CCCityCheck
SafetyCostCitiesProvidersSearch
B-

Violent Crime in Salem, Virginia (2026)

314.5 per 100K · 14% below national avg · Grade B-

Updated October 2026 · Based on 2023 FBI UCR data

Quick Answer

Salem has a violent crime rate of 314.5 per 100K, which is 14% below the national average of 363.8. Grade: B-. Your odds of being affected: approximately 1 in 318 per year.

In 2026, the violent crime rate in Salem, Virginia is 314.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% below the national average of 363.8. That puts Salem's violent crime close to the national average. Based on FBI UCR data.

Violent Crime Rate: Salem vs State and National Averages

Salem
314.5
Virginia Avg
370.6
National Avg
363.8

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

Your Odds: Violent Crime in Salem

1 in 318

Approximate chance of being affected by violent crime in Salem in a given year, based on the rate of 314.5 per 100,000 residents.

What Is Violent Crime?

Violent crime includes offenses where force or the threat of force is used against a victim. The FBI classifies four crimes as violent: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Other Crime Types in Salem

C+
Property Crime2044.3/100K · 12% above avg
B-
Murder5.7/100K · 0% below avg
B-
Assault254.8/100K · 5% below avg
C+
Robbery68.2/100K · 8% above avg
C+
Burglary309.7/100K · 15% above avg
B-
Theft1352.3/100K · 4% below avg
C+
Vehicle Theft402.3/100K · 26% above avg

Violent Crime in Nearby Virginia Cities

CityGradeRate
Herndon
C+
391.9
Fairfax
B-
308.6
Staunton
B-
351.0
Waynesboro
B-
340.5
Winchester
C+
388.5
Hopewell
C+
411.1

Frequently Asked Questions About Violent Crime in Salem

How bad is violent crime in Salem?
As of 2026, Salem's violent crime rate of 314.5 per 100K is 14% below the national average. It ranks behind 46% of US cities for violent crime.
What is the violent crime rate in Salem?
As of 2026, 314.5 per 100,000 residents, based on the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report data. The national average is 363.8 per 100K.
Is violent crime increasing in Salem?
Crime in Salem has trended upward recently, though specific violent crime trends may differ from the overall picture.
How does Salem's violent crime compare to Virginia?
Salem's violent crime rate is higher than many Virginia cities. The rate of 314.5 per 100K is close to the national average.
What are the odds of being a victim of violent crime in Salem?
Based on the rate of 314.5 per 100,000, approximately 1 in 318 residents could be affected by violent crime in a given year. This is a statistical estimate, not a prediction — actual risk varies by neighborhood and behavior.
Is Salem safe from violent crime?
Salem is about average for violent crime. The rate of 314.5 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.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety grades, crime data, and things to do for every US city.

Explore cities