Median Income
$68,333
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,300
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,075
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How East Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population123
Median Age26.9 yrs
Density456/mi²
Male / Female42% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans85.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,333
Per Capita$26,719
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$1,025M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,300
Rent$1,075
Ownership50.0%
Zillow$220,682
Housing Units60
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property2,164/100K
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation607 ft (185 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute24 min
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is East Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, East Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. East Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in East Salem is $68,333, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in East Salem is $156,300, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
East Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,164 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
East Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
East Salem has a population of 123 with a density of 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 26.9 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.5% female and 41.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.7%), with 4.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.8% of residents, while 15.2% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 2.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.9yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
East Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.8%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.2%
13% above US avg
Social Characteristics
East Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in East Salem is $68,333, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,719 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $907, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 581 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: East Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,333 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,719 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $907 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 581 |
| County GDP | $1,025M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 69 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,118 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in East Salem is $156,300, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,682, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,075 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,118 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,682 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,075 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.0% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,118 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In East Salem, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,824. The dentist ratio is 1:5,835. 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: East Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:5,824 |
| Dentists | 1:5,835 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,649 |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,055/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
East Salem has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,164 per 100,000, 10% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, East Salem receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: East Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,163.8/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
East Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 607 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 456/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6087°N, 77.2369°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Juniata County County |
| Nearest Airport | State College Regional (SCE) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 57.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
106 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
109 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
63 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Jan 13, 1990 |
6 km ENE of Eldersburg, Maryland |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
97 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
270 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 140 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
64 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Apr 16, 1961 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1995 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1994 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 1992 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1992 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1991 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1990 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FIELDS RUN (711 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FIELDS RUN |
711 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
FIVE MILE FIRE |
658 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR TRAP |
561 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
East Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in East Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About East Salem
What is the population of East Salem?
East Salem has a population of 123 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 456 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.5% female and 41.5% male.
Is East Salem expensive to live in?
East Salem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,333, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,300 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is East Salem safe?
East Salem is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,164 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, East Salem receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in East Salem?
East Salem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in East Salem?
The job market in East Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $907. There are 581 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in East Salem?
The median home value in East Salem is $156,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,682. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,075. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,118.
How are the schools in East Salem?
Schools in East Salem score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in East Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is East Salem?
The obesity rate in East Salem is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 54.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,824.
What is transportation like in East Salem?
The average commute in East Salem is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of East Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of East Salem is 83.7% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 84.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.2% speak Spanish. 85.0% of the population are military veterans. 2.1% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.