West Heights Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
One of the safest neighborhoods — significantly below-average crime
Safety at a Glance
Is West Heights Safe?
West Heights in Salem, OR has a safety grade of A+. The overall crime index is 38, which is 62% below the national average of 100.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 111), West Heights is 73% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Salem as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 71, 29% below average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 22).
Overall, West 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.
West 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
|
45 | -55% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
22 | -78% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
64 | -36% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
53 | -47% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
68 | -32% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
71 | -29% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
48 | -52% | Low | |
How West Heights Compares
Crime index by category: West Heights vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
West Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Heights, Salem?
West Heights in Salem, OR has a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 38, which is 62% below the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in West Heights is 73% lower.
Is West Heights a safe neighborhood in Salem?
West Heights is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A+. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 71), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 22).
How does West Heights compare to the rest of Salem?
West Heights's overall crime index is 38, compared to the Salem average of 111. This means crime in West Heights is 73% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 46, and for property crime it is 62. 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 West Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in West Heights is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 71 (29% below 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 West Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include West Salem, Minto-Brown Island Park, Central Area and Grant. These areas are close to West Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Heights?
West Heights has a population of approximately 5. The median household income is $130,351. The median home value is $560,884. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Heights crime compare to the national average?
West Heights's overall crime rate is 62% below the national average (index 38 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.