How safe is Salem,Oregon? (Portland, Aumsville: 2009, rent, low crime)

[Jasmine Moon]

I have done much research about Salem,Oregon and I am considering a move there. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how safe Salem is? I have read that there are 5 prisons there and 5 mental hospitals. Is there a lot of crime? Much I had learned about Salem is absolutely wonderful, but I am concerned about my safety there. Could anyone tell me there spin on Salem and this issue?

[Silverfall]

5 prisons?

We have the Oregon State Penitentiary on state street and the other one on Aumsville Highway. Then we have the girls youth prison called Hillcrest. Not sure we have 5. I could be wrong though.

The state mental hospital is being demolished right now and a new one being built, so there many be several small ones while they get the new one built.

Salem has a higher rate of petty crimes such as theft, car break-ins etc, than other similar sized cities. We have less violent crime (murders, rapes, assaults,) than other similar sized cities. So essentially criminals here won't hit you, but they'll take your stuff...

There are MANY low crime areas in Salem, and there are some crime filled areas. Part of city life, I think.
Locate Crime Statistics is the Police Department's website with the crime stats on it. They map them out for you, so you can see where the crimes are occuring.

[dachmom]

I agree with Silverfall. I have lived here 6yrs and most crimes I have heard of are car theft, etc. One reason why the state pen and state mental hospital are here is because Salem in also the capital city.

[CalculusE.]

Thanks for that link Silverfall. I've been meaning to find the local stats but been too lazy.

The only area I'd recommend staying away from is the NE. There are good parts of the NE (Jan Ree area) but others are meh. There is a reason the rent is usually cheaper in the NE. Typically the south/southeast and west would be the "better part of town".

[mamh]

You know what, I live in northeast salem and never had a problem..there are a few bars ect on Portland that make the area look kinda of bad but for the most part i think the area is safe..No matter where live in any town you just have to be careful..we have been here almost 6 years..

[tablemtn]

Well, there was an unsolved triple homicide near downtown a few weeks ago.

[MimzyMusic]

Originally Posted by tablemtn

Well, there was an unsolved triple homicide near downtown a few weeks ago.

No way.

[tablemtn]

Triple Homicide Investigation Under Way After Salem Fire

It was murder, from March 2009, and it is unsolved.

[mamh]

Is Salem safe how about just driving from point a to point b and I-5 that can be as scarry as can be or down Lancaster late in the afternoon..This is just people going about their business and that can be scarry too..No matter what I still enjoy living in salem.

[Oregonbeachlover]

Many Salem neighborhoods have the "Neighborhood Watch" program. I know they have meetings, and BBQ's/get-togethers so that neighbors will get to know each other and watch out for one another. A good program! We lived in west Salem before moving to the coast, and we never had any issues. Before that, we lived way out in the country and the worst thing was having our mail stolen (a rural mailbox not visible from our house). As far as that recent Salem unsolved murder, I don't think it was random (took place at a high dollar street rod shop).