Median Income
$103,125
37% higher than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
71/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.2%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,550
33% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.7%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.7%
114% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Lower Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population93
Median Age24.1 yrs
Density1,550/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$103,125
Per Capita$25,846
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$4,760M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$1,550
Ownership48.6%
Zillow$148,143
Housing Units50
Rent Burden11.5%
Crime
F
Violent71/100K
Property975/100K
Health
Obesity44.7%
Smoking19.7%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation692 ft (211 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute37 min
Broadband35.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Lower Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lower Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Lower Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lower Salem is $103,125, which is significantly higher than the national average / 37% above $75,149. This places Lower Salem among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lower Salem is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,550 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lower Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 975 per 100,000, 50% below the national average.
Education
26.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Lower Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lower Salem has a population of 93 with a density of 1,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 24.1 years, 38% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.3% female and 38.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.1yrs
Median Age
38% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lower Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lower Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lower Salem is $103,125, which is 37% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,846 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,138, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,656 business establishments, including 134 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lower Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,125 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,846 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,138 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,894 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,656 |
| County GDP | $4,760M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 134 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 213 |
| Manufacturing | 78 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,637 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lower Salem is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,143, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,550 (33% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,637. 11.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,143 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,550 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.4% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,637 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Lower Salem, 44.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,382. The dentist ratio is 1:1,636. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lower Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.7% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,382 |
| Dentists | 1:1,636 |
| Mental Health | 1:324 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,492/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Lower Salem has a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 975 per 100,000, 50% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lower Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lower Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 71.2/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 975.0/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lower Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 297 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 43. The city sits at an elevation of 692 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 692 ft (211 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5651°N, 81.3925°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0454 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.94 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
40 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
9 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
38 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
17 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
36 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
38 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
91 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
21 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
21 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
139 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 110 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF2 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Lower Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 29°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Lower Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lower Salem
What is the population of Lower Salem?
Lower Salem has a population of 93 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.3% female and 38.7% male.
Is Lower Salem expensive to live in?
Lower Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $103,125, 37% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,550 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lower Salem safe?
Lower Salem is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 975 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lower Salem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lower Salem?
Lower Salem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lower Salem?
The unemployment rate in Lower Salem is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,138. There are 1,656 business establishments in the area, including 134 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lower Salem?
The median home value in Lower Salem is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,143. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,550. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,637.
How are the schools in Lower Salem?
Schools in Lower Salem score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.2% of adults in Lower Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lower Salem?
The obesity rate in Lower Salem is 44.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 78.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,382.
What is transportation like in Lower Salem?
The average commute in Lower Salem is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lower Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lower Salem is 98.9% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 5.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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