| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Selma/100k people | California/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 530 | n/a (estimate) | 2,172 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 4.1 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 16.4 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 13 | n/a | 53.3 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 122 | n/a | 500.0 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 574 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 70 | n/a | 286.9 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 243 | n/a | 995.9 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 77 | n/a | 315.6 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 390 | n/a (estimate) | 1,598 | 2,078 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Selma is 2.5% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Selma, there were 140 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 574 per 100,000 individuals, 59.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 390 property crimes, amounting to 1598 per 100,000 residents, 9.2% lower than the U.S. average.
The Selma crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Selma, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
In the most recent release, Selma reported a property crime rate that closely aligns with the national average. In Selma, there were 1598 reported property crimes, a figure consistent with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. This positions the area as maintaining a level of safety and security on par with the typical city. The harmonious statistics underscore a balanced commitment to community well-being, offering residents a sense of stability and peace in their surroundings.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Selma. Based on the results of the surveys (13 responses), 23% of people felt that there was very little crime in Selma and felt safe walking alone at night. While 77% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Selma 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, Selma has an overall crime rate that is 3% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 1.45 daily occurrences, comprising 0.38 violent crimes and 1.07 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Selma as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Selma has decreased by 18.1% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Selma 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 22.8%, while property crime has decreased by 26.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Selma.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Selma crime rates. The population density in Selma is 4893.8 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Selma, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.64, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
In Selma, the average rental rates are $1,427 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

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| Item | Selma | California | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 39 | 51,506 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 3.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | California /100K | National /100K |
| California | 79,891 | 232 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Centerville, CA | 2,218 | 134 | 572 | 706 |
| West Park, CA | 1,048 | 245 | 1,048 | 1,293 |
| Easton, CA | 2,294 | 250 | 1,068 | 1,318 |
| Laton, CA | 2,025 | 259 | 1,106 | 1,365 |
| Malaga, CA | 1,202 | 261 | 1,116 | 1,377 |
| Del Rey, CA | 1,276 | 268 | 1,147 | 1,416 |
| Reedley, CA | 26,417 | 565 | 863 | 1,427 |
| Selma, CA | 25,254 | 574 | 1,598 | 2,172 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Derby, KS | 25,251 | 357 | 1,590 | 1,947 |
| Avon Lake, OH | 25,262 | 19 | 290 | 310 |
| West Memphis, AR | 25,245 | 1,922 | 4,658 | 6,580 |
| Homer Glen, IL | 25,242 | 16 | 277 | 293 |
| Wright, FL | 25,275 | 256 | 1,359 | 1,615 |
| Selma, CA | 25,254 | 574 | 1,598 | 2,172 |