Home Value
$90,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
441/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$473
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population372
Median Age57.1 yrs
Density42/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
Per Capita$29,671
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$976M
Commute25 min
Housing
Home Value$90,400
Rent$473
Ownership60.6%
Zillow$236,831
Housing Units176
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent441/100K
Property4,809/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured14.9%
Smoking16.8%
Depression17.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain50.5 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation482 ft (147 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+60.5%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 30%
Commute25 min
Broadband40.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Salem faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $90,400, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $473 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 441 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,809 per 100,000, 145% above the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Salem has a population of 372 with a density of 42 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age is 57.1 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (94.9%), with 2.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.1yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Per capita income is $29,671 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $936, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 524 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $29,671 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $936 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,494 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 524 |
| County GDP | $976M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,205 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $90,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,831, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $473 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 176 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $3,205. 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,400 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,831 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $473 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.4% |
| Housing Units | 176 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,205 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.55% |
In Salem, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 42.3% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 12.0% report binge drinking. 33.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.2% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980. The dentist ratio is 1:4,681. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 4.4% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.0% |
| Depression | 17.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 46.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.9% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,980 |
| Dentists | 1:4,681 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,569 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 51.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,550/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 441 per 100,000 residents, 16% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,809 per 100,000, 145% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 441.2/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,809.2/100K |
| 145% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 304 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 50.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 482 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.5°F |
| 18% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 42/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7586°N, 84.1936°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Upson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Middle Georgia Regional (MCN)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.5"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 12, 2022.
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
115 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
6 km WNW of Mitchell, Georgia |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
76 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
121 km |
| May 18, 2015 |
0 km NNW of Crawfordville, Georgia |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Aug 18, 1993 |
2 km NNW of Lakeview Estates, Georgia |
M2.5 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
6 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
183 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 1 |
245 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 4 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
229 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
154 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
499 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 60 fatalities, 1,159 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
58 km |
18 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
34 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,397 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 163 |
4,755 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,808 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
14A-14B-15A-16E-17E |
3,397 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
10 A 11 E 11 W RX BURN |
2,969 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,753 |
79 km |
| 1988 |
COMP 10 |
2,588 |
63 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,574 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 2 |
2,505 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
67 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,433 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 120 |
2,412 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
COMP 1312 |
2,401 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
COMPARTMENT 4 5 6 7 8 |
2,386 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,294 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (2.5").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 372 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 42 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $90,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $473 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Salem safe?
The violent crime rate in Salem is 441 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 4,809 per 100,000 (above 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 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $936. There are 524 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $90,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,831. For renters, the median monthly rent is $473. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,205.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.9% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 60.5% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 33.0% are physically inactive. 17.2% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,980.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 2.2% White, 94.9% Black or African American. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
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