Median Income
$69,750
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,400
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% 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%
Veterans6.1%
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
Ownership74.8%
Zillow$222,828
Housing Units456
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain18.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,162 ft (659 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband81.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is New Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in New Salem is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
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. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.6% female and 45.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $29,348 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,238 business establishments, including 72 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in New Salem is $173,400, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $866 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 456 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.2% |
| Housing Units | 456 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,585. The dentist ratio is 1:3,746. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,585 |
| Dentists | 1:3,746 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,081 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,421/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
New Salem has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 256.8/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.0/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 61 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Salem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 273 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 18.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 2,162 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.3"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 101 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jul 4, 1978 |
EF4 |
61 km |
5 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2011 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1978 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TENBROOK (30,588 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
TENBROOK |
30,588 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
LUND |
9,425 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,593 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
HWY31 AND 101ST WEST |
4,879 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
MCINTOSH |
2,653 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
CEDAR CREEK |
1,388 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
New Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 12°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $966 |
| Toddler | $882 |
| Preschool | $818 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $711 |
| Toddler | $670 |
| Preschool | $675 |
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 904 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 650 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 54.6% female and 45.4% male.
Is New Salem expensive to live in?
New Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $69,750, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,400 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $866 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Salem safe?
New Salem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.3 inches, with 44.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in New Salem?
The job market in New Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 1,238 business establishments in the area, including 72 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Salem?
The median home value in New Salem is $173,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,828. For renters, the median monthly rent is $866. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,919.
How are the schools in New Salem?
Schools in New Salem score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.3% of adults in New Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Salem?
The obesity rate in New Salem is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,585.
What is transportation like in New Salem?
The average commute in New Salem is 26 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Salem is 97.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
