| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Salem/100k people | Wisconsin/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 50 | n/a (estimate) | 949 | 1,682 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 37.9 | 38.6 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 39.4 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 5 | n/a | 94.9 | 213.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 133 | 297 | 370 |
| Burglary | 5 | n/a | 94.9 | 153.7 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 34 | n/a | 645.0 | 981.0 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 75.9 | 250.3 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 816 | 1,385 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Salem crime rate is 59.2% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of West Salem, there were 7 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 133 per 100,000 individuals, 64.1% lower than the national average. Additionally, West Salem recorded 43 property crimes, amounting to 816 per 100,000 residents, 58.3% lower than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, West 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.
Determining whether West Salem 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, West Salem has an overall crime rate that is 59% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.14 daily occurrences, comprising 0.02 violent crimes and 0.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of West Salem as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in West Salem. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in West Salem has decreased by 12.3%. Violent crimes have increased by 75%, while property crimes have decreased by 18.9%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 West Salem crime rates. The population density in West Salem is 1497.3 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In West Salem, 94.8% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In West Salem, the cost of living is 0.07% lower 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.
| Item | West Salem | Wisconsin | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 8 | 9,355 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.6 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Wisconsin /100K | National /100K |
| Wisconsin | 24,983 | 456 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hokah, MN | 592 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| La Crescent, MN | 5,135 | 38 | 191 | 230 |
| Bangor, WI | 1,214 | 141 | 423 | 563 |
| Cashton, WI | 961 | 87 | 522 | 609 |
| Holmen, WI | 10,023 | 18 | 606 | 624 |
| Brice Prairie, WI | 2,200 | 119 | 557 | 676 |
| Galesville, WI | 1,628 | 122 | 571 | 693 |
| West Salem, WI | 5,010 | 133 | 816 | 949 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dellwood, MO | 5,010 | 553 | 2,652 | 3,205 |
| Veneta, OR | 5,010 | 288 | 2,468 | 2,755 |
| Manchester, IA | 5,011 | 292 | 1,617 | 1,909 |
| Lawrenceburg, IN | 5,009 | 205 | 1,035 | 1,240 |
| Abbeville, SC | 5,014 | 575 | 1,931 | 2,506 |
| West Salem, WI | 5,010 | 133 | 816 | 949 |
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