Idaho Falls Crime - Looking for the Truth! (apartments, rent)

[Stormgod]

I have been looking very closely at Idaho falls and all its pro's and con's and one thing I must say that sticks out as a potential problem that concerns me is the growing crime. I have been looking at many sites and they are mentioning growth of gangs, I notice a lot of shootings in the area. City-Data shows that the crime rating for 2005 is at a 262 rating (US avg is 325) which would signify that back in 2005 the crime was not too bad, has this changed drastically in the last two years? Does it seem to be getting worse and worse as time is going on?

Do you feel that the attractiveness of the area and so many new people moving to the area is causing the crime to rise?

Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

--==StormGod==--

[cleosmom]

Do we have crime? Yes. Is there truly a place without crime? I'm thinking not. What you won't see at the present is drive by shootings, daily murders, nightly rapes, hourly armed robberies and carjackings by the minute.

I feel ignoring a community with a slight amount of crime is only begging the criminals to run you and your life and take over the community entirely.

Am I afraid to live here? No and this coming from a female whose seen the inner-cities of Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago and Fresno to name a few.

I honestly suggest to you spend a week or two to determine for yourself how you feel about the area.

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by Stormgod

I have been looking very closely at Idaho falls and all its pro's and con's and one thing I must say that sticks out as a potential problem that concerns me is the growing crime. I have been looking at many sites and they are mentioning growth of gangs, I notice a lot of shootings in the area. City-Data shows that the crime rating for 2005 is at a 262 rating (US avg is 325) which would signify that back in 2005 the crime was not too bad, has this changed drastically in the last two years? Does it seem to be getting worse and worse as time is going on?

Do you feel that the attractiveness of the area and so many new people moving to the area is causing the crime to rise?

Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

--==StormGod==--

2005 is the most recent data available from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. I am not familiar with how City-Data computes its ratings, but I can give you the information as far as the FBI is concerned.

The national 2005 100K per capita violent crime rate is 469.2. Using data from the UCR, the per capita violent crime rate in Idaho Falls is 291; well below the national average. FYI: to calculate 100K per capita crime rates, divide the population base by 100K, and then divide the number of reported crimes by the result. Ex: Idaho Falls Pop=53,489 / 100,000=0.53489 Reported Crimes = 156 / 0.53489=291.

There has been a national upswing in crime throughout the entire U.S. I am certain Idaho Falls has been affected to some extent; but there is no way of knowing until the 2006 data are published by the FBI.

I have included the web page for the UCR on Idaho Falls. You can review all reported crimes and compute rates using the formula I have supplied. and compare the data to the national averages on the main page of the UCR.

[silvermountain]

I think with the growth right now; most of the increase in crime has been property and drug crime (which are often related). Also, I have noticed many more illegal immigrants around town (I'm fluent in Spanish so I hear them discussing if I am a cop or not; recent deportation, etc.) I still feel pretty safe here; the only thing I notice is a marked increase in graffiti on the South and East sides; especially around 25th and 35th East from 1st down past Sunnyside. I don't know if it is gang related or not. I think time will tell what the future holds.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Maybe law enforcement is getting better in doing their jobs?

Idaho Falls has crimes, but it isn't exactly like Cedar City or St. George, so famous for being the crossroads of major drug transactions. Business use to take me to St. George. I was very happy not to have to return after the SGPD made a drug raid in the supposed "safe" hotel where I was staying.

Also, knew the HazMat specialist for St. George - let's just say he was very busy shutting down hotel rooms and various apartments, for the meth that was being proceduced.

Many don't know this about St. George. But, locals and those who have worked in the area know how much drug business there is. St. George connects Las Vegas with Salt Lake City and in some ways, also Denver.

Not trying to dump on St. George, it's just a city, much like Ogden, UT where crime is so much higher, given certain activities and populations who have located there, it's hard to compare crime in Idaho Falls to that in Ogden.

Like Cleosmom suggested, stay in the area for a while and get a feel for it yourself.

[Stormgod]

Thanks for all the information. Like most cities I would imagine, what sides of Idaho Falls would be the "safer" locations? Northern and Western sides of the city? I am planning a trip to check it out, but I wanted to make sure I hit the right areas.

Thanks again everyone!

--==StormGod==--

[cleosmom]

I would avoid some parts of the west side and Bel-aire ( North of First Street west of Woodruff and east of Holmes). There are great established and newer subdivisions on the eastern side of town as well as the unincorporated county areas. Several new subdivisions on the south end.

If you wanted north I'd say out by Sage Lakes golf course.

The area the locals call the shadow of the temple is a blend of safe and not so safe.

I'm east of town and truly love it and feel safe and actually know my neighbors! We do as my folks did back in the 70's when i was growing up and keep an eye on things not only when others are out of town, but also daily for anything unusual.

[Mtn. States Resident]

I remembered that last year there were about 2-3 different studies that ranked Idaho Falls among the top 10 safest places to live in the U.S. (for a small city). One was done by Farmer's Insurance. Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

It's a little confusing to use, but gives you some idea of what crimes are being calculated. These numbers may not be any newer than what you already have, Stormgod.

Maybe that will help some more, but your visit to the area will be the best.

[MarionL]

A rise in the crime rate in Idaho Falls MAY be linked to the influx of illegal immigrants. Idaho has many, many, many. And, I think the national discussion on this issue has created many more to come here for fear that the gate will begin to close, at least a little. I may get in trouble from some for saying so, but most crime, not all, but most, comes from a particular population.

[CafeDelSol]

Originally Posted by MarionL

A rise in the crime rate in Idaho Falls MAY be linked to the influx of illegal immigrants. Idaho has many, many, many. And, I think the national discussion on this issue has created many more to come here for fear that the gate will begin to close, at least a little. I may get in trouble from some for saying so, but most crime, not all, but most, comes from a particular population.

A few years ago The Post Register pointed out that, according to arrest statistics, around 80 percent of all serious drug crime in this area was committed by one particular group. The uproar over that was amazing. It seems you can't point out little things like FACTS to some people. They get all bent out of shape and start screaming about racism.