Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$667
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How New Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population131
Median Age23.5 yrs
Density125/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans69.0%
Economy
Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$26,771
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$825M
Commute22 min
Housing
Home Value$118,800
Rent$667
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units85
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.7%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation787 ft (240 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute22 min
Broadband45.0%
Libraries3
Is New Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Salem receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. New Salem has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Salem is $118,800, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $667 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
New Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 15.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
New Salem has a population of 131 with a density of 125 people per square mile. The median age is 23.5 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.7%).
Population
23.5yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New 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
New Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Salem is N/A. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: New Salem vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,771 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $906 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,901 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 411 |
| County GDP | $825M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,031 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.4% |
| Public Transit | 10.2% |
| Work from Home | 18.4% |
The median home value in New Salem is $118,800, 58% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $667 (43% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $667 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 60.0% |
| Housing Units | 85 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,031 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.39% |
In New Salem, 42.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. 19.7% are current smokers. 26.6% report depression. 27.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: New Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,047/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
New Salem has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.5 inches. The area enjoys 293 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.5 inches |
| 7% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 15.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 787 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7076°N, 90.8479°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 17149 |