Median Income
$69,750
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,400
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.3%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$866
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How New Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population904
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density650/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,750
Per Capita$29,348
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$1,977M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,400
Rent$866
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$222,828
Health
Obesity38.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain18.3 in/yr
Elevation2,162 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+92.5%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Libraries4
Is New Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Salem receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. New Salem stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Salem is $69,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Salem is $173,400, 38% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $866 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
New Salem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.3 inches, including 44.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
New Salem has a population of 904 with a density of 650 people per square mile. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
New Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Salem is $69,750, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: New Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,750 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,797 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,238 |
| County GDP | $1,977M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 72 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 92 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,919 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in New Salem is $173,400, 38% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $866 (26% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,400 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $866 |
| 26% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,919 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In New Salem, 38.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.5% report depression. 23.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: New Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,421/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Crime Rates: New Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
New Salem has an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation is 18.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 18.3 inches |
| 52% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 44.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,162 ft (659 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 650/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8431°N, 101.4179°W |
| County FIPS | 38059 |