Central Business District Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Salem
Safety at a Glance
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in Salem
Is Central Business District Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. Central Business District in Salem, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average of 100. Central Business District is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 129), Central Business District is 43% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 184, 84% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130).
Central Business District Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Salem city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
163 | +63% | High | |
|
Rape
|
165 | +65% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
130 | +30% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
184 | +84% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
180 | +80% | High | |
How Central Business District Compares
Crime index by category: Central Business District vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Business District Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Business District Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Business District, Salem?
Central Business District in Salem, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 172, which is 72% above the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in Central Business District is 43% higher. Central Business District is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Is Central Business District a safe neighborhood in Salem?
Central Business District is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 184), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 130).
How does Central Business District compare to the rest of Salem?
Central Business District's overall crime index is 172, compared to the Salem average of 129. This means crime in Central Business District is 43% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 173, and for property crime it is 165. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central Business District?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Business District is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 184 (84% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Business District?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Salem Common, Derby Street/Waterfront District, McIntire Historic District and The Point. These areas are close to Central Business District and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Business District?
Central Business District has a population of approximately 1,622. The median household income is $87,325. The median home value is $405,362. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Business District crime compare to the national average?
Central Business District's overall crime rate is 72% above the national average (index 172 vs 100). Within Salem, it is safer than 33% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.