Safety & Livability: Measurable Progress
- Julie Hoy
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The latest Safety and Livability Survey, conducted by DHM Research in early February, shows meaningful improvement in how Salem residents view safety and livability compared to the September 2025.
Public perceptions of safety improved across nearly every area surveyed:
Residents who feel safe in Downtown at night increased by 6%.
In North/Northeast Salem at night, safety perceptions rose by 8%.
In West Salem at night, those feeling safe increased 2%.
In residents’ own neighborhoods at night, safety improved 2%.
Overall livability ratings for Downtown increased by 6%.
These shifts occurred in just five months. Click here to view the full report.
The survey, based on a statistically valid sample of Salem residents, reflects the early impact of coordinated efforts under our Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem initiative. This initiative focuses resources in areas experiencing higher volumes of police and emergency medical calls, with a strategy centered on the right response at the right time.
Since the September survey, we have:
Expanded the Homeless Services Team and increased outreach to seven days a week
Expanded cleaning services citywide to improve public space conditions every day of the week
Launched the new crisis co-response team, REACH
Advanced coordination with Marion County and the new psychiatric crisis center
Strengthened the full continuum of care, welcoming the new Bridgeway sobering and detox center opening soon
Progress takes time, but these results show that steady focus and collaboration are beginning to make a difference. There is still work ahead — but the data confirms we are getting Salem back on track.
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