Central Area Neighborhood, Salem

Crime Rate & Statistics

A-

Safe neighborhood — below-average crime across most categories

Safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Salem

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High
Low 174 / 300 High
Violent Crime 165
65% above national avg
Property Crime 167
67% above national avg
City Ranking
39%
safer than other
Salem neighborhoods

Is Central Area Safe?

Central Area in Salem, OR has a safety grade of A-. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average of 100. Central Area is safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Salem.

Compared to the Salem average (crime index 111), Central Area is 63% 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: 177, 77% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 148).

Overall, Central Area is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 177 (77% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 148 (48% above avg)

Central Area 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
173 +73% High
Assault
169 +69% High
Robbery
163 +63% High
Rape
156 +56% High
Property Crime
Burglary
148 +48% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
177 +77% High
Vehicle Theft
176 +76% High

How Central Area Compares

Crime index by category: Central Area vs Salem average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Central Area Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Central Area Demographics & Context

Population
2,675
Median Income
$48,567
Home Value
$423,901
Median Age
30
Pop. Density
2,624/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 18%
Graduate Degree 7.8%

Housing

21%
79%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 81%
Black 1.7%
Hispanic 9.9%
Asian 5.1%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Grant Index: 135
B+
Northeast Neighbors Index: 158
A-
South Central Index: 157
A-
Highland Index: 176
B
Northeast Salem Index: 116
A-
Minto-Brown Island Park Index: 136
A
Lansing Index: 111
A-
Southeast Salem Index: 134
A-
Central Area Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Salem Crime Statistics
View all Salem neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Central Area, Salem?

Central Area in Salem, OR has a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 174, which is 74% above the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in Central Area is 63% higher. Central Area is safer than 39% of neighborhoods in Salem.

Is Central Area a safe neighborhood in Salem?

Central Area is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 177), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 148).

How does Central Area compare to the rest of Salem?

Central Area's overall crime index is 174, compared to the Salem average of 111. This means crime in Central Area is 63% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 165, and for property crime it is 167. 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 Area?

The most prevalent crime type in Central Area is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 177 (77% 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 Central Area?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Grant, Northeast Neighbors, South Central and Highland. These areas are close to Central Area and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Central Area?

Central Area has a population of approximately 2,675. The median household income is $48,567. The median home value is $423,901. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Central Area crime compare to the national average?

Central Area's overall crime rate is 74% above the national average (index 174 vs 100). Within Salem, it is safer than 39% 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 March 2026.