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Vehicle Theft in Salem, Virginia (2026)

402.3 per 100K · 26% above national avg · Grade C+

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Salem has a vehicle theft rate of 402.3 per 100K, which is 26% above the national average of 318.3. Grade: C+. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 249 per year.

In 2026, the vehicle theft rate in Salem, Virginia is 402.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 26% above the national average of 318.3. That puts Salem's vehicle theft above the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Vehicle Theft Rate: Salem vs State and National Averages

Salem
402.3
Virginia Avg
335.5
National Avg
318.3

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

Your Odds: Vehicle Theft in Salem

1 in 249

Approximate chance of being affected by vehicle theft in Salem in a given year, based on the rate of 402.3 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Vehicle Theft?

Motor vehicle theft is the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and ATVs. It does not include taking a vehicle for temporary use when abandoned by the offender.

Other Crime Types in Salem

B-
Violent Crime314.5/100K · 14% below avg
C+
Property Crime2044.3/100K · 12% above avg
C+
Burglary309.7/100K · 15% above avg
B-
Theft1352.3/100K · 4% below avg

Vehicle Theft in Nearby Virginia Cities

CityGradeRate
Herndon
C
463.4
Fairfax
B-
255.6
Staunton
C
480.8
Waynesboro
B-
237.3
Winchester
C+
348.6
Hopewell
C
477.7

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Theft in Salem

How bad is vehicle theft in Salem?
As of 2026, Salem's vehicle theft rate of 402.3 per 100K is 26% above the national average. It ranks behind 59% of US cities for vehicle theft.
What is the vehicle theft rate in Salem?
As of 2026, 402.3 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 318.3 per 100K.
Is vehicle theft increasing in Salem?
Crime in Salem has trended upward recently, though specific vehicle theft trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Salem's vehicle theft compare to Virginia?
Salem's vehicle theft rate is higher than many Virginia cities. The rate of 402.3 per 100K is above the national average.
What are the odds of being a victim of vehicle theft in Salem?
Based on the rate of 402.3 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 249 residents could be affected by vehicle theft in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Salem safe from vehicle theft?
Salem is about average for vehicle theft. The rate of 402.3 per 100K is above 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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