Salem, NJ Crime Rate & Safety

Salem, NJ has a crime safety grade of F as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 798% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 29 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 6 chance for property crime. Salem has higher crime than 100% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Salem has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of F. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Salem is strongly recommended.

The estimated violent crime rate in Salem is 3,403.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 794% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 44.7 per 100K (793% above average); aggravated assault at 2,396.2 per 100K (793% above average); robbery at 685.8 per 100K (828% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Salem is 17,973.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 881% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 6 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 2,090.8 per 100K (675% above average); larceny/theft at 12,940.1 per 100K (823% above average); vehicle theft at 2,942.7 per 100K (823% above average).

Salem's overall crime rate is 798% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (828% above average), while burglary is 675% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Salem has higher crime than 100% of them.

Visitors to Salem should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 881% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods.

New Jersey as a whole has crime that is 25% below the national average. Salem's crime rate is 798% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical New Jersey city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Salem, with an estimated rate of 12,940.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 823% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (17,974 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (3,404 per 100K) in Salem, which is consistent with national trends.