Salem, MO Crime Rates

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