Is Salem Safe?
With an overall crime index of 129, Salem has a 29% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 192. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Witchcraft Heights earning an A grade while Castle Hill rates B-.
Crime Index Comparison
Salem
Massachusetts Avg
National Avg
100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.
Crime Index
129
29% above average
Violent Crime
130
30% above average
Property Crime
134
34% above average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B
Your chance of violent crime in Salem
1 in 192
Property crime: 1 in 187
Where Is It Safe in Salem?
Safest Neighborhoods
1
A
2
A
3
A
4
A
5
A
6
A
7
A
8
A
9
A-
10
A-
Witchcraft Heights
Median income: $95,655
Gallows Hill
Median income: $71,468
North Salem
Median income: $83,033
Vinnin Square
Median income: $102,081
Salem Common
Median income: $84,343
Salem Neck
Median income: $66,514
Derby Street/Waterfront District
Median income: $76,660
Bridge Street Neck
Median income: $90,968
McIntire Historic District
Median income: $83,413
Central Business District
Median income: $87,325
Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address
Salem Crime Breakdown
Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 53% above avg
Lowest Risk
Burglary · 4% above avg
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder Violent | 140 | ▲ 40% | |
| Assault Violent | 131 | ▲ 31% | |
| Robbery Violent | 118 | ▲ 18% | |
| Burglary Property | 104 | ▲ 4% | |
| Larceny / Theft Property | 153 | ▲ 53% | |
| Vehicle Theft Property | 143 | ▲ 43% |
Violent vs Property Crime
Neighborhood Safety Distribution
All Salem Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Witchcraft Heights | A | 37 |
| 2 | Gallows Hill | A | 77 |
| 3 | North Salem | A | 96 |
| 4 | Vinnin Square | A | 78 |
| 5 | Salem Common | A | 160 |
| 6 | Salem Neck | A | 138 |
| 7 | Derby Street/Waterfront District | A | 167 |
| 8 | Bridge Street Neck | A | 121 |
| 9 | McIntire Historic District | A- | 156 |
| 10 | Central Business District | A- | 172 |
| 11 | West Salem | A- | 106 |
| 12 | Mill Hill | A- | 168 |
| 13 | South Salem | B+ | 127 |
| 14 | The Point | B | 151 |
| 15 | Castle Hill | B- | 175 |
Salem Crime by Zip Code
Salem Demographics & Cost of Living
Population
43,350
Median Income
$66,428
Home Value
$380,003
Median Rent
$1,325
Home Ownership
50%
Racial Demographics
White
75.4%
Black
7.5%
Hispanic
18.4%
Asian
3.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Salem?
Salem has an overall crime index of 129, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Salem are rated A or B for safety.
Is Salem safe to live in?
Salem has a crime safety grade of A. Very very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Salem?
The safest neighborhoods in Salem based on crime data include Witchcraft Heights, Gallows Hill, North Salem, Vinnin Square, and Salem Common. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Salem crime compare to the national average?
Salem's overall crime index is 129 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 29% higher than the typical US city.
Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities
Boston, MA
Cambridge, MA
Lowell, MA
Brockton, MA
Quincy, MA
Lynn, MA
Newton, MA
Somerville, MA
Lawrence, MA
Framingham, MA
Haverhill, MA
Waltham, MA
Malden, MA
Brookline, MA
Medford, MA
Weymouth, MA
Revere, MA
Peabody, MA
Methuen Town, MA
Everett, MA
Arlington, MA
Salem, MA
Billerica, MA
Beverly, MA
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