Utah is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural diversity. But not all places in the Beehive State are equally safe and peaceful. According to the latest FBI crime data, some Utah towns have higher rates of violent and property crimes than the national average. Here are four Utah destinations that have been named among the most dangerous towns in the US.
South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake is the most dangerous town in Utah, according to RoadSnacks, a website that ranks places based on various criteria. South Salt Lake has a population of 25,422 and a violent crime rate of 1,026 per 100,000 people, which is the highest in the state. It also has the highest property crime rate of 7,615 per 100,000 people. Most of the violent crimes are aggravated assaults, but the town also has a high rate of robberies and murders.
South Salt Lake is part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area and has undergone extensive redevelopment since 2010. It is the only city in the Intermountain West to have a Chinatown, which was developed in 2012. The town has also invested in community and youth development projects, which have helped reduce the crime rate since 2007. However, South Salt Lake still remains a risky destination for visitors and residents alike.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of Utah, with a population of 202,426. It is also the second most dangerous town in Utah, with a violent crime rate of 712 per 100,000 people. It ranks third for property crimes, with a rate of 5,657 per 100,000 people. More than half of the violent crimes are aggravated assaults, but Salt Lake City also has the highest rate of robberies in the state, with 116 per 100,000 people. The city also recorded 13 homicides in 2019.
Salt Lake City is a popular tourist destination, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. It hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and has 85 municipal parks within its borders. It is also home to the University of Utah, the Utah Pride Festival, and the US’s industrial banking center. The city hosts several cultural and artistic events, such as the Sundance Film Festival, the Dark Arts Festival, and the Jewish Arts Festival. Despite its attractions, Salt Lake City also has some areas that are best avoided after dark.
Murray
Murray is a town in Salt Lake County, with a population of 49,308. It is the third most dangerous town in Utah, with a violent crime rate of 507 per 100,000 people. It ranks fourth for property crimes, with a rate of 5,640 per 100,000 people. Most of the violent crimes are aggravated assaults, but Murray also has a high rate of rapes and robberies. The town reported four homicides in 2019.
Murray is a historic town that was once a major industrial center for smelting, mining, and manufacturing. It is now a suburban community that offers a variety of amenities, such as shopping malls, parks, and golf courses. The town is also known for its medical facilities, such as the Intermountain Medical Center, the largest hospital in Utah. Murray has a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage, but it also has some crime hotspots that pose a threat to public safety.
Roosevelt
Roosevelt is a town in Duchesne County, with a population of 6,840. It is the fourth most dangerous town in Utah, with a violent crime rate of 503 per 100,000 people. It ranks fifth for property crimes, with a rate of 5,564 per 100,000 people. Most of the violent crimes are aggravated assaults, but Roosevelt also has a high rate of rapes and robberies. The town did not report any homicides in 2019.
Roosevelt is a rural town that serves as a hub for the oil and gas industry in the Uinta Basin. It is also a center for the Ute Indian Tribe, which owns a large portion of the land in the area. The town hosts an annual rodeo, the Ute Stampede, which attracts thousands of visitors every July. Roosevelt has a strong sense of community and a friendly atmosphere, but it also faces some challenges with drug trafficking and gang activity, which contribute to its high crime rate.
Conclusion
Utah is a state that offers many opportunities for adventure, culture, and education. However, it also has some towns that are more dangerous than others, based on the FBI crime data. South Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Murray, and Roosevelt are four Utah destinations that have been named among the most dangerous towns in the US. These towns have high rates of violent and property crimes, which pose a risk to the safety and well-being of their residents and visitors. While these towns have some positive aspects and are working to improve their situations, they also require caution and vigilance from anyone who plans to visit or live in them.