West Salem Neighborhood, Salem
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 78% of neighborhoods in Salem
Safety at a Glance
Is West Salem Safe?
West Salem in Salem, OR has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 85, which is 15% below the national average of 100. West Salem is safer than 78% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Compared to the Salem average (crime index 111), West Salem is 26% lower in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 118, 18% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 60). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Overall, West Salem 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 Salem 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
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Assault
|
60 | -40% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
80 | -20% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
118 | +18% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
114 | +14% | Moderate | |
How West Salem Compares
Crime index by category: West Salem vs Salem average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
West Salem Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
West Salem Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in West Salem, Salem?
West Salem in Salem, OR has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 85, which is 15% below the national average. Compared to the Salem average, crime in West Salem is 26% lower. West Salem is safer than 78% of neighborhoods in Salem.
Is West Salem a safe neighborhood in Salem?
West Salem is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Salem, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 118), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 60).
How does West Salem compare to the rest of Salem?
West Salem's overall crime index is 85, compared to the Salem average of 111. This means crime in West Salem is 26% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 71, 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 West Salem?
The most prevalent crime type in West Salem is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 118 (18% 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 West Salem?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Minto-Brown Island Park, Central Area, Highland and Grant. These areas are close to West Salem and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of West Salem?
West Salem has a population of approximately 21,036. The median household income is $87,905. The median home value is $460,459. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does West Salem crime compare to the national average?
West Salem's overall crime rate is 15% below the national average (index 85 vs 100). Within Salem, it is safer than 78% 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.