Is Medford or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Medford (Safety Score 15/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,338 per 100,000 versus 4,324 for Medford — 23% lower. Medford has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Salem has a 27% lower rate.
Note: Salem is 2.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Medford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Medford, OR
Salem, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Medford | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,323.7 | 3,337.7 | +986.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 491.9 | 534.5 | -42.5 |
| Murder Rate | 3.5 | 4.5 | -1.0 |
| Rape Rate | 63.7 | 37.1 | +26.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 89.7 | 88.8 | +0.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 335.0 | 401.8 | -66.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,831.7 | 2,803.3 | +1,028.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 290.2 | 442.3 | -152.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,338.6 | 1,965.9 | +1,372.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 202.9 | 395.1 | -192.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medford or Salem safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 3,338 per 100K vs 4,324 for Medford — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Medford has a violent crime rate of 491.9 per 100K while Salem has 534.5. Medford has lower violent crime.
About Medford, OR
Medford, in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, is a regional hub known for its pear orchards and proximity to Crater Lake. The city's population is around 85,000, with a significant retiree community. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 84,766, Medford has a total crime rate of 4,323.7 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.