West Valley City, UT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in West Valley City, UT

When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Valley City crime rate is 42.4% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of West Valley City, there were 609 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 441 per 100,000 individuals, 19.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, West Valley City recorded 3960 property crimes, amounting to 2869 per 100,000 residents, 46.8% higher than the U.S. average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and West Valley City has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, West Valley City reported 632 vehicle thefts, which equates to 458 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in West Valley City is 1 in 219.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in West Valley City?

What is the prevailing sentiment among West Valley City residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 31 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 16% of West Valley City residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 84% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is West Valley City a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if West Valley City is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. West Valley City has a total crime rate that is 42% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 12.52 daily crimes (1.67 violent daily crimes and 10.85 daily property crimes) in West Valley City.

Has Crime in West Valley City Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in West Valley City crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in West Valley City has decreased by 6.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 16.6% and property crime has decreased by 4.8%.

Potential Causes for Crime in West Valley City

West Valley City reports an unemployment rate of 3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall West Valley City crime rates.

In West Valley City, 73.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in West Valley City stands at $242,500, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

West Valley City crime map