Is Cottonwood Heights or West Valley City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cottonwood Heights is safer than West Valley City (Safety Score 49/100 vs 33/100), with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100,000 versus 2,312 for West Valley City — 26% lower. Cottonwood Heights has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Cottonwood Heights has a 81% lower rate.
Note: West Valley City is 4.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cottonwood Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Valley City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cottonwood Heights, UT
West Valley City, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cottonwood Heights | West Valley City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,702.4 | 2,312.2 | -609.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 88.1 | 470.3 | -382.2 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 6.8 | -3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 18.9 | 73.9 | -55.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.3 | 66.3 | -38.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 37.8 | 322.6 | -284.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,614.3 | 1,841.9 | -227.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 125.9 | 196.0 | -70.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,362.6 | 1,407.1 | -44.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 125.9 | 238.9 | -113.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood Heights or West Valley City safer?
Cottonwood Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,702 per 100K vs 2,312 for West Valley City — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cottonwood Heights has a violent crime rate of 88.1 per 100K while West Valley City has 470.3. Cottonwood Heights has lower violent crime.
About Cottonwood Heights, UT
Cottonwood Heights, nestled against the Wasatch Range foothills, was incorporated in 2005, reflecting its primarily residential character. This affluent Salt Lake County suburb features a significant proportion of residents with higher education degrees. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 31,778, Cottonwood Heights has a total crime rate of 1,702.4 per 100,000 residents.
About West Valley City, UT
West Valley City, Utah, a diverse suburb west of Salt Lake City, was incorporated in 1980 by merging four communities. It's home to a large Polynesian population and features the Maverik Center, a prominent entertainment venue. With a safety score of 33/100 and a population coverage of 132,686, West Valley City has a total crime rate of 2,312.2 per 100,000 residents.