| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | South Carolina/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 2,479 | 2,800 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 11.2 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 38.2 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 401.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 491 | 370 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 352.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3 | n/a | 2,479.3 | 1,706.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 249.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 2,479 | 2,308 | 1,954 |
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 6.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes reported in Salem, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 100%. Additionally, Salem recorded 3 property crimes, amounting to 2479 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 26.9%.
In terms of the total Salem crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Salem, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
During the last reported year, Salem recorded zero incidents of violent crime, a critical indicator of safety within any city. This demonstrates the exceptional safety record in Salem in terms of violent crime, portraying it as an exceptionally safe city in this regard. Less than 10% of all cities that reported crime had no instances of violent crime.
In the latest reported crime year, Salem recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Salem emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.
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 7% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Salem experiences an average of 0.01 daily crimes, comprising 0 violent incidents and 0.01 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
In Salem, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Salem crime rates.
In Salem, 73.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Salem, the cost of living is 19.28% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Salem | South Carolina | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 5,812 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 7.4 | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | South Carolina /100K | National /100K |
| South Carolina | 15,193 | 377 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Utica, SC | 1,761 | 248 | 1,166 | 1,414 |
| Walhalla, SC | 4,377 | 267 | 1,480 | 1,747 |
| Central, SC | 5,342 | 19 | 1,781 | 1,799 |
| Clemson, SC | 16,917 | 226 | 1,948 | 2,173 |
| Six Mile, SC | 960 | 450 | 2,117 | 2,568 |
| Seneca, SC | 8,424 | 658 | 2,142 | 2,800 |
| Norris, SC | 759 | 615 | 2,889 | 3,504 |
| Salem, SC | 175 | 0 | 2,479 | 2,479 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Franklin, IA | 175 | 360 | 1,678 | 2,038 |
| Arriba, CO | 175 | 788 | 5,040 | 5,827 |
| Elk Creek, CA | 175 | 735 | 3,443 | 4,177 |
| Oakhurst, TX | 175 | 333 | 1,771 | 2,104 |
| Kellyton, AL | 175 | 520 | 2,210 | 2,729 |
| Salem, SC | 175 | 0 | 2,479 | 2,479 |
Here are the best places to live in South Carolina
These are the 10 most affordable cities in South Carolina
See the best places to live in & around Salem
Top 10 cities in South Carolina with the best education system