Median Income
$35,679
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,200
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
308/100K
19% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$619
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.6%
155% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,471
Median Age46.8 yrs
Density1,132/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$35,679
Per Capita$20,245
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty31.6%
County GDP$237M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,200
Rent$619
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$241,791
Housing Units702
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent308/100K
Property1,356/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking13.6%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
Rain49.6 in/yr
Elevation653 ft (199 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute24 min
Broadband69.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Salem has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salem is $35,679, 53% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 31.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $88,200, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $619 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 Salem is below the national average at 308 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,356 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches.
Salem has a population of 1,471 with a density of 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 46.8 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.7% female and 38.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,471
Total Population
2023 Census
46.8yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $35,679, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,245 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $793, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 214 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,679 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $793 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,584 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.6% |
| 155% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 214 |
| County GDP | $237M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,414 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $88,200, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,791, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $215,000 with homes selling in an average of 46 days. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $619 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 702 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $1,414 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% 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 | $88,200 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,791 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $215,000 |
| Median List Price | $209,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $215,000 |
| Median List Price | $209,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $148 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 46 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 10.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $619 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 702 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,414 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In Salem, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,429. The dentist ratio is 1:6,191. 25.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,429 |
| Dentists | 1:6,191 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,129 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 47.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,325/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 residents, 19% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,356 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 308.1/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,355.5/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 653 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.5°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 653 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,132/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.3704°N, 91.8217°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.6"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
290 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
132 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
132 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
132 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
66 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
42 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
51 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
59 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 91 fatalities, 1,119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 1996 |
EF4 |
78 km |
7 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
42 km |
2 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
92 km |
35 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
86 km |
7 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
7 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1996 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
49 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.8 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 35°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.6 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174-$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695-$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348-$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130-$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476-$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348-$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780-$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435-$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345-$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738-$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695-$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869-$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65-$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61-$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17-$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61-$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48-$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43-$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043-$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521-$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435-$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348-$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345-$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 1,471 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.7% female and 38.3% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $35,679, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,200 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $619 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 Salem safe?
Salem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 308 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,356 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Salem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 49.6 inches, with 4.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Salem?
Salem has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $793. There are 214 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $88,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,791. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $215,000, with homes typically selling within 46 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $619. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,414.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.3% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 25.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,429.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 92.8% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 24.7% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.