Violent Crime
187/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How New Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24
Density65/mi²
Male / Female0% / 100%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans24.0%
Economy
Unemployment0.0%
County GDP$1,697M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$132,803
Housing Units22
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent187/100K
Property3,350/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain40.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,267 ft (386 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Broadband24.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is New Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. New Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in New Salem is below the national average at 187 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,350 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
0.0% 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 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
New Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches, including 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
New Salem has a population of 24 with a density of 65 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The gender split is 100% female and 0% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 24.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 50.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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 average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 782 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living.
Income: New Salem vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,558 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
| Establishments (County) | 782 |
| County GDP | $1,697M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,803. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 22 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $4,055 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 22 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
In New Salem, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,464. The dentist ratio is 1:1,813. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,464 |
| Dentists | 1:1,813 |
| Mental Health | 1:579 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
New Salem has a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,350 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.5/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,349.6/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.7 inches. The area receives 9.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,267 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,267 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 65/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3143°N, 96.8897°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cowley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wichita Dwight D Eisenhower Ntl (ICT)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.7"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3,845 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Sep 3, 2016 |
14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma |
M5.8 |
99 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
8 km NNE of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
136 km |
| Apr 7, 2018 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
124 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 |
7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
95 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
132 km |
| May 17, 2019 |
8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
102 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 |
8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
121 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 |
6 km ESE of Covington, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
128 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 |
9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
120 km |
| Sep 8, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Jefferson, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
98 km |
| Mar 4, 2018 |
4 km N of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Feb 5, 2021 |
5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
127 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| Feb 5, 2015 |
8 km NE of Cherokee, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Jan 26, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Medford, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
89 km |
| Jun 21, 2020 |
9 km NW of Perry, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
114 km |
| Mar 5, 2018 |
5 km NNW of Breckinridge, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
120 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
2 km S of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
707 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 144 fatalities, 1,198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF5 |
55 km |
17 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
75 km |
20 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF5 |
54 km |
80 |
| May 12, 2004 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1958 |
EF4 |
61 km |
15 |
| Apr 2, 1956 |
EF4 |
55 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (60,976 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
RESERVE |
19,016 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
WEST 60 |
18,715 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
SPIDER |
14,587 |
91 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
38 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
70 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
GREYHORSE |
10,411 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
Z BAR 7 |
10,170 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
New Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in New Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About New Salem
What is the population of New Salem?
New Salem has a population of 24 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 65 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The population is 100% female and 0% male.
Is New Salem expensive to live in?
New Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100.
Is New Salem safe?
New Salem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,350 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Salem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Salem?
New Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.7 inches, with 9.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in New Salem?
The job market in New Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 782 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in New Salem?
Schools in New Salem score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in New 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 New Salem?
The obesity rate in New Salem is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,464.
What are the demographics of New Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Salem is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 24.0% of the population are military veterans. 50.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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