Dorchester Heights Neighborhood, Salem

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 148 / 300 High
Violent Crime 135
35% above national avg
Property Crime 104
4% above national avg

Is Dorchester Heights Safe?

Dorchester Heights in Salem, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average of 100.

Compared to the Salem average (crime index 111), Dorchester Heights is 37% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 175, 75% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 54). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.

Overall, Dorchester Heights 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
Rape · Index 175 (75% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Burglary · Index 54 (46% below avg)

Dorchester Heights 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
144 +44% Moderate
Assault
111 +11% Moderate
Robbery
111 +11% Moderate
Rape
175 +75% High
Property Crime
Burglary
54 -46% Low
Larceny / Theft
102 +2% Moderate
Vehicle Theft
157 +57% High

How Dorchester Heights Compares

Crime index by category: Dorchester Heights vs Salem average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Dorchester Heights 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

Dorchester Heights Demographics & Context

Population
35
Median Income
$92,857
Home Value
$461,103
Median Age
48
Pop. Density
845/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 33.6%
Graduate Degree 21.6%

Housing

84%
16%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 88.9%
Black 0.5%
Hispanic 3.9%
Asian 4%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Southwest Index: 89
A
Sunnyslope Index: 53
A+
Minto-Brown Island Park Index: 136
A
Faye Wright Index: 102
A
South Central Index: 157
A-
Morningside Index: 134
A
South Gateway Index: 77
A+
Central Area Index: 174
A-
Dorchester Heights 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 Dorchester Heights, Salem?

Dorchester Heights in Salem, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 148, which is 48% above the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in Dorchester Heights is 37% higher.

Is Dorchester Heights a safe neighborhood in Salem?

Dorchester Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 175), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 54).

How does Dorchester Heights compare to the rest of Salem?

Dorchester Heights's overall crime index is 148, compared to the Salem average of 111. This means crime in Dorchester Heights is 37% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 135, and for property crime it is 104. 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 Dorchester Heights?

The most prevalent crime type in Dorchester Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 175 (75% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.

What are safer neighborhoods near Dorchester Heights?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Southwest, Sunnyslope, Minto-Brown Island Park and Faye Wright. These areas are close to Dorchester Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Dorchester Heights?

Dorchester Heights has a population of approximately 35. The median household income is $92,857. The median home value is $461,103. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Dorchester Heights crime compare to the national average?

Dorchester Heights's overall crime rate is 48% above the national average (index 148 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 March 2026.