Is Salem or West Linn Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Linn is safer than Salem (Safety Score 80/100 vs 15/100), with a total crime rate of 834 per 100,000 versus 3,338 for Salem — 75% lower. Salem has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Linn has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Salem is 6.7x 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
West Linn — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Salem, OR
West Linn, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Salem | West Linn | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,337.7 | 833.9 | +2,503.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 534.5 | 56.9 | +477.6 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 0.0 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 37.1 | 11.4 | +25.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 88.8 | 7.6 | +81.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 401.8 | 37.9 | +363.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,803.3 | 777.0 | +2,026.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 442.3 | 98.6 | +343.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,965.9 | 633.0 | +1,332.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 395.1 | 45.5 | +349.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salem or West Linn safer?
West Linn is safer with a total crime rate of 834 per 100K vs 3,338 for Salem — a 75% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Salem has a violent crime rate of 534.5 per 100K while West Linn has 56.9. West Linn 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 West Linn, OR
West Linn, Oregon, a affluent suburb south of Portland, is known for its scenic views overlooking the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers. The city's history includes the operation of Oregon's first paper mill, established in the late 19th century. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 26,382, West Linn has a total crime rate of 833.9 per 100,000 residents.