San Juan County, situated in the southeastern part of Utah, shares its borders with Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. Despite being the largest county in Utah in terms of area, it is sparsely populated, with a 2020 Census count of 14,518 residents.
This county is renowned for its diverse array of natural and cultural attractions, including Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and the Navajo Nation.
Nonetheless, San Juan County grapples with elevated crime rates, particularly in violent offenses. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, the county reported a violent crime rate of 12.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. Although this is nearly 10 points lower than the national average of 22.7, it still surpasses the majority of other counties in Utah.
The property crime rate in the county also falls below the national average, registering at 30.1 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of 35.4.
It’s worth noting that these statistics might not provide a complete representation of the crime situation in San Juan County, given that they are calculated based on the entire population, which encompasses numerous rural and sparsely inhabited areas.
Listed below are the five neighborhoods in San Juan County with the highest crime rates, ranked according to their overall crime grade. This grade is determined by evaluating various types of crimes, taking into account their seriousness and frequency, using data from CrimeGrade.org.
Aneth
This area, designated as a census area, is situated in the southern section of the county, close to the Arizona border. It is predominantly populated by members of the Navajo Nation and has an approximate population of 416 individuals.
Aneth is characterized by a significant level of crime, receiving an overall grade of F, indicating a much higher crime rate compared to the average U.S. county.
In terms of violent crime, it also receives an F grade, with an incidence rate of 87.5 per 1,000 residents, which is over six times greater than the national average. The property crime rating stands at D, with an incidence rate of 125 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by more than three times.
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Montezuma Creek
This is another Census-Designated Place (CDP) situated in the southern region of the county, close to Aneth. It boasts a population of approximately 507 individuals, primarily comprised of members of the Navajo Nation.
Montezuma Creek exhibits an overall crime grade of F, indicating a notably elevated crime rate in comparison to the typical U.S. county. The rating for violent crime is also an F, with a rate of 78.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over five times.
In terms of property crime, it holds a grade of D, with a rate of 118.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is more than three times higher than the national average.
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Mexican Hat
This is an unincorporated community situated in the eastern section of the county, close to the Colorado border. It is inhabited by approximately 31 individuals and derives its name from a nearby rock formation resembling a sombrero.
Mexican Hat has an overall crime rating of F, indicating a significantly elevated crime rate compared to the typical U.S. county.
In terms of violent crimes, it also receives an F rating, with an incidence of 645.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is more than 28 times greater than the national average. Similarly, for property crimes, it garners an F rating, with an occurrence of 645.2 per 1,000 residents. This rate is over 18 times higher than the national average.
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Blanding
This city, situated in the central area of the county, holds the distinction of being the largest and most densely populated in San Juan County, with approximately 3,440 residents. Blanding’s general crime rating stands at D, indicating a higher-than-average incidence of crime when compared to the typical U.S. county.
Regarding violent crimes, it receives a grade of C, with a rate of 24 incidents per 1,000 residents, slightly surpassing the national average. In terms of property crimes, it earns a grade of D, with a rate of 202 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is nearly six times greater than the national average.
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Monticello
This city, situated in the northern part of the county, serves as the county seat for San Juan County. It has a population of approximately 1,918 residents. Monticello is rated with a D for overall crime, indicating a higher crime rate compared to the average U.S. county.
In terms of violent crime, it receives an F grade, with an incidence of 52.1 per 1,000 residents, which is over twice the national average. Regarding property crime, it receives a C grade, with a rate of 145.8 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by more than four times.
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Final Words
Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Juan County, Utah, as indicated by the accessible data. It’s crucial to remember that crime levels can fluctuate, and might not represent the present state of each neighborhood.
Hence, it’s recommended to consistently be vigilant and use good judgment when in any area, whether visiting or residing, and promptly inform local authorities about any concerning or unlawful conduct.
