| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 89 | n/a (estimate) | 1,879 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 84.5 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 105.6 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 9 | n/a (estimate) | 190 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 168.9 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 69 | n/a | 1,456.9 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 63.3 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 80 | n/a (estimate) | 1,689 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Salem is 11.3% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 9 violent crimes reported in Salem, equivalent to 190 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 47.1%. Additionally, Salem recorded 80 property crimes, amounting to 1689 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 4%.
When assessing the total crime rate in Salem per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Salem, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
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.
In the most recent release, Salem reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Salem, there were 1689 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Salem residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 6 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 50% 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, 50% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
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 11% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Salem experiences an average of 0.24 daily crimes, comprising 0.02 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.
Year-over-year crime rates in Salem has decreased by 15.2% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Salem is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 12.5%, while property crime has decreased by 17.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Salem.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Salem currently has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Salem crime rates. The population density in Salem is 1606.1 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Salem, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 3.63, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Salem | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 18 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Salem, MO | 5,099 | 190 | 1,689 | 1,879 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Centreville, IL | 5,098 | 300 | 1,782 | 2,082 |
| Needles, CA | 5,100 | 919 | 2,359 | 3,278 |
| Richland Center, WI | 5,098 | 228 | 947 | 1,175 |
| Adairsville, GA | 5,097 | 117 | 1,469 | 1,586 |
| East Moriches, NY | 5,096 | 104 | 470 | 573 |
| Salem, MO | 5,099 | 190 | 1,689 | 1,879 |
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