| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 499 | n/a (estimate) | 1,949 | 1,895 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 19.5 | 29.8 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 19.5 | 37.7 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 12 | n/a | 46.9 | 162.8 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 22 | n/a (estimate) | 86 | 236 | 364 |
| Burglary | 66 | n/a | 257.8 | 122.4 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 379 | n/a | 1,480.1 | 1,363.5 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 125.0 | 172.8 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 477 | n/a (estimate) | 1,863 | 1,659 | 1,917 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Salem is 20.1% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Salem, there were 32 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 126 per 100,000 individuals, 66% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 441 property crimes, amounting to 1732 per 100,000 residents, 11.4% lower than the U.S. average.
During the most recently reported crime year, Salem experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Salem has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1732 property crimes in Salem, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Salem residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 21 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 86% of Salem 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, 14% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Salem a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Salem crime rate is 20% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.3 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 1.21 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Salem has decreased by 5.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Salem, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 39.1%, while property crime has decreased by 7.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Salem is a safe place to live.
In Salem, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Salem crime rates.
In Salem, the cost of living is 5.3% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Salem, the average rental rates are $926 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Salem | Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 91 | 8,827 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| Virginia | 25,766 | 352 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Daleville, VA | 2,716 | 66 | 461 | 527 |
| Laymantown, VA | 1,836 | 87 | 609 | 695 |
| Cloverdale, VA | 3,193 | 91 | 640 | 731 |
| Blue Ridge, VA | 3,169 | 124 | 869 | 993 |
| Shawsville, VA | 1,952 | 126 | 887 | 1,013 |
| Vinton, VA | 8,102 | 162 | 1,567 | 1,729 |
| Cave Spring, VA | 25,193 | 247 | 1,738 | 1,986 |
| Salem, VA | 25,290 | 86 | 1,863 | 1,949 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mount Pleasant, MI | 25,290 | 539 | 2,064 | 2,603 |
| Clinton, IA | 25,290 | 788 | 2,606 | 3,394 |
| El Cerrito, CA | 25,280 | 488 | 3,946 | 4,434 |
| Franklin, IN | 25,276 | 73 | 1,197 | 1,270 |
| Suitland, MD | 25,273 | 527 | 2,563 | 3,090 |
| Salem, VA | 25,290 | 86 | 1,863 | 1,949 |
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