| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 107 | n/a (estimate) | 1,531 | 2,004 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 100.2 | 46.9 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 14.3 | 90.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 19 | n/a | 271.9 | 146.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 27 | n/a (estimate) | 386 | 289 | 359 |
| Burglary | 26 | n/a | 372.1 | 290.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 47 | n/a | 672.6 | 1,134.4 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 100.2 | 290.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 80 | n/a (estimate) | 1,145 | 1,715 | 1,760 |
The Salem crime rates are 27.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 27 violent crimes in Salem (386 per 100,000 people), which is 7.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 80 property crimes (1145 per 100,000 residents) which is 35% lower than average.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Salem is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Salem reported 386 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
Salem showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Salem, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Salem presents a total crime rate that is 28% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Salem experiences an average of 0.29 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.22 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Salem. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Salem has decreased by 6.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 92.9%, while property crime has decreased by 20%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Salem.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Salem, 81.1% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Salem, the cost of living is 19.43% lower than the national average.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Salem, the average rental rates are $978 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Salem | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Patoka, IL | 599 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Farina, IL | 777 | 0 | 570 | 570 |
| Sandoval, IL | 1,142 | 145 | 862 | 1,007 |
| Central City, IL | 1,385 | 153 | 907 | 1,060 |
| Wamac, IL | 1,271 | 162 | 959 | 1,120 |
| Irvington, IL | 601 | 383 | 2,275 | 2,658 |
| Dix, IL | 551 | 420 | 2,494 | 2,915 |
| Salem, IL | 7,259 | 386 | 1,145 | 1,531 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pike Creek, DE | 7,263 | 117 | 568 | 685 |
| Nibley, UT | 7,263 | 171 | 1,050 | 1,221 |
| Commerce, GA | 7,252 | 301 | 1,546 | 1,847 |
| Elkins, WV | 7,267 | 478 | 403 | 881 |
| Enoch, UT | 7,250 | 81 | 139 | 220 |
| Salem, IL | 7,259 | 386 | 1,145 | 1,531 |
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