Is Hillsboro or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hillsboro is safer than Salem (Safety Score 23/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,747 per 100,000 versus 3,338 for Salem — 18% lower. Hillsboro has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Hillsboro has a 100% lower rate.
Hillsboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hillsboro, OR
Salem, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Hillsboro | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,746.9 | 3,337.7 | -590.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 317.7 | 534.5 | -216.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 4.5 | -4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 48.2 | 37.1 | +11.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.1 | 88.8 | -27.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 208.4 | 401.8 | -193.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,429.2 | 2,803.3 | -374.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 174.1 | 442.3 | -268.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,068.9 | 1,965.9 | +103.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 186.2 | 395.1 | -208.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillsboro or Salem safer?
Hillsboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,747 per 100K vs 3,338 for Salem — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Hillsboro has a violent crime rate of 317.7 per 100K while Salem has 534.5. Hillsboro has lower violent crime.
About Hillsboro, OR
Hillsboro, Oregon, a city in the Tualatin Valley, is a major hub for the "Silicon Forest" tech industry. Home to Intel's largest campus, it’s also known for its historic downtown and proximity to wine country. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 107,978, Hillsboro has a total crime rate of 2,746.9 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.