Median Income
$59,583
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population363
Median Age48.2 yrs
Density576/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,583
Per Capita$26,012
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$1,154M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,000
Rent$850
Ownership83.2%
Zillow$201,913
Housing Units149
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property2,921/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation712 ft (217 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute26 min
Broadband79.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $59,583, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 7.5% 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 Salem is $75,000, 73% 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 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Salem has a population of 363 with a density of 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 48.2 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (79.6%), with 8% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.2yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $59,583, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,012 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,008, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,583 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,012 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,008 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,154M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Salem is $75,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,335 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,913 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.8% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.78% |
In Salem, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:782 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,888/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 127.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,920.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.5 inches. The area receives 24.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 712 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8522°N, 91.6207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
492 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 274 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
49 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
53 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
53 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 363 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,583, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,000 (73% 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 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Salem safe?
Salem is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,008. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $75,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,335.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.2% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 26 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 79.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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