13 Areas to Avoid in Salt Lake City, UT [TOURIST SAFETY]

As a frequent visitor to Salt Lake City, I’ve gotten to know the area quite well over the years. While most of the city is perfectly safe, there are a few neighborhoods that tourists and new residents may want to avoid, especially at night. After having a few uneasy experiences myself, I wanted to share some insights on the areas to steer clear of in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and has a charming downtown area. However, like any major city, there are certain parts of town that tend to have higher crime rates. As you plan your travels or search for a place to live, it’s helpful to know which neighborhoods are regarded as less safe. Being informed ahead of time allows you to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

In this article, I’ll go over the top areas to avoid in Salt Lake City based on crime statistics and local reputation. These include neighborhoods on the west and north sides of the city, as well as parts of downtown. While no area should be completely written off, it’s wise to exercise additional caution in these parts of town. Knowing which places to avoid in Salt Lake City will help ensure your trip or move goes smoothly.

See Also:

• Things to do in Salt Lake City
• Best Restaurants in Salt Lake City

 

1. West Point (also known as Westpointe)

West Point is a small neighborhood on the west side of Salt Lake City known for having a high crime rate. This area has struggled with gang violence and drug trafficking for years. West Point is situated just west of the Salt Lake City International Airport.

The streets in West Point feel run down, with many boarded-up homes and businesses. You’ll notice bars on windows and fences around properties. There is a heavy police presence patrolling the area which speaks to the level of criminal activity. Violent crimes like shootings and assaults occur at a disproportionately high rate in this neighborhood. Property crime is also very common.

West Point has a large Hispanic population and faces issues with poverty and unemployment. It’s best avoided at night when the area feels sketchy and unsafe. Even driving through during the day carries risks due to the potential for car break-ins and theft. Overall, West Point ranks as one of the least secure areas in Salt Lake City.

 

2. Poplar Grove

Poplar Grove lies north of downtown Salt Lake City. It’s a small community situated between the Fairpark and Glendale neighborhoods. This area is regarded as one of the roughest parts of the city’s west side.

Many homes in Poplar Grove appear run-down, with barred windows and fenced yards. Trash often lines the streets. There is noticeable drug use and distribution on certain blocks. Violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery occur regularly in Poplar Grove.

Gang activity is a major issue here, with rivalry between local gangs sometimes turning deadly. Home invasions and burglaries also present risks in Poplar Grove. Due to the prevalence of crime, it’s recommended to avoid this neighborhood, especially after dark.

 

3. Glendale

Bordering Poplar Grove to the north, Glendale is another west-side neighborhood with frequent criminal activity. This area is considered one of the epicenters of gang violence in Salt Lake City. There are over a dozen active gangs that claim territory in Glendale.

Drug dealing takes place openly on many streets in Glendale. Shootings and aggravated assaults happen often, largely due to clashes between rival gang members. Robberies, burglaries, and auto thefts are also common property crimes.

Glendale has a high population density and lower income levels on average. Abandoned buildings provide opportunities for illegal activity. The area feels uneasy and potentially dangerous to visit. It’s best to avoid Glendale altogether unless you have a specific reason to travel there.

 

4. People’s Freeway

The People’s Freeway area lies just west of downtown Salt Lake City. It contains portions of the Ballpark and Central City neighborhoods. This district is named after an old freeway spur that was never completed.

People’s Freeway struggles with poverty, gang violence, and drug trafficking. Shootings are common and often connected to gang conflict. Other violent crimes like muggings, assaults, and domestic violence also occur frequently.

Many of the homes and buildings in People’s Freeway appear rundown and neglected. There are a number of homeless encampments under the freeway overpasses. Drug dealing and prostitution are visible along certain streets.

Due to the high levels of criminal activity, it’s wise to avoid People’s Freeway, especially after dark. The uncompleted freeway segment feels like a maze and makes it easy for criminals to corner victims away from public view. Stay alert and don’t linger in this area.

 

5. Arcadia Heights

Arcadia Heights is situated on the east bench of Salt Lake City, just north of Sugar House. While not as dangerous as the city’s west side, Arcadia Heights does have frequent criminal issues.

This neighborhood has problems with gangs, drugs, and related violence. Gun violence occurs often, sometimes resulting in injury or death. There are also regular reports of assaults, robberies, and burglaries.

Arcadia Heights has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and motels. Some blocks feel more run down, with apparent drug use and gang activity. Homelessness is also visible in certain areas.

While not as risky as other parts of Salt Lake City, Arcadia Heights does have enough crime to put it on the list of areas to avoid, especially after hours. Use good judgment when traveling through this neighborhood.

 

6. Rose Park

Rose Park is a residential area in northwest Salt Lake City comprised of modest single-family homes. While predominantly a working-class neighborhood, Rose Park has developed a reputation for criminal activity over the past couple of decades.

Gang violence is a major concern, with drive-by shootings occurring on a regular basis. Assaults, robberies, and burglaries are also common. Certain blocks feel ominous at night due to little street lighting and groups loitering.

Drug dealing takes place openly in Rose Park, often associated with gangs. Prostitution has also been an ongoing issue on certain streets. Many properties have bars on windows and high block walls due to the risks of property crime.

While Rose Park has a strong sense of community, the crime rates are noticeably higher than in other parts of Salt Lake City. It’s best to avoid this neighborhood at night when the safety risks are greatest.

 

7. Rio Grande

Salt Lake City’s Rio Grande district lies just northwest of downtown. It’s centered along Rio Grande Street south of the railroad tracks. This area is known as a high-crime hotspot with issues around drugs, prostitution, and homelessness.

Being near shelters and homeless services draws many transient individuals to the Rio Grande area. Public drug use and dealing are common sights along the streets. Gang members also frequent the area and contribute to the crime rates.

Violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery occur with regularity in this district. Sexual assaults have also been reported with concerning frequency around the Rio Grande. Used needles and other hazardous items litter the sidewalks.

The combination of poverty, homelessness, drugs, and mental illness has created significant public safety challenges in the Rio Grande district. It’s wise to avoid walking through this area. Also, use caution when driving through and keep car doors locked.

 

8. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill refers to the neighborhood just north of Utah’s State Capitol building. It lies between downtown and the Marmalade district. Crime has been an ongoing issue in Capitol Hill for many years.

This neighborhood has suffered from gang violence, drug trafficking, and related crimes. Shootings, stabbings, and aggravated assaults happen fairly often. Robberies and burglaries are also prevalent.

Certain streets in Capitol Hill have open drug use and dealing. Prostitution takes place in some corners, especially at night. Homelessness is visible, with many individuals camping in Capitol Hill’s parks and alleys.

While efforts have been made to clean up the neighborhood, Capitol Hill still has enough criminal activity to warrant caution. Avoid walking alone at night and keep alert when passing through this area.

 

9. Central Community North

Central Community North is a neighborhood situated between Rose Park and the Salt Lake City Airport. It has lower average incomes and a large Hispanic population. This area has struggled with elevated crime rates.

Gang violence contributes significantly to problems in Central Community North. Drive-by shootings and aggravated assaults are an ongoing concern. Robbery, burglary, and auto theft are also common.

Drug trafficking takes place openly on certain streets and in parks. Homelessness and public drug use are visible issues as well. Bars on windows and fenced yards are common sights around the neighborhood.

Central Community North feels unsafe in many areas, especially after dark. It’s best avoided unless you have a specific reason to travel through. Keep car doors locked and stay alert if you have to pass through this high-crime district.

 

10. Central Community East

Central Community East is another district along Salt Lake City’s west side with frequent criminal activity. It lies between Glendale and Poplar Grove. This neighborhood has many issues with drugs, gangs, and related violent crimes.

Aggravated assaults and robberies occur often in Central Community East. Gang violence and shootings are an ongoing problem as rival groups clash over drug territory. Property crimes like burglary and auto theft are also prevalent.

Certain streets appear dilapidated, with obvious drug trafficking. Homelessness is visible in parks and under freeway overpasses. Bars, window grates, and fences around homes are ubiquitous sights.

Central Community East should be avoided due to the high crime rates and lack of safety after dark. It’s among the most dangerous parts of Salt Lake City. Exercise extreme caution if traveling through.

 

11. Downtown

Downtown Salt Lake City contains many tourist attractions and government offices. However, certain areas of downtown do see frequent criminal activity.

The blocks just southeast of Pioneer Park have problems with drug dealing and homelessness. Thefts, assaults, and public drug use are common issues. Many homeless individuals camp in this area.

The transit center downtown is also a hotspot for drug trafficking, prostitution, and related crimes. The blocks near 600 South and 300 West require caution. Robberies and thefts are not unusual in this area.

While downtown overall is safe, be alert when walking alone at night. Avoid the blocks near Pioneer Park and the transit hub after hours. Homeless individuals may be volatile if under the influence.

 

12. Fairpark

Fairpark refers to the neighborhood just north of Salt Lake City’s iconic Temple Square area. It has lower average incomes and older housing stock. Crime has been an ongoing challenge in Fairpark.

This neighborhood struggles with gang violence, drug trafficking, and related crimes. Assaults, robberies, shootings, drug deals, and prostitution are all visible issues, especially after dark. Homelessness is also a concern in Fairpark’s parks and alleys.

Burglaries, auto thefts, vandalism, and other property crimes occur frequently. The streets feel ominous at night due to inadequate lighting and empty buildings. Bars on windows are a common sight around Fairpark.

While close to downtown, Fairpark has enough criminal activity to make the list of high-risk areas in Salt Lake City. Avoid traveling alone and keep your guard up.

 

13. Liberty Wells

Liberty Wells is south of downtown Salt Lake City, situated between 900 East and 700 East Streets. It’s a diverse neighborhood that includes both historic homes and newer developments. However, Liberty Wells has seen elevated crime rates in recent years.

Assaults, robberies, and shootings have become more common problems in Liberty Wells. Gangs and drug trafficking are contributing factors. Property crimes like vehicle break-ins and burglary are also regular occurrences.

Certain streets and parks in Liberty Wells have issues with open drug use and dealing. Homelessness is visible throughout the neighborhood. Bars on windows have become a common sight as crime rates have risen.

Liberty Wells still has many charming areas and seasoned residents. However, it pays to be cautious and avoid traveling alone at night throughout this neighborhood. Being alert helps prevent becoming the victim of a crime of opportunity.

 

Conclusion

While Salt Lake City is regarded as being relatively safe compared to other major cities, there are definitely certain areas that see more criminal activity. It pays to know which neighborhoods have the highest crime rates.

Armed with insight on the areas to avoid in Salt Lake City, you can plan your travels accordingly. Being informed allows you to make wise decisions and steer clear of potentially dangerous situations.

No part of town should be completely avoided. However, use good judgment when passing through neighborhoods like West Point, Poplar Grove, Rio Grande, and other high-crime hotspots we covered. Being alert and avoiding risky situations will help ensure your time in Salt Lake City is safe and enjoyable.