Is Chesapeake or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Chesapeake (Safety Score 55/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000 versus 2,084 for Chesapeake — 26% lower. Chesapeake has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Salem has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Chesapeake is 9.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Salem, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 1,550.3 | +533.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 38.7 | +300.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 7.7 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 15.5 | +7.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 0.0 | +44.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 15.5 | +251.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 1,511.6 | +232.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 81.2 | +103.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 1,279.7 | +166.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 150.8 | -38.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Salem safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 1,550 per 100K vs 2,084 for Chesapeake — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Salem has 38.7. Salem has lower violent crime.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, a sprawling South Hampton Roads city, incorporates rural and suburban areas. Its numerous waterways, like the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, are integral to its geography. The city was formed in 1963 through a merger of Norfolk County and South Norfolk. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 257,248, Chesapeake has a total crime rate of 2,083.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Salem, VA
Salem, VA, nestled in the Roanoke Valley, is a city with roots tracing back to the 1800s as a railroad town. Home to Roanoke College, it boasts a population of around 25,000 residents. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 25,866, Salem has a total crime rate of 1,550.3 per 100,000 residents.