Silverton, OR Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Silverton, OR

What is Silverton's overall crime grade?

Silverton earns an A- overall crime grade, placing it among the safer small cities in Oregon. With a population of approximately 10,426 residents spread across a density of about 1,147 people per square mile, Silverton's crime environment is notably calmer than most comparably sized communities. An A- grade means residents experience meaningfully lower crime rates than the national average across both violent and property crime categories — a strong indicator that day-to-day life here is relatively secure.

Is Silverton safe to live in?

By most measurable standards, yes. Silverton's A- crime grade reflects a community where serious incidents are uncommon. The city's median household income of $68,350 and a poverty rate of just 8.7% contribute to social stability — research consistently links lower poverty rates with reduced crime frequency. Unemployment sits at around 6%, which is moderate but not at a level associated with elevated crime spikes. Taken together, these socioeconomic indicators support Silverton's standing as a genuinely safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

What types of crime are most common in Silverton?

Like most small Oregon cities, Silverton's reported incidents skew heavily toward property crime rather than violent crime. The most frequently logged incident types include petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and occasional vandalism — categories that tend to rise during summer months when foot traffic increases around downtown and public parks. Violent crimes such as assault or robbery represent a small minority of total incidents and occur at rates well below state and national benchmarks. The overall pattern is consistent with an A- safety profile: nuisance-level offenses are the norm, not serious criminal activity.

Which neighborhoods in Silverton have the best safety profile?

While Silverton's compact size — roughly 1,147 residents per square mile — means crime is distributed thinly across the city, some areas stand out for their community cohesion and low incident frequency. The Silverton Heights area and residential zones near local schools and civic centers benefit from strong neighborhood watch participation and consistent police visibility. The historic downtown district, anchored by the Silverton Commercial Historic District, sees higher foot traffic but also more active community oversight, keeping serious incidents rare. Rural-adjacent pockets on the city's edges tend to report the fewest incidents of any kind.

How does Silverton's crime rate compare to other Oregon cities?

Silverton compares very favorably. An A- overall crime grade puts it ahead of many Oregon cities of similar or larger size. Cities with higher population densities and lower median incomes tend to score in the C or D range. Silverton's median home value of $323,421 and median rent of $1,007 reflect a stable housing market — a factor that correlates with residential investment in neighborhood safety. For context, the national average crime grade hovers near a C+, meaning Silverton outperforms the typical American city by a significant margin.

Is property crime a concern in Silverton?

Property crime exists in Silverton, as it does in virtually every U.S. city, but it occurs at rates well below national norms — consistent with the city's A- rating. The most common property-related incidents involve vehicle theft attempts and unlocked-car break-ins, particularly in parking areas near parks and commercial corridors. Residents can reduce their exposure significantly by locking vehicles, securing garages, and using basic home security measures. The city's low population density of 1,147 per square mile means incidents are spread out rather than concentrated, limiting the impact on any single neighborhood.

Does Silverton's income level affect its crime rate?

Economic stability is one of the strongest predictors of community safety, and Silverton's numbers are encouraging. A median household income of $68,350 and a poverty rate of 8.7% place the city in a favorable position. Studies consistently show that communities with poverty rates below 10% experience fewer property crimes and significantly lower rates of violent crime. Silverton's figures align with this pattern, helping explain why the city maintains an A- crime grade despite having a moderate unemployment rate of 6%. The relatively affordable median rent of $1,007 also reduces housing-cost stress, a factor linked to community stability.

What safety precautions should visitors and new residents take in Silverton?

Even in a city with an A- safety grade, basic precautions go a long way. Visitors exploring Silver Falls State Park or the downtown commercial district should keep valuables out of sight in parked vehicles, as vehicle break-ins represent one of the more common incident types logged locally. New residents moving into neighborhoods like Silverton Heights are encouraged to introduce themselves to neighbors and connect with local community watch groups — social cohesion is a proven crime deterrent. Reporting suspicious activity promptly to the Silverton Police Department helps maintain the low-crime environment the city currently enjoys.