Is South Salt Lake or West Valley City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Valley City is safer than South Salt Lake (Safety Score 33/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 2,312 per 100,000 versus 6,641 for South Salt Lake — 65% lower. South Salt Lake has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where West Valley City has a 69% lower rate.
Note: West Valley City is 5.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
South Salt Lake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
West Valley City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
South Salt Lake, UT
West Valley City, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | South Salt Lake | West Valley City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,641.0 | 2,312.2 | +4,328.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 767.5 | 470.3 | +297.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.7 | 6.8 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 158.1 | 73.9 | +84.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 150.4 | 66.3 | +84.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 451.2 | 322.6 | +128.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 5,873.5 | 1,841.9 | +4,031.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 620.9 | 196.0 | +425.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 4,666.4 | 1,407.1 | +3,259.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 586.2 | 238.9 | +347.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Salt Lake or West Valley City safer?
West Valley City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,312 per 100K vs 6,641 for South Salt Lake — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
South Salt Lake has a violent crime rate of 767.5 per 100K while West Valley City has 470.3. West Valley City has lower violent crime.
About South Salt Lake, UT
South Salt Lake, nestled between I-15 and I-80, is a diverse urban area with a significant Hispanic population. Once a farming community, it retains a blue-collar character with many industrial businesses. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 25,930, South Salt Lake has a total crime rate of 6,641.0 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.