Median Income
$103,750
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$239,900
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
404/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How New Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population922
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density795/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans15.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,750
Per Capita$40,185
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$5,442M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$239,900
Rent$850
Ownership98.2%
Zillow$277,721
Housing Units265
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent404/100K
Property4,616/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.4 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,125 ft (343 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.13
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 31%
Commute23 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries4
Is New Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $103,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places New Salem among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Salem is $239,900, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,616 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
New Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.4 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
New Salem has a population of 922 with a density of 795 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 7.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 15.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Salem is $103,750, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,185. The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,734 business establishments, including 253 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,750 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,185 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,734 |
| County GDP | $5,442M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 253 |
| Healthcare | 418 |
| Retail | 419 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,255 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in New Salem is $239,900, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,721, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 265 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $239,900 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,721 |
| Median List Price | $272,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $272,499 |
| $/Sq Ft | $163 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.8% |
| Housing Units | 265 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,255 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In New Salem, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,701. The dentist ratio is 1:1,497. 65.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,701 |
| Dentists | 1:1,497 |
| Mental Health | 1:199 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,648/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 418 |
New Salem has a violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,616 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 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 | 404.4/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,615.8/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 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 44.4 inches. The area receives 28.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 795/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9301°N, 79.8260°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.4"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0474 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
58 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
221 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 411 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR DEN (945 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
New Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About New Salem
What is the population of New Salem?
New Salem has a population of 922 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 795 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is New Salem expensive to live in?
New Salem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $103,750, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $239,900 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Salem safe?
The violent crime rate in New Salem is 404 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,616 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.4 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in New Salem?
The job market in New Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 2,734 business establishments in the area, including 253 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Salem?
The median home value in New Salem is $239,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,721. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 98.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,255.
How are the schools in New Salem?
Schools in New Salem score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.9% of adults in New Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Salem?
The obesity rate in New Salem is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 65.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,701.
What is transportation like in New Salem?
The average commute in New Salem is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Salem is 90.1% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 15.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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