| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Salem/100k people | Illinois/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 164 | n/a (estimate) | 2,298 | 1,970 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 15 | n/a | 210.2 | 48.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 14.0 | 84.7 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 20 | n/a | 280.3 | 146.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 36 | n/a (estimate) | 504 | 287 | 370 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 266.3 | 208.5 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 101 | n/a | 1,415.4 | 1,192.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 8 | n/a | 112.1 | 281.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 128 | n/a (estimate) | 1,794 | 1,683 | 1,954 |
The Salem crime rates are 1.1% 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 36 violent crimes in Salem (504 per 100,000 people), which is 36.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 128 property crimes (1794 per 100,000 residents) which is 8.2% lower than average.
When assessing the total crime rate in Salem per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Salem, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.
Salem showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Salem is very similar to the national average. Salem had a property crime rate of 1794, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Salem, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Salem presents a total crime rate that is 1% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Salem experiences an average of 0.45 daily crimes, comprising 0.1 violent incidents and 0.35 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime rates in Salem has increased by 43.9% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Salem 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 157.1%, while property crime has increased by 28%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Salem.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Salem crime rate. The poverty level in Salem is 20.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Salem, the cost of living is 22.96% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Salem, the average rental rates are $638 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.
| Item | Salem | Illinois | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 30,690 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Illinois /100K | National /100K |
| Illinois | 32,213 | 263 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Odin, IL | 999 | 153 | 895 | 1,047 |
| Sandoval, IL | 1,099 | 153 | 899 | 1,052 |
| Central City, IL | 1,353 | 156 | 917 | 1,073 |
| Kinmundy, IL | 915 | 157 | 920 | 1,076 |
| Wamac, IL | 1,222 | 161 | 945 | 1,106 |
| Irvington, IL | 588 | 396 | 2,323 | 2,719 |
| Centralia, IL | 12,354 | 410 | 2,407 | 2,817 |
| Salem, IL | 6,988 | 504 | 1,794 | 2,298 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pike Creek, DE | 6,987 | 174 | 888 | 1,062 |
| Spring Hill, KS | 6,992 | 144 | 1,141 | 1,285 |
| Nibley, UT | 6,993 | 218 | 1,704 | 1,922 |
| Clinton, IL | 6,982 | 146 | 1,166 | 1,312 |
| Mead, WA | 6,995 | 376 | 3,360 | 3,737 |
| Salem, IL | 6,988 | 504 | 1,794 | 2,298 |
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