According to the Pew Research Center six-in-ten registered voters, or 61% say violent crime is very important when making their decision about who to vote for in this year’s congressional elections. They also found that Republicans see violent crime as a bigger issue than Democrats. 77% of conservative Republican voters see it as an issue compared to 34% of liberal Democratic voters.*
Violent Crimes – National Level
According to the center, “Political candidates around the United States have released thousands of ads focusing on violent crime this year, and most registered voters see the issue as very important in the Nov. 8 midterm elections. But official statistics from the federal government paint a complicated picture when it comes to recent changes in the U.S. violent crime rate.”
According to surveys from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there has been no statistically significant increase either in 2022 or 2021.
That is on the national level, but what does it look like for Utah compared to the United States?
Violent Crimes – Utah State Level
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Explorer Data the US has seen an increase in violent crime offenses, and Utah has seen an increase that is in line with the US increase.
From 2019 to 2020 Utah went from 236.9 20 260.7 rate per 100,000 people, which is an increase of 23.8. The United States from 2019 to 2022 went from 380.8 to 398.5, which is an increase of 17.7. This makes the increase from 2019 to 2020 in Utah greater than the increase in the United States on a whole.
But let us drill down more, and look at the statistics for Utah County.
All Violent Crimes – Utah County
From 2020 there was a significant drop in the crime rates in Utah County, but an increase from 2020 to 2021. But the increase has not brought the crime rate back to the level it was in 2019. This data is according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer which can be found here.
All Violent Crime Offender vs Victim Demographics
Age
Race
Ethnicity
Location of Crime
Victim’s relationship to Offender
Specific Crimes – Utah County
Homicide
Rape
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
All Property Crimes
Arson
Burglary
Larceny-theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
Data Source
https://crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.