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Murder in Salem, Virginia (2026)

5.7 per 100K · 0% below national avg · Grade B-

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Salem has a murder rate of 5.7 per 100K, which is 0% below the national average of 5.7. Grade: B-. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 17,544 per year.

In 2026, the murder rate in Salem, Virginia is 5.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 0% below the national average of 5.7. That puts Salem's murder close to the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Murder Rate: Salem vs State and National Averages

Salem
5.7
Virginia Avg
6.1
National Avg
5.7

Rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI UCR data.

Your Odds: Murder in Salem

1 in 17,544

Approximate chance of being affected by murder in Salem in a given year, based on the rate of 5.7 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Murder?

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter is the willful killing of one person by another. This does not include deaths caused by negligence, suicide, or justifiable homicide.

Other Crime Types in Salem

B-
Violent Crime314.5/100K · 14% below avg
C+
Property Crime2044.3/100K · 12% above avg
B-
Assault254.8/100K · 5% below avg
C+
Robbery68.2/100K · 8% above avg

Murder in Nearby Virginia Cities

CityGradeRate
Herndon
C
7.9
Fairfax
B
3.7
Staunton
B-
4.5
Waynesboro
C+
6.8
Winchester
C+
7.4
Hopewell
B-
5.7

Frequently Asked Questions About Murder in Salem

How bad is murder in Salem?
As of 2026, Salem's murder rate of 5.7 per 100K is 0% below the national average. It ranks behind 50% of US cities for murder.
What is the murder rate in Salem?
As of 2026, 5.7 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 5.7 per 100K.
Is murder increasing in Salem?
Crime in Salem has trended upward recently, though specific murder trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Salem's murder compare to Virginia?
Salem's murder rate is higher than many Virginia cities. The rate of 5.7 per 100K is close to the national average.
What are the odds of being a victim of murder in Salem?
Based on the rate of 5.7 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 17,544 residents could be affected by murder in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Salem safe from murder?
Salem is about average for murder. The rate of 5.7 per 100K is close to the national average. Awareness and normal precautions go a long way.
Back to Salem safety overviewHow we calculate grades

2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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