| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Oregon/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 7,372 | n/a (estimate) | 4,103 | 3,278 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 7 | n/a | 3.9 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 44 | n/a | 24.5 | 40.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 175 | n/a | 97.4 | 68.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 640 | n/a | 356.2 | 228.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 866 | n/a (estimate) | 482 | 342 | 370 |
| Burglary | 749 | n/a | 416.9 | 360.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 4,568 | n/a | 2,542.6 | 2,023.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 1,189 | n/a | 661.8 | 551.5 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 6,506 | n/a (estimate) | 3,621 | 2,935 | 1,954 |
The Salem crime rates are 76.6% higher 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 866 violent crimes in Salem (482 per 100,000 people), which is 30.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 6506 property crimes (3621 per 100,000 residents) which is 85.3% higher than average.
With a crime rate of 4103 per 100,000 residents, Salem has a crime rate that is 76.55% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Salem that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
Salem faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 3621 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Salem stands at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Salem is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Salem reported a total of 1189 vehicle thefts, resulting in 662 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 152, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Salem residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 103 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% 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, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Salem is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Salem has an overall crime rate that is 77% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 20.2 daily occurrences, comprising 2.37 violent crimes and 17.82 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Salem as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Salem. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Salem has increased by 2.1%. Violent crimes have increased by 6.4%, while property crimes have increased by 1.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Salem crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Salem has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Salem, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 1.92 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Salem stands at $266,200, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| 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 |
| Mount Angel, OR | 3,575 | 206 | 676 | 882 |
| Gervais, OR | 2,726 | 77 | 1,117 | 1,194 |
| Sublimity, OR | 2,794 | 143 | 1,231 | 1,375 |
| Turner, OR | 2,034 | 146 | 1,256 | 1,403 |
| Silverton, OR | 10,426 | 151 | 1,309 | 1,459 |
| Amity, OR | 1,557 | 156 | 1,343 | 1,499 |
| Independence, OR | 10,178 | 164 | 1,447 | 1,611 |
| Salem, OR | 171,806 | 482 | 3,621 | 4,103 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | 171,979 | 280 | 1,695 | 1,975 |
| Peoria, AZ | 172,109 | 195 | 1,382 | 1,577 |
| Garden Grove, CA | 172,800 | 311 | 2,191 | 2,502 |
| Eugene, OR | 170,457 | 377 | 3,415 | 3,792 |
| Elk Grove, CA | 173,370 | 202 | 1,312 | 1,514 |
| Salem, OR | 171,806 | 482 | 3,621 | 4,103 |
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