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New Salem, IL

Illinois

New Salem is a small town in Illinois with a population of 131.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
131 Population 125/sq mi density
$118,800 Home Value
$667 Median Rent 51.0% income on rent
54°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Education
2.7 / 5.0
21.5% bachelor's degree or higher
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

131
Total Population
125
People / sq mi
23.5yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
1.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.9%
Female 51.1%

Race & Ethnicity

New Salem vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
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.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$26,771
Avg Weekly Wage$906
IRS Avg AGI$61,901

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.8%
6% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.7%
30% below US avg
Establishments (County)411
County GDP$825M

Business (County)

Restaurants32
Healthcare27
Retail47
Manufacturing11

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,031
15% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate3.39%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time22.0 min
Drive Alone67.4%
Public Transit10.2%
Work from Home18.4%

Walkability

The median home value in New Salem is $118,800, 58% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $667 (43% below US avg).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden51.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$774
1 Bedroom$854
2 Bedrooms$1,063
3 Bedrooms$1,370
4 Bedrooms$1,561

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied60.0%
Housing Units85
Median Year Built1938

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,031
15% above US avg
Effective Rate3.39%
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

Obesity42.2%
31% above US avg
Diabetes11.0%
Heart Disease6.4%
High Blood Pressure33.8%
Asthma11.5%
COPD9.1%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.7%
41% above US avg
Binge Drinking19.3%
Physical Inactivity27.4%
Depression26.6%
Mental Distress21.2%
Physical Distress15.3%
Short Sleep37.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate98.1%
Uninsured9.5%
10% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.2%
Dental Visits54.3%
Premature Death9,047/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.4/10
Exercise Access43.9%
Healthcare Facilities27
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 Average53.8°F
0% below US avg
January Average28°F (-3°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall40.5 inches
7% above US avg
Snowfall15.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation787 ft (240 m)
Area1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²)
Population Density125/sq mi
Coordinates39.7076°N, 90.8479°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
County FIPS17149
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (36% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 63.7-point margin. 45.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 81.1%
D 17.4%

Winner: Republican by 63.7 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+21.5%
36% below US avg
High School+92.3%
Graduate Degree+0.7%
School Test Score5.34
C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density125/sq mi
Total Area1.1 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access45.0%
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities27
Restaurants32
Retail Stores47

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute22.0 min
Drive Alone67.4%
Public Transit10.2%
Work from Home18.4%

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