Is Salem or West Valley City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than West Valley City (Safety Score 98/100 vs 33/100), with a total crime rate of 312 per 100,000 versus 2,312 for West Valley City — 87% lower. Salem has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salem has a 100% lower rate.
Note: West Valley City is 11.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Salem — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Valley City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem, UT
West Valley City, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Salem | West Valley City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 312.1 | 2,312.2 | -2,000.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 8.9 | 470.3 | -461.4 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 6.8 | -6.8 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 73.9 | -73.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 66.3 | -66.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 8.9 | 322.6 | -313.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 303.2 | 1,841.9 | -1,538.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 8.9 | 196.0 | -187.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 285.4 | 1,407.1 | -1,121.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 8.9 | 238.9 | -230.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem or West Valley City safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 312 per 100K vs 2,312 for West Valley City — a 87% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Salem has a violent crime rate of 8.9 per 100K while West Valley City has 470.3. Salem has lower violent crime.
About Salem, UT
Salem, Utah, named for Salem, Massachusetts, is a small city in Utah County, nestled in the southern part of Utah Valley. Its population of around 10,000 residents is predominantly white and Mormon. With a safety score of 98/100 and a population coverage of 11,213, Salem has a total crime rate of 312.1 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.