Reporting on changes in perceptions of safety and livability in Salem. Ward(s): All Wards Councilor(s): All Councilors Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods Result Area(s): Good Governance; Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe and Healthy Community; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Strong and Diverse Economy; Welcoming and Livable Community.

This report presents findings from a February 2026 survey of 400 Salem residents regarding perceptions of safety and livability. The survey, conducted by DHM Research, benchmarked questions against a September 2025 survey to track changes.

Key Findings:

• Safety at Night Improved: Perceptions of safety at night increased across all areas of the city, with the most significant gains in North/Northeast Salem (+8 percentage points) and Downtown Salem (+6 percentage points).
• Daytime Safety Consistent: Perceptions of daytime safety remained largely consistent with 2025 levels.
• Neighborhood Safety High: Residents consistently feel safest in their own neighborhoods, both day and night.
• Downtown Visitors: 80% of residents visited downtown in the past month. While overall safety perceptions for downtown visitors at night improved, frequent daytime visitors reported feeling less safe compared to the previous year.
• Livability Ratings: Neighborhood livability is rated highest. Livability ratings for Downtown, West, and North/Northeast Salem saw slight improvements compared to 2025.
• Demographic Variations: Perceptions of safety and livability vary by income, age, gender, and race/ethnicity, with higher ratings generally reported by higher-income residents, men, and people of color.