8 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Utah
Utah is located in the western United States and is known for having a family-friendly reputation. This is down to its violent crime rates sitting at 36% below the national average, and property crime at 15% to 20% below national figures. That puts Utah among the safer states to live in. However, population demographics, economic activity, geography, and history all impact local crime patterns throughout the state. As with anywhere you may choose to settle, there are safe havens and trouble spots. Let’s dive deeper and find out what Utah’s safest small communities are.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is located on the northwest shore of Utah Lake. Living there offers a high quality of life that includes beautiful lakeshore living, a quiet and rural atmosphere, great air quality, superb views and an excellent central location between larger metropolitan areas of Utah. Saratoga Springs consistently reports aggravated assault rates well below both state and national averages. Homicides in Saratoga Springs are extremely rare, with rates near zero in most years.
Hike the short trail to Saratoga Hot Springs on the northwest side of Utah Lake. The springs are open year-round but are best enjoyed in winter, when a warm soak offers the perfect escape from the cold. Lion’s Gate Space Center runs interactive starship simulators for all ages where groups make collective decisions to alter the outcome of the story. Fat Cats has something for the whole family. It is an entertainment center complete with a bowling alley, arcade, movie theater, glow-in-the-dark gold, and dining options.
Kaysville
Kaysville sits along Utah’s Wasatch Front, between the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains and the broad expanse of the Great Salt Lake. It is a promising place to settle because the city-owned business park is beginning to attract light manufacturing industries, thereby expanding the economic base. Aggravated assault rates have remained lower than, or on par with state and national levels. Homicides in Kaysville are extremely rare, with zero or near-zero cases reported in recent years.
The USU Botanical Center has educational opportunities for children and adults such as an urban fishery, walking and biking trails, wetland areas that support birds and other wildlife, an arboretum and hosts multiple classes and workshops. As northern Utah’s premier water park, Cherry Hill has activities for all age groups including rides, pools, and shaded areas. Outdoor lovers will enjoy exploring the hiking and biking trails at Wilderness Park where the Rocky Mountains provide a scenic backdrop.
Payson
Payson is a small, historic situated in the southern foothills of the Wasatch Range, only an hour south of Salt Lake City. It is a growing hub of economic activity, boasts a high-quality of life, and has ample recreational opportunities. Payson’s aggravated assault rate remains well below both state and national averages, reflecting the community’s relatively low level of violent crime. Homicides are rare in Payson, with few or no incidents reported in most years.
Drive along the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway which gives visitors unparalleled views of the 12,000-foot Mount Nebo and the diverse vegetation along the scenic byway. Several scenic overlooks, informational signs and trails are also located at pullouts along the byway. Peteetneet Museum showcases artifacts and displays that help visitors understand and appreciate how Payson has grown and developed over the years. Payson Memorial Park is perfect for the whole family, complete with a playground, pavilion, band stand, monuments, and gardens.
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove sits at the foothills of Mount Timpanogos. It is a town known for its strong sense of community with its many events held throughout the year, but predominantly in the summer such as sporting tournaments, concerts, and parades. Over the past five years, Pleasant Grove’s aggravated-assault rate has remained below both state and national averages, reflecting its relatively low level of violent crime.
Battle Creek Falls is located east of Pleasant Grove and is a 1.5-mile, out-and-back hike appropriate for all ages, however the last 50 yards up to the waterfall are known to be steep. Discovery Park is suitable for kids of all ages, with a newly refurbished playground featuring slides and climbing frames. It also has bathrooms, benches, and covered areas. Pleasant Grove hosts Utah’s longest running festival: Strawberry Days. This weeklong event has many highlights including: a rodeo, parade, and car show.
Bountiful
Bountiful is located in Davis County, known for quiet neighborhoods, an affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and access to outdoor recreation. Bountiful experiences very low violent crime, with homicides being extremely rare and aggravated-assault rates consistently below both state and national averages.
The oldest religious building in Utah is located in Bountiful: the Bountiful Tabernacle. It is a historic landmark, and focal point for the community. Mueller Park is accessible year-round for lovers of the outdoors, although is best visited in spring, summer, and fall. The trail takes hikers up to Elephant Rock which grants views over Bountiful to the Great Salt Lake. The Bountiful History Museum showcases galleries and exhibits which preserves the history of Bountiful.
Mapleton
Mapleton is nestled Utah County, approximately eight miles south of Provo, known for its adjacent mountainous terrain. Residents of Mapleton enjoy a small town feel in a rural setting compared to other nearby towns. Within the last five years, Mapleton’s homicide levels have been lower than state and national levels, only fluctuating once in 2025. Aggravated assault levels have for the most part been lower than state and national levels. At times they have risen higher than state levels, and on one occasion only in 2023 they were higher than both state and national levels.
Mapleton is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The Mapleton Parkway Trail stretches from Mapleton to nearby Springville. It is suitable for hikers, bikers, and horse riders and used for fitness or recreational fun. Mapleton City Park is a multi-recreational park in the center of town that has pavilions, a playground, ball courts, and multi-use fields. Visit the nearby Springville Museum of Art which is Utah’s first museum for the fine arts that displays artwork within its 29 galleries.
Spanish Fork
Spanish Fork is a growing community which aims to maintain a high quality of life for its residents by providing an outstanding environment for working, recreating and enjoying life. There is also access to four colleges and universities within a 30-minute radius of the city, according to a city website. Aggravated assault levels in Spanish Fork have remained low within the last five years, only rising above state levels once in 2023. Homicide levels have also had a low baseline, only surging twice in the last five years above state and national levels.
Spanish Oak Reservoir is a manmade lake in Spanish Forks, and due to its convenient location, it has become a popular recreation spot. It is mostly used for fishing, swimming, and boating, but it also has hiking and biking trails. Cornbelly’s Spanish Fork is a farm that hosts seasonal activities throughout the year, including a popular corn maze in the fall. Fold of Liberty Farms is another farm in town and it offers a unique experience that allows visitors to interact with Scottish Highland Cows in a natural environment.
Syracuse
Syracuse is home to residents who enjoy a high quality of life in a safe, family-oriented community with a diverse economy and warm, friendly people. It is known as the "Gateway to Antelope Island” due to its proximity to the State Park. It also has a low violent crime rate to match its reputation. In the last five years there have been no incidents of homicide. Aggravated assault levels have remained below national levels and only slightly risen above state levels a couple of times.
Antelope Island State Park has many backcountry trails and scenic viewpoints that are accessible via hiking, biking, or horseback riding. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing as bison, mule deer, and bighorn sheep call this park home. The Treehouse Children’s Museum showcases 30,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and displays, a giant tree at its center, plus a theater for children of all ages to enjoy. The Syracuse Utah Temple is a significant landmark in the town, unique in its design to reflect the local geography of the area.
Utah is Only Getting Safer
In recent years, Utah has seen a downward trend across all categories of crime, specifically property crimes which includes arson, burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft. Law enforcement agencies in Utah have continually embraced evidence-based policing strategies that focus resources on high-risk areas while strengthening community relationships. These positive trends are a clear indication that preventative measures are working. Looking for a place to live in Utah? Look no further. These are the eight safest small communities to settle in.
