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Utah Crime Rates

Key Findings

  • On average, there is approximately 1 violent crime occurring for every 327 people in Utah.

  • Utah's violent crime rate is lower than the national average. It stands at 3.06 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

  • Utah's property crime rate is higher than the national average. It is recorded at 28.4 incidents per 1000 residents, compared to the national average of 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

    Last updated on September 24th, 2023 at 07:02 pm

    by | Sep 22, 2023

    Understanding the safety of a state is crucial, whether you are planning to move, live temporarily or permanently, work, or simply visit. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the crime data of Utah, shedding light on the state’s overall crime rate and offering valuable insights to aid you in making well-informed decisions.

     

    Within the diverse landscape of Utah, various types of criminal activities occur. To offer you a clear picture, we will categorize these offenses into three primary groups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and Other Crimes.

    Total number of crimes in Utah. The information may differ from what we’ll discuss below¹.

    Is Utah Safe? Crimes Breakdown

    Violent Property Other
    Total Number 9,765 90,551 43,443
    Rate per 1000 3.06 28.4 13.62

     

    Based on NIBRS data², there are approximately 19 different types of crimes recorded in Utah. These crimes vary in severity, with some considered less serious, such as simple assaults, forgery, and ATM fraud, while others are treated with utmost seriousness, including murder and rape. In our analysis, we have focused on the most significant crimes, particularly those that have a direct impact on people’s safety and lives.

     

    Utah’s Violent Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Utah has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average. In Utah, the rate of violent crimes is 3.06 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average is 4 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Violent Crime Rates: Utah vs. National Average

    Examining the violent crime rate in Utah compared to the national average enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the percentage variance for each specific crime. By conducting this analysis, we can effectively gauge the relative levels of safety and security in Utah in relation to the broader national landscape.

     

    Utah’s Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 98 2,188 5,328 1,038 1,050
    Rate per 1000 0.03 0.69 1.67 0.35 0.33
    Population 3,188,815

    United States Violent Crimes Statistics

    Murder Rape Assault Robbery Kidnapping
    Total Number 23,195 145,750 939,092 207,616 36,890
    Rate per 1000 0.07 0.44 2.83 0.63 0.11
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Violent Crimes in Utah

    • Utah’s murder crime rate is 0.03, which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.07 by 57%.
    • On the other hand, The state’s rape crime rate is 0.69, which is higher than the national average of 0.44 by 57%.
    • The assault crime rate of the state stands at 1.67, which is lower than the national average of 2.83 by 41%.
    • Robbery is not a concern in Utah, with a crime rate of 0.35, which is lower than the national average of 0.63 by 44%.
    • The state’s kidnapping crime rate is 0.33, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.11 by 200%.

    Utah’s Property Crime Rate (Per 1000 Residents)

     

    Utah has a higher property crime rate compared to the national average. In Utah, the rate of property crimes is 28.4 incidents per 1000 residents, and the national average for property crimes is 20 incidents per 1000 residents.

     

    Comparison of Property Crime Rates: Utah vs. National Average

    Similar to our examination of violent crime rates, analyzing the property crime rates in Utah compared to the national average provides us with valuable insights into the percentage variances for each specific property-related offense.

     

    Utah’s Property Crime Rate Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 6,968 256 23,747 309 50,959 7,960 352
    Rate per 1000 2.19 0.08 7.45 0.1 15.98 2.5 0.11
    Population 3,188,815

     

    United States Property Crimes Statistics

    Burglary Arson Vandalism Blackmail Theft Vehicle Theft Identity Theft
    Total Number 898,487 27,917 1,307,229 12,270 4,630,773 888,618 187,853
    Rate per 1000 2.72 0.08 3.94 0.04 13.95 2.68 0.87
    Population 331,889,360

     

    Insights into Property Crimes in Utah

    • Utah experiences a burglary crime rate of 2.19, which is lower than the national average of 2.72 by 19%.
    • The arson crime rate is 0.08, which is lower than the national average of 0.08 by 0%.
    • Vandalism is a significant concern in Utah, with a crime rate of 7.45, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.94 by 89%.
    • The blackmail crime rate is 0.1, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.04 by 150%.
    • Theft is another area of focus, with a crime rate of 15.98 in Utah, which is higher than the national average of 13.95 by 15%.
    • On the other hand, motor vehicle theft in the state has a rate of 2.5, which is lower than the national average of 2.68 by 7%.
    • Utah faces a lower rate of identity theft, with a crime rate of 0.11, which is 87% lower than the national average of 0.87.

     

    Utah’s Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 39,435 3,758 134 116
    Rate per 1000 12.37 1.18 0.04 0.04
    Population 3,188,815

     

     

    United States Other Crimes Statistics

    Drugs Offenses Weapon Law Violations Prostitution Animal Cruelty
    Total Number 1,290,858 267,955 11,565 16,497
    Rate per 1000 3.89 0.81 0.04 0.05
    Population 331,889,360

    Utah’s Other Crimes Data Insights

    • Drug offenses are a significant concern in Utah, with a rate of 12.37, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.89 by 218%.
    • Weapon law violations are an area of concern in the state. The state’s weapon law violations rate is 1.18, which is higher than the national average of 0.81 by 46%.

     

    Conclusion

    Utah exhibits a lower-than-average violent crime rate, standing at 3.06 incidents per 1000 residents. While the state showcases a positive trend in violent crime, property crime rates are higher than the national average, with a recorded rate of 28.4 incidents per 1000 residents

    Utah experiences notably lower murder and assault rates, demonstrating the state’s commitment to safety. However, Utah faces challenges in other areas, such as a higher rate of rape and vandalism compared to national averages. Property crime rates, particularly for theft and vandalism, require attention.

    Additionally, drug offenses and weapon law violations are areas of concern, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and enhanced regulations.

    ¹For this analysis, we will focus on the more significant ones that directly affect people’s safety and well-being, rather than delving into less critical offenses like simple assaults, ATM frauds, and forgery.

    ²The FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) aims to enhance the quality of crime data collected by law enforcement agencies. It accomplishes this by capturing comprehensive details for each crime incident, including information about victims, known offenders, relationships between victims and offenders, arrestees, and the property involved in the crimes.