South Salem Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods
Safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Salem
Safety at a Glance
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in Salem
Is South Salem Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. South Salem in Salem, MA has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average of 100. South Salem is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 129), South Salem is 2% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 174, 74% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 129).
South Salem 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
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Assault
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Rape
|
155 | +55% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
129 | +29% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
174 | +74% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
166 | +66% | High | |
How South Salem Compares
Crime index by category: South Salem vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
South Salem Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
South Salem Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in South Salem, Salem?
South Salem in Salem, MA has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 127, which is 27% above the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in South Salem is 2% lower. South Salem is safer than 13% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Is South Salem a safe neighborhood in Salem?
South Salem is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 174), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 129). It is one of the higher-crime neighborhoods in Salem.
How does South Salem compare to the rest of Salem?
South Salem's overall crime index is 127, compared to the Salem average of 129. This means crime in South Salem is 2% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 155, and for property crime it is 156. 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 South Salem?
The most prevalent crime type in South Salem is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 174 (74% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near South Salem?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include The Point, Castle Hill, Vinnin Square and Mill Hill. These areas are close to South Salem and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of South Salem?
South Salem has a population of approximately 5,131. The median household income is $66,363. The median home value is $553,876. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does South Salem crime compare to the national average?
South Salem's overall crime rate is 27% above the national average (index 127 vs 100). Within Salem, it is safer than 13% 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.