| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Selma/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 291 | n/a (estimate) | 2,455 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 33.7 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 24 | n/a | 202.4 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 28 | n/a (estimate) | 236 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 160.3 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 214 | n/a | 1,805.2 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 30 | n/a | 253.1 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 263 | n/a (estimate) | 2,218 | 2,041 | 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 Selma is 15.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 28 violent crimes reported in Selma, equivalent to 236 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 34.2%. Additionally, Selma recorded 263 property crimes, amounting to 2218 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 26%.
During the most recently reported crime year, Selma 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.
Is Selma 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, Selma has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 16%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.8 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.72 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Selma 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 Selma. 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 Selma has increased by 2.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 100%, while property crime has increased by 2.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Selma.
Selma reports an unemployment rate of 4.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Selma crime rates.
In Selma, the cost of living is 6.03% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
In Selma, the median home price stands at $361,651, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Selma | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 5.4 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Marion, TX | 919 | 0 | 369 | 369 |
| St. Hedwig, TX | 2,544 | 85 | 444 | 529 |
| Lake Dunlap, TX | 1,592 | 113 | 595 | 708 |
| Olmos Park, TX | 1,902 | 46 | 742 | 789 |
| Zuehl, TX | 528 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| New Berlin, TX | 882 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| Cibolo, TX | 31,234 | 149 | 845 | 994 |
| Selma, TX | 11,484 | 236 | 2,218 | 2,455 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Robstown, TX | 11,483 | 394 | 2,654 | 3,048 |
| Lighthouse Point, FL | 11,493 | 48 | 1,379 | 1,427 |
| La Homa, TX | 11,475 | 567 | 2,973 | 3,540 |
| Summit, IL | 11,472 | 469 | 1,530 | 1,999 |
| Grand Rapids, MN | 11,472 | 88 | 1,032 | 1,121 |
| Selma, TX | 11,484 | 236 | 2,218 | 2,455 |