Is Salem or The Dalles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, The Dalles is safer than Salem (Safety Score 21/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 2,928 per 100,000 versus 3,338 for Salem — 12% lower. Salem has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where The Dalles has a 31% lower rate.
Note: Salem is 11.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
The Dalles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem, OR
The Dalles, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Salem | The Dalles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,337.7 | 2,927.7 | +410.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 534.5 | 369.1 | +165.3 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 6.4 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 37.1 | 25.5 | +11.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 88.8 | 95.5 | -6.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 401.8 | 241.9 | +160.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,803.3 | 2,558.6 | +244.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 442.3 | 286.4 | +155.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,965.9 | 2,068.5 | -102.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.1 | 203.7 | +191.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem or The Dalles safer?
The Dalles is safer with a total crime rate of 2,928 per 100K vs 3,338 for Salem — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Salem has a violent crime rate of 534.5 per 100K while The Dalles has 369.1. The Dalles has lower violent crime.
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.
About The Dalles, OR
Nestled on the Columbia River, The Dalles was a pivotal hub on the Oregon Trail. This city in Wasco County boasts a diverse population, reflecting its historic role as a crossroads. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 15,712, The Dalles has a total crime rate of 2,927.7 per 100,000 residents.