About 75 percent of Utahns are said to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and, Utah’s capital and largest city is home to the world headquarters of the LDS. Of course, you don’t have to be a Mormon to enjoy living in Utah, as this state has plenty going for it economically, health-related, and lifestyle-wise. And what about crime? The crime rate for Utah is 15 percent lower than the national average, so it’s pretty safe too. Here are the top 10 largest cities in Utah, ranked according to crime and safety levels:
1. Orem, UT
Out of the 10 largest cities in Utah, Orem is the only one that has a crime index below the state average. Orem is the safest city in Utah, and a great place to raise a family, both according to its nickname – Family City U.S.A. – and according to a 2005 report by Forbes. The crime index is just 1 percent below state average, at 2,629.
2. Provo, UT
Provo is the third largest city in Utah, and the second safest place to live. The crime index is bang on target with the state average, at 2,649. Provo is about 43 miles south of Salt Lake City, and is home to Brigham Young University.
3. St. George, UT
St. George is a city set right in the south west of Utah, about 115 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It’s the seventh largest city in Utah, with around 75,500 residents, and comes in as the third safest city in Utah. The crime index is just 1 percent above the state average, at 2,695.
4. West Jordan, UT
West Jordan is a suburb of Salt Lake City, yet a city in its own right and the fourth largest in the state. Named after the nearby Jordan River, West Jordan has a crime index of 2,979, which is 11 percent above state average. The Kennecott Copper Mine – the world’s largest man-made excavation – is not far from West Jordan.
5. Layton, UT
Layton is essentially the same as West Jordan in terms of crime and safety. It comes out as the fifth safest city in Utah, with its crime index of 2,981 (11 percent above state average). Layton has a population around 67,000 people so it’s the ninth largest city in the state.
6. Sandy, Utah
A suburb of Salt Lake City, Sandy has a population around 87,000 people and is the sixth safest city in Utah. Sandy was named for the soil in the area and was first settled in the 1860s and ‘70s. The crime index is 15 percent above state average, at 3,071.
7. Taylorsville, Utah
Source: flickr user edgarzuniga
Taylorsville is the 10th largest city in Utah, and part of the Salt Lake City metro area. Made up of three historic communities, Taylorsville is one of the youngest cities in the state as it was only incorporated in 1996 despite being settled in 1848. Taylorsville is the seventh safest city in Utah and has a crime index of 4,479 – 68 percent above state average.
8. West Valley City, Utah
Another suburb of Salt Lake City, West Valley City is the second largest city in Utah, home to around 129,000 people. The Maverick Center – where the Utah Grizzlies play – is here in West Valley City. This is the eighth safest city in Utah; the crime index is 4,513–69 percent above state average.
9. Ogden, Utah
With the Wasatch Mountains in the background, and attractive historic architecture in downtown, Ogden is a nice little city that’s home to around 83,000 people. Crime and safety isn’t excellent here though – it’s the ninth safest city in Utah – the crime index is 114 percent above state average at 5,711.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
Not only is Salt Lake City the capital and most populous city of Utah, it is the most dangerous city in Utah. The crime index is 176 percent above the state average, at 7,373, but if this doesn’t put you off Salt Lake City does have many nice features and is especially well known for its outdoor recreation opportunities.
Images Source: wikipedia
