C-
6%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
11%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
10%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleSalem/100k peopleMissouri/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime113n/a (estimate)2,4722,8282,324
Murder0n/a0.010.16.3
Rape5n/a109.448.940.0
Robbery0n/a0.054.866.1
Assault10n/a218.8374.2268.2
Violent crime15n/a (estimate)328488370
Burglary8n/a175.0295.8269.8
Theft82n/a1,793.91,557.21,401.9
Vehicle theft8n/a175.0487.1282.7
Property crime98n/a (estimate)2,1442,3401,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Salem, MO

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Salem crime rate is higher than the national average by 6.4%. Specifically, there were 15 violent crimes in Salem, equivalent to 328 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 11.3%. Furthermore, Salem recorded 98 property crimes, amounting to 2144 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 9.7%.

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.

For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Salem has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 328 violent crimes, while the national average reported 370. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.

In the most recently reported crime year, Salem registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Salem is very similar to the national average. Salem had a property crime rate of 2144, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Salem?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Salem residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 50% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Salem were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 50% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Salem a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether 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, Salem has an overall crime rate that is 6% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.31 daily occurrences, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.27 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Salem as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Salem Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Salem crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Salem has increased by 7.6% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 87.5% and property crime has increased by 1%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Salem

Salem has a poverty rate of 24, 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.

Salem has a population density of 1544.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Salem crime rates.

In Salem, the median home price stands at $73,800, diverging from the national average of $184,700. 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.

Salem crime map



The Salem crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Salem as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Salem crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Salem crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Salem crime rates are 6% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Salem are 11% lower than the national average
      • In Salem you have a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Salem is safer than 30% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Salem has increased by 15%

      Salem, MO Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Salem (per 100,000 people)

        The bar chart above reveals the rate of daily crimes in Salem for every 100,000 residents. The Salem total amount of daily crime is 1.14 times less than the Missouri average and 1.06 times more than than that of the nation. As for violent crimes, the daily average in Salem, is 1.49 times less than the Missouri average, and it is 1.13 times less than the national average. The statistics for property crimes show that Salem has a daily crime average that is 1.09 times less than the Missouri average and 1.10 times more than the daily national rate.

        How Safe is Salem (higher is better)

        Compared to the other cities in Missouri and all other cities across the US, is Salem safe? From the gauges displayed above, you will notice that Salem is safer than 32% of other cities in the state of Missouri. In addition, Salem is safer than 30% of cities in the entire United States. To achieve these results, all Missouri and United States cities were analyzed to determine how many locations had a lower crime rate than Salem. By studying this data, it was possible to determine that Salem is below average in safety when compared with other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Salem

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Salem is 1 in 305
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Salem is 1 in 47
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Salem is 1 in 41
        Interested in knowing the odds that you will be a crime victim in Salem? In Salem, you have a 1 in 305 chance of falling victim to a violent crime, such as rape, robbery, assault, or even murder. In terms of property crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 47. These crimes include theft, vehicle theft, and burglary. Your overall chance of being a victim of crime in Salem, MO is 1 in 41.

        Year Over Year Crime In Salem (per 100,000 people)

        An ideal indicator of whether Salem is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live can be done by analyzing the year over year crime rates per 100,000 people. Year over year violent crime in Salem has increased by 100% and the rate of property crime in Salem has increased by 8%. The total crime rate in Salem has increased by 15% year to year.

        Salem police department

        Item Salem Missouri National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)1812,115558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.63.73.3
        There are a total of 18 Salem police officers. This results in 3.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 2.8% less than the Missouri average and 11.5% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Missouri

        State Total offenders Missouri /100K National /100K
        Missouri19,657344266
        There are a total of 19,657 sex offenders in Missouri. This yields a total of 344 sex offenders in Missouri per 100,000 residents which is 29% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Salem, MO4,9043282,1442,472

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Margaret, AL4,90553545598
        Winona Lake, IN4,902276533809
        East Moriches, NY4,9022319281,159
        Pleasant Garden, NC4,9062801,4291,710
        Desloge, MO4,9014033,5253,928
        Salem, MO4,9043282,1442,472
        Source: The Salem, MO crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.