Southwest Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Salem
Safety at a Glance
Is Southwest Safe?
Southwest in Salem, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100. Southwest is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 111), Southwest is 22% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 121, 21% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 72).
Overall, Southwest 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.
Southwest 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
|
91 | -9% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
72 | -28% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
101 | +1% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
94 | -6% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
83 | -17% | Average | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
109 | +9% | Moderate | |
How Southwest Compares
Crime index by category: Southwest vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southwest Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
Southwest Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southwest, Salem?
Southwest in Salem, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 89, which is 11% below the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in Southwest is 22% lower. Southwest is safer than 87% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Is Southwest a safe neighborhood in Salem?
Southwest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 121), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 72). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Salem.
How does Southwest compare to the rest of Salem?
Southwest's overall crime index is 89, compared to the Salem average of 111. This means crime in Southwest is 22% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 90, 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 Southwest?
The most prevalent crime type in Southwest is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 121 (21% 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 Southwest?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Minto-Brown Island Park, South Central, Faye Wright and Morningside. These areas are close to Southwest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southwest?
Southwest has a population of approximately 6,866. The median household income is $95,416. The median home value is $537,313. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southwest crime compare to the national average?
Southwest's overall crime rate is 11% below the national average (index 89 vs 100). Within Salem, it is safer than 87% 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.