The Essex Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Salem
Is The Essex Safe?
Yes — this neighborhood is safe. The Essex in Salem, MA has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 129), The Essex is 34% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 183, 83% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).
The Essex 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
|
176 | +76% | High | |
|
Assault
|
183 | +83% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
156 | +56% | High | |
|
Rape
|
161 | +61% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
182 | +82% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
175 | +75% | High | |
How The Essex Compares
Crime index by category: The Essex vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
The Essex Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
The Essex Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in The Essex, Salem?
The Essex in Salem, MA has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in The Essex is 34% higher.
Is The Essex a safe neighborhood in Salem?
The Essex is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Assault (index: 183), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 119).
How does The Essex compare to the rest of Salem?
The Essex's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Salem average of 129. This means crime in The Essex is 34% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 169, and for property crime it is 159. 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 The Essex?
The most prevalent crime type in The Essex is Assault, with a crime index of 183 (83% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near The Essex?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Central Business District, Derby Street/Waterfront District, Salem Common and The Point. These areas are close to The Essex and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of The Essex?
The Essex has a population of approximately 26. The median household income is $102,551. The median home value is $393,671. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does The Essex crime compare to the national average?
The Essex's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). 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.