West Salem Neighborhood, Winston Salem

Crime Rate & Statistics

C-

Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average

Safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Winston Salem

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime High

Low 181 / 300 High

Violent Crime 153

53% above national avg

Property Crime 165

65% above national avg

City Ranking

15%

safer than other

Winston Salem neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Winston Salem

Is West Salem Safe?

Not really — crime is above the national average. West Salem in Winston Salem, NC has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average of 100. West Salem is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Winston Salem.

Compared to the Winston Salem average (crime index 102), West Salem is 79% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.

Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 180, 80% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 117).

Highest Risk

Murder · Index 180 (80% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Rape · Index 117 (17% above avg)

West Salem Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Winston Salem city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Winston Salem	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	180	+80%	+78%	High
Assault	164	+64%	+53%	High
Robbery	149	+49%	+46%	Moderate
Rape	117	+17%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	149	+49%	+45%	Moderate
Larceny / Theft	174	+74%	+54%	High
Vehicle Theft	171	+71%	+56%	High

How West Salem Compares

Crime index by category: West Salem vs Winston 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.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

West Salem Demographics & Context

Population

2,394

Median Income

$32,745

Home Value

$194,041

Median Age

Pop. Density

3,536/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 10.3%

Graduate Degree 6.8%

Housing

24%

76%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 40.2%

Black 35.1%

Hispanic 28.3%

Asian 2.3%

Nearby Neighborhoods

South Marshall Index: 132

B+

Old Salem Index: 70

Washington Park Index: 151

Happy Hill Index: 190

F+

North Carolina School of the Arts Index: 192

D+

Westend Index: 190

B-

Downtown Winston-Salem Index: 149

C+

Sunnyside Index: 140

B-

West Salem Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Winston Salem Crime Statistics

View all Winston Salem neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in West Salem, Winston Salem?

West Salem in Winston Salem, NC has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 181, which is 81% above the national average. Compared to the Winston Salem average, crime in West Salem is 79% higher. West Salem is safer than 15% of neighborhoods in Winston Salem.

Is West Salem a safe neighborhood in Winston Salem?

West Salem has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 180), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 117).

How does West Salem compare to the rest of Winston Salem?

West Salem's overall crime index is 181, compared to the Winston Salem average of 102. This means crime in West Salem is 79% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 153, and for property crime it is 165. 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 Murder, with a crime index of 180 (80% 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 South Marshall, Old Salem, Washington Park and Westend. 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 2,394. The median household income is $32,745. The median home value is $194,041. 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 81% above the national average (index 181 vs 100). Within Winston Salem, it is safer than 15% 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 April 2026.