A
41%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
69%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
36%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleWest Salem/100k peopleWisconsin/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime66n/a (estimate)1,2441,4332,119
Murder0n/a0.04.25.0
Rape2n/a37.734.837.5
Robbery0n/a0.039.460.6
Assault4n/a75.4200.1256.1
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)113279359
Burglary2n/a37.7117.2229.2
Theft55n/a1,036.8875.61,272.1
Vehicle theft3n/a56.6161.3258.8
Property crime60n/a (estimate)1,1311,1541,760

West Salem crime map

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The West Salem crime map by CrimeoMeter provides a detailed overview of all crimes in West 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 West Salem crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the West 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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An Overview of Crime Rates in West Salem, WI

When we analyze the latest crime report, the West Salem crime rate is 41.3% 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 6 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 113 per 100,000 individuals, 68.5% lower than the national average. Additionally, West Salem recorded 60 property crimes, amounting to 1131 per 100,000 residents, 35.7% lower than the U.S. average.

West Salem distinguishes itself with one of the lowest violent crime rates in the U.S., reporting a mere 113 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This achievement firmly establishes West Salem among the safest cities in the nation, rendering it an alluring choice for those seeking a new place to call home.

In the most recently reported crime year, West 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.

Is West Salem a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is West 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 West Salem crime rate is 41% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.18 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.

Has Crime in West Salem Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in West Salem has increased by 15.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of West 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 50%, while property crime has increased by 13.2%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not West Salem is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in West 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 West Salem crime rate. The poverty level in West Salem is 6.1%, while the national average is 15.1%.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower West Salem crime rates. For instance, in West Salem, the population density stands at 1531.9 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

In West Salem, the cost of living is 0.29% higher 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.

Compare West Salem, WI Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • West Salem crime rates are 41% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in West Salem are 69% lower than the national average
      • In West Salem you have a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • West Salem is safer than 60% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in West Salem has increased by 8%

      West Salem, WI Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In West Salem (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in West Salem, WI per 100,000 people. In West Salem, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.15 times less than the Wisconsin average and 1.70 times less than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in West Salem is 2.46 times less than the Wisconsin average and 3.18 times less than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, West Salem has a daily crime rate that is 1.02 times less than the Wisconsin average and 1.56 times less than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is West Salem (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of West Salem to every other city in Wisconsin, as well as the entirety of the United States, is West Salem safe? The gauges above illustrate that West Salem is safer than 45% of every city located within Wisconsin along with 60% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Wisconsin and in the United States as a whole. As a result, West Salem, WI is ranked above average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in West Salem

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in West Salem is 1 in 885
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in West Salem is 1 in 89
        The chance of being a victim of crime in West Salem is 1 in 81
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in West Salem? In West Salem, WI you have a 1 in 885 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 81 chance of becoming a victim of crime in West Salem.

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

        Determining whether West Salem is becoming less or more safe for its residents (per 100,000) is most easily done by comparing year-over-year crime rates. West Salem violent crime rates have decreased by 57%. At the same time, property crime has increased by 27% year over year. Total crimes for West Salem has increased by 8% in the same time frame.

        West Salem police department

        Item West Salem Wisconsin National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)89,355558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.62.43.3
        There are a total of 8 West Salem police officers. This results in 1.6 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 30.9% less than the Wisconsin average and 49.3% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Wisconsin

        State Total offenders Wisconsin /100K National /100K
        Wisconsin24,983456266
        There are a total of 24,983 sex offenders in Wisconsin. This yields a total of 456 sex offenders in Wisconsin per 100,000 residents which is 71% 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
        Hokah, MN613000
        Brice Prairie, WI2,25294389482
        La Crescent, MN5,27776436511
        Holmen, WI10,29150463513
        Galesville, WI1,677103428532
        French Island, WI4,418157653811
        Bangor, WI1,25201,0881,088
        West Salem, WI5,1261131,1311,244

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Alexandria, IN5,1252451,0791,323
        Midfield, AL5,127368614983
        Westvale, NY5,1242841,2851,568
        Lexington, OH5,1241849701,153
        St. Augustine South, FL5,123102543645
        West Salem, WI5,1261131,1311,244
        Source: The West Salem, WI crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2024. 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.