| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,935 | n/a (estimate) | 3,335 | 2,719 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 4.5 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 66 | n/a | 37.1 | 41.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 158 | n/a | 88.8 | 57.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 715 | n/a | 401.8 | 229.1 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 947 | n/a (estimate) | 532 | 331 | 359 |
| Burglary | 787 | n/a | 442.3 | 306.5 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 3,498 | n/a | 1,965.9 | 1,789.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 703 | n/a | 395.1 | 292.1 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 4,988 | n/a (estimate) | 2,803 | 2,388 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Salem crime rate is higher than the national average by 57.4%. Specifically, there were 947 violent crimes in Salem, equivalent to 532 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 48.2%. Furthermore, Salem recorded 4988 property crimes, amounting to 2803 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 59.3%.
AreaVibes surveyed 120 local residents in Salem to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 35% of people answered that there was very little crime in Salem and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 65% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
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 57% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 16.26 crimes per day - 2.59 violent crimes and 13.67 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Salem has decreased by 17.8% 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 16.3%, while property crime has decreased by 22.2%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Salem.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Salem crime rate. The poverty level in Salem is 15.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Salem has a population density of 3647.1 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Salem crime rates.
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 15.57% higher than the national average.
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 | Oregon | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 302 | 5,156 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.9 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Oregon /100K | National /100K |
| Oregon | 883 | 24 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Sublimity, OR | 2,888 | 81 | 584 | 665 |
| Gervais, OR | 2,831 | 316 | 356 | 672 |
| Turner, OR | 2,084 | 111 | 804 | 915 |
| Amity, OR | 1,618 | 129 | 933 | 1,063 |
| Monmouth, OR | 10,787 | 133 | 946 | 1,079 |
| Independence, OR | 10,559 | 281 | 958 | 1,238 |
| Mount Angel, OR | 3,708 | 161 | 1,163 | 1,324 |
| Salem, OR | 177,138 | 532 | 2,803 | 3,335 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Peoria, AZ | 177,686 | 255 | 1,205 | 1,460 |
| Garden Grove, CA | 176,551 | 277 | 1,759 | 2,035 |
| Eugene, OR | 176,249 | 318 | 3,256 | 3,574 |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | 178,777 | 183 | 971 | 1,154 |
| Elk Grove, CA | 178,848 | 190 | 1,232 | 1,422 |
| Salem, OR | 177,138 | 532 | 2,803 | 3,335 |
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