| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Selah/100k people | Washington/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 103 | n/a (estimate) | 1,182 | 2,793 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 45.9 | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 67.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 68.9 | 217.0 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 11 | n/a (estimate) | 126 | 326 | 359 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 114.8 | 398.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 74 | n/a | 849.4 | 1,634.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 91.8 | 433.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 92 | n/a (estimate) | 1,056 | 2,467 | 1,760 |

The Selah crime rates are 44.2% lower 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 11 violent crimes in Selah (126 per 100,000 people), which is 64.8% lower than the national average and there were a total of 92 property crimes (1056 per 100,000 residents) which is 40% lower than average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Selah is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Selah, which equates to 11 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Selah being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 8 local residents in Selah to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 88% of people answered that there was very little crime in Selah and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 13% 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.
Is Selah a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Selah has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 44%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.28 daily incidents, encompassing 0.03 violent crimes and 0.25 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Selah as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Selah. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Selah has decreased by 48.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 57.1%, while property crime has decreased by 52.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Selah.
Selah has a poverty rate of 9.9, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Selah, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. 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 Selah crime rates.
In Selah, the cost of living is 14.71% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
| Item | Selah | Washington | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 8,169 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Washington /100K | National /100K |
| Washington | 6,688 | 107 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Moxee, WA | 4,222 | 140 | 401 | 542 |
| Summitview, WA | 1,957 | 90 | 679 | 769 |
| Gleed, WA | 3,115 | 165 | 1,251 | 1,416 |
| Ahtanum, WA | 3,810 | 176 | 1,331 | 1,506 |
| Tieton, WA | 2,133 | 197 | 1,492 | 1,690 |
| Terrace Heights, WA | 9,253 | 275 | 2,082 | 2,357 |
| Yakima, WA | 97,434 | 544 | 2,045 | 2,589 |
| Selah, WA | 8,210 | 126 | 1,056 | 1,182 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Duvall, WA | 8,210 | 114 | 865 | 980 |
| Shorewood, MN | 8,212 | 90 | 564 | 654 |
| West Dundee, IL | 8,213 | 152 | 964 | 1,116 |
| Bennettsville, SC | 8,213 | 995 | 3,561 | 4,557 |
| Blandon, PA | 8,216 | 139 | 809 | 948 |
| Selah, WA | 8,210 | 126 | 1,056 | 1,182 |