| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salisbury/100k people | Maryland/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,315 | n/a (estimate) | 3,960 | 2,470 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 12 | n/a | 36.1 | 33.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 50 | n/a | 150.6 | 123.2 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 255 | n/a | 768.0 | 257.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 317 | n/a (estimate) | 955 | 420 | 359 |
| Burglary | 182 | n/a | 548.1 | 190.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 753 | n/a | 2,267.7 | 1,446.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 63 | n/a | 189.7 | 412.8 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 998 | n/a (estimate) | 3,006 | 2,050 | 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 Salisbury is 86.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 317 violent crimes reported in Salisbury, equivalent to 955 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 165.9%. Additionally, Salisbury recorded 998 property crimes, amounting to 3006 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 70.8%.
Salisbury ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 955 per 100,000 people, Salisbury is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 105 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Salisbury, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.
During the most recently reported crime year, Salisbury experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
What do the local residents think about crime in Salisbury? Well, based on a recent survey of 50 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 32% of Salisbury residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 68% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Salisbury 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 Salisbury crime rate is 87% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 3.6 crimes per day - 0.87 violent crimes and 2.73 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Salisbury crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Salisbury has decreased by 23.4% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 7.8% and property crime has decreased by 29.8%.
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. Salisbury currently has an unemployment rate of 6.7%, 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.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Salisbury crime rates. Salisbury registers a population density of 2480.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Salisbury, the cost of living is 0.59% higher than the national average.
| Item | Salisbury | Maryland | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 109 | 5,343 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Maryland /100K | National /100K |
| Maryland | 7,370 | 135 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pittsville, MD | 1,782 | 61 | 183 | 244 |
| Snow Hill, MD | 2,284 | 216 | 907 | 1,123 |
| Hebron, MD | 1,042 | 204 | 995 | 1,199 |
| Mount Vernon, MD | 1,052 | 207 | 1,013 | 1,220 |
| Willards, MD | 1,061 | 215 | 1,049 | 1,264 |
| Delmar, MD | 3,402 | 270 | 1,316 | 1,586 |
| Bethel, DE | 418 | 387 | 1,873 | 2,260 |
| Salisbury, MD | 33,988 | 955 | 3,006 | 3,960 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nacogdoches, TX | 33,996 | 236 | 1,454 | 1,691 |
| Northbrook, IL | 33,971 | 18 | 1,208 | 1,226 |
| Springfield, VA | 33,971 | 103 | 743 | 846 |
| Pikesville, MD | 33,960 | 332 | 1,620 | 1,952 |
| Florence, KY | 33,960 | 232 | 3,213 | 3,445 |
| Salisbury, MD | 33,988 | 955 | 3,006 | 3,960 |
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