SALT LAKE CITY — Overall crime in Salt Lake City took a big dip in 2023, according to the city's mayor and top law enforcer.
On Monday, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Chief Mike Brown announced overall crime in the city reached a historic 15-year low last year and, overall, crime dropped 11% in 2023. The chief says that includes a 10% drop in violent crimes — although, the number of homicides remained unchanged — and a 12% reduction in property crime.
According to the city's statistics, rape, robbery, burglary and car thefts were all down in 2023, while the number of domestic violence-related aggravated assaults and larceny crimes such as shoplifting increased. The department responded to 13,371 property and violent crimes, combined, in 2023, compared to more than 15,000 in 2022, more than 16,000 in 2021 and more than 17,000 in 2020.
The mayor highlighted a couple of large operations carried out by the police department in 2023 to commend its good work. She noted a crime suppression effort focusing on the area around the New Yorker social club, 60 W. Market Street, resulted in 15 arrests between June and July and the seizure of six firearms. Mendenhall also commended the department's gang unit for its efforts in cracking down on a THC vape distribution ring that resulted in more than 10 people being arrested.
Brown credits the drop in crime, in part, to the partnerships the department has made with federal and state law enforcers, as well as community leaders. He also credits the department's new data-driven enforcement efforts.
"The reduction in crime we have seen in Salt Lake City is because of the intentional and dedicated work of our officers and our criminal justice partners," the chief said. "This is not a fluke. Nor is our mission accomplished. Our work is not done."
Mendenhall also gave credit to the Police Community Response Team, which was created to help free up sworn officers for higher priority calls. The community response team is made up of people who don't have full law enforcement power, but can check on incidents such as 911 hang-up calls which would normally take time away from officers. The Police Community Response Team handled more than 3,400 calls last year.
"They are an essential part of public safety in Salt Lake City," she said.
Also on Monday, the city unveiled its new crime dashboard that allows the public to see the latest crime numbers and trends in Salt Lake City. The statistics will be updated once a month.
FAQs
By Pat Reavy
What is the crime rate in Salt Lake City, Utah? ›
With a crime rate of 76 per one thousand residents, Salt Lake City has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 13.
Are crime rates low in Utah? ›
2024 Utah crime rates
At a national level, Utah is 29% below the collective violent crime rate (US 4.0) and 5% lower than the property crime rate (US 20.7). Among the 44 states that met reporting requirements this year, Utah has the ninth-lowest violent crime rate and the twenty-third lowest property crime rate.
What is the most committed crime in Utah? ›
It's no surprise that theft is the most common crime in Utah because it is also the most common crime in the United States. Like drug violations, there are a lot of different ways to commit theft, from shoplifting to motor vehicle theft.
Is Salt Lake City safer than Denver? ›
When moving to Salt Lake City, you might wonder about crime. Compared to Denver, Salt Lake City has a violent crime rate higher than Denver and almost twice the average across the country. Property crime is twice as high as it is in Denver and almost three times the national average.
What is the safest city in Utah? ›
#1 Highland/Alpine (Lone Peak)
Number one on the safest cities in Utah list Highland. Highland was named by Mormon pioneers who felt that its rolling hills reminded them of their native Scotland. Highland is far enough off the I-15 to feel like you've escaped to a quiet and clean little sanctuary.
Is Salt Lake City a good place to live safe? ›
The crime rate in Salt Lake City is among the highest in the country, with an average of 80 crimes per thousand residents. Your chances of being a victim to either violent or property crime are approximately 1 in 12.
What is the safest state? ›
The safest state in the U.S., according to the U.S. News methodology, is New Hampshire. With a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,011 per 100,000, New Hampshire enjoys a high rate of public safety.
What is the best town to live in Utah? ›
These are the 20 best places to live in Utah, study says
| Rank | Name | Location |
|---|
| 1 | Greater Avenues | Salt Lake City neighborhood |
| 2 | Central City/Liberty-Wells | Salt Lake City neighborhood |
| 3 | East Liberty Park | Salt Lake City neighborhood |
| 4 | Park City | Utah town |
16 more rowsMar 27, 2024
According to MoneyGeek, the safest large city in the United States is Irvine, California with a crime cost of $364 per capita, followed by Henderson, Nevada; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Honolulu, Hawaii; and El Paso, Texas.
Utah is known for: The Great Salt Lake, the largest waltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. Skiing. National parks.
What serial killer was caught in Utah? ›
Bundy's Utah capture 48 years ago occurred after he moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah Law School. Posing as a police officer, he lured 18-year-old Carol DaRonch outside, handcuffed her and forced her into his car.
What is the number 1 highest crime state? ›
1. Alaska. The most dangerous state in the US is Alaska, having the highest combined violent and property crime rate out of any state. Out of a population of 736,081, Alaska's crime rate was 32.14 per 1,000 people in 2022, making it the state with the highest crime rate.
Where does Salt Lake City rank in crime? ›
The list placed Salt Lake as 11th when it comes to most dangerous places, above cities like Denver, Houston and St. Louis on the list. Memphis and Albuquerque topped the list for most dangerous places at 1st and 2nd respectively. The list looked at violent and property crime rates in 2020, per 100,000 people.
Is Salt Lake City liberal? ›
It is known for its politically liberal culture, which stands in contrast with most of the rest of the state's highly conservative leanings.
Is Salt Lake City safe at night? ›
Salt Lake City is generally safe for tourists. However, like any major city, it's advisable to exercise caution, especially in downtown areas at night. Avoid carrying valuables openly and be aware of your surroundings.
Is Salt Lake City safe to walk around? ›
Crime rates rating. Salt Lake has some sketchy areas, especially in the more urban areas of town at night, but it generally feels safe. During the day, I feel confident and comfortable in most places alone, but at night there are a few places I would avoid (Liberty Park, Gateway, Downtown SLC.)
What is America's safest city? ›
WalletHub released a 2023 report listing the safest cities in the US. Cities were ranked based on 41 indicators of safety, including rates of crime and natural disasters. Nashua, New Hampshire, scored the highest, followed by Columbia, Maryland.
Is Salt Lake City unhealthy? ›
Despite long-term reductions in particle pollution and ozone of recent decades, air quality in Salt Lake City remains among the worst in the United States.
What is the safest state in the United States? ›
The safest state in the U.S., according to the U.S. News methodology, is New Hampshire. With a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,011 per 100,000, New Hampshire enjoys a high rate of public safety.
