Is Central Point or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Central Point is safer than Salem (Safety Score 68/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 1,146 per 100,000 versus 3,338 for Salem — 66% lower. Central Point has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Central Point has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Salem is 9.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Central Point — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Central Point, OR
Salem, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Central Point | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,145.9 | 3,337.7 | -2,191.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 171.9 | 534.5 | -362.6 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 4.5 | +0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 57.3 | 37.1 | +20.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 10.4 | 88.8 | -78.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 99.0 | 401.8 | -302.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 974.0 | 2,803.3 | -1,829.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 140.6 | 442.3 | -301.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 755.3 | 1,965.9 | -1,210.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 78.1 | 395.1 | -317.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Point or Salem safer?
Central Point is safer with a total crime rate of 1,146 per 100K vs 3,338 for Salem — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Central Point has a violent crime rate of 171.9 per 100K while Salem has 534.5. Central Point has lower violent crime.
About Central Point, OR
Central Point, Oregon, a city of 20,000 residents in the Rogue Valley, is home to the historic Craterian Theater. It is geographically positioned at the northern end of Medford. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 19,199, Central Point has a total crime rate of 1,145.9 per 100,000 residents.
About Salem, OR
Salem, Oregon, the state capital, is bisected by the Willamette River. It's home to Willamette University, the oldest university in the Western United States, and boasts a population of over 180,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 177,936, Salem has a total crime rate of 3,337.7 per 100,000 residents.