A-
20%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
66%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
11%
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 peopleVirginia/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime473n/a (estimate)1,8581,9302,324
Murder0n/a0.07.36.3
Rape9n/a35.330.240.0
Robbery7n/a27.538.466.1
Assault16n/a62.8158.1268.2
Violent crime32n/a (estimate)126234370
Burglary52n/a204.2124.6269.8
Theft349n/a1,370.81,410.41,401.9
Vehicle theft40n/a157.1160.7282.7
Property crime441n/a (estimate)1,7321,6961,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Salem, VA

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Salem is 20.1% lower 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 Salem, there were 32 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 126 per 100,000 individuals, 66% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 441 property crimes, amounting to 1732 per 100,000 residents, 11.4% lower than the U.S. average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Salem 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.

Salem has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1732 property crimes in Salem, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Salem?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Salem residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 21 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 86% of Salem residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 14% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Salem a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Salem a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Salem crime rate is 20% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.3 crimes per day - 0.09 violent crimes and 1.21 property crimes.

Has Crime in Salem Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Salem has decreased by 5.2%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Salem, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 39.1%, while property crime has decreased by 7.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Salem is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Salem

In Salem, the poverty rate currently stands at 8.7%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Salem crime rates.

In Salem, the cost of living is 5.3% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Salem, the average rental rates are $926 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.

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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Compare Salem, VA Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Salem crime rates are 20% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Salem are 66% lower than the national average
      • In Salem you have a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Salem is safer than 57% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Salem has decreased by 6%

      Salem, VA Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Salem

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        Daily Crime In Salem (per 100,000 people)

        The above illustration depicts the number of crimes committed daily in Salem, per 100,000 residents. In Salem, the total number of daily crimes is 1.04 times less than the Virginia average and 1.25 times less than the national average. Violent daily crime statistics in Salem are 1.86 times less than the Virginia average and 2.94 times less than the national average. For property crime, Salem has a daily crime rate that is 1.02 times more than the Virginia average and 1.13 times less than the daily national average.

        How Safe is Salem (higher is better)

        How safe is Salem, Virginia compared to other cities in Virginia and the rest of the cities across the United States? The graphs above show that Salem is safer than 68% of the cities in Virginia and 57% of the cities in the United States. These results are calculated by analyzing all cities in Virginia and across the US as a whole and determining how many areas have a lower crime rate than Salem. Overall, Salem is ranked above average compared to all other cities across the United States.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Salem

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Salem is 1 in 796
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Salem is 1 in 58
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Salem is 1 in 54
        Are you worried about becoming a crime victim? In Salem, your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 796. Types of violent crimes may include assault, robbery, rape, or murder. You also have a 1 in 58 chance of being the victim of a property crime such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, and burglary. Your overall risk of becoming a crime victim in Salem is 1 in 54.

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

        A good indicator of whether Salem is becoming a safer or a more dangerous place to live can be determined by analyzing the year over year crime rate (per 100,000 people). The number of violent crimes in Salem has increased by 38%, while the property crime rate in Salem has decreased by 8% year over year. The number of total crimes in Salem has decreased by 6% year over year.

        Salem police department

        Item Salem Virginia National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)918,827558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents3.63.23.3
        There are a total of 91 Salem police officers. This results in 3.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 12% greater than the Virginia average and 10.9% greater than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Virginia

        State Total offenders Virginia /100K National /100K
        Virginia25,766352266
        There are a total of 25,766 sex offenders in Virginia. This yields a total of 352 sex offenders in Virginia per 100,000 residents which is 32% 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
        Daleville, VA2,71694682776
        Laymantown, VA1,836101735836
        Blue Ridge, VA3,169106771878
        Cloverdale, VA3,193114827941
        Glenvar, VA821117847964
        Elliston, VA1,0401319521,084
        Vinton, VA8,1022001,9762,176
        Salem, VA25,2901261,7321,858

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Clinton, IA25,2908633,7354,598
        Mount Pleasant, MI25,2902861,8402,125
        El Cerrito, CA25,2804324,0404,472
        Franklin, IN25,276821,2561,338
        Suitland, MD25,2735462,2452,791
        Salem, VA25,2901261,7321,858
        Source: The Salem, VA 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.