimes and 35.9 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
This places it among the less safe areas in Salt Lake County, ranking in the 7th percentile for safety. This means that 93% of counties are considered safer, while 7% are considered more dangerous.
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West Valley City
West Valley City, located in Utah, is the second-largest city in the state, home to around 136,000 residents. It’s situated in the northwest part of Salt Lake County, covering an area of 35.5 square miles.
The city was established in 1980 by combining several previously unincorporated areas. West Valley City’s average household income is about $60,000, and the poverty rate stands at 13%.
As per CrimeGrade.org, West Valley City has a higher rate of violent crime at 6.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, and property crime stands at 40 incidents per 1,000 residents.
This places it among the less safe areas in Salt Lake County. In terms of safety, West Valley City ranks in the 6th percentile, indicating that 94% of counties are safer, and 6% are more dangerous.
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Glendale
Glendale, located in the southwest part of Salt Lake City, is home to around 24,000 residents and spans about 3.9 square miles. Initially established in the early 1900s as an industrial zone with factories and warehouses, Glendale now has a median household income of $38,000 and a high poverty rate of 32%.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Glendale has a high violent crime rate of 10 incidents per 1,000 residents, along with a property crime rate of 64 incidents per 1,000 residents. This makes it one of the riskier areas in Salt Lake County, placing it in the bottom 5% for safety compared to neighborhoods across the United States.
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Rose Park
Rose Park, located in the northwest part of Salt Lake City, has around 23,000 residents and spans 4 square miles. It was established in the 1940s to provide affordable housing for veterans and workers. The neighborhood’s median household income is $45,000, and its poverty rate is 21%.
According to NeighborhoodScout, Rose Park has a relatively high crime rate, with 11 violent crimes and 70 property crimes per 1,000 residents. This makes it one of the less safe areas in Salt Lake County, ranking in the bottom 4% for safety among all U.S. neighborhoods.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Lonoke County, Arkansas
Downtown
Downtown in Salt Lake City is the main business area and historic center. It’s home to around 19,000 people and spans 3 square miles. This part of the city is where you’ll find cultural, economic, and political activities, including landmarks, museums, theaters, restaurants, and shops. The average household income is $46,000, but the poverty rate is 22%.
As stated by SLC.gov, Downtown faces some safety challenges. There are 16 violent crimes and 85 property crimes for every 1,000 residents, making it the riskiest area in Salt Lake County. In terms of safety, Downtown falls in the bottom 2% when compared to neighborhoods across the U.S.
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Final Words
Here are the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Salt Lake County, Utah, according to the data we have. However, it’s worth noting that crime levels can change based on factors like time of day and season. That’s why it’s crucial to be vigilant and use common sense when in any area.
Moreover, some neighborhoods might offer positive qualities that overshadow the negatives, like diversity, culture, and a strong sense of community. So, it’s vital not to form judgments solely based on crime stats, but also consider the area’s potential and opportunities.
