Median Income
$57,083
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,800
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
298/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.8%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$752
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
31% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,341
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,050/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,083
Per Capita$31,213
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty16.3%
County GDP$1,758M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,800
Rent$752
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$143,214
Housing Units3,276
Rent Burden23.9%
Crime
F
Violent298/100K
Property4,736/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault170/100K
Burglary482/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking18.3%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation543 ft (166 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.8%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute12 min
Broadband84.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
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 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 $57,083, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $99,800, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Salem is below the national average at 298 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,736 per 100,000, 142% above the national average.
Education
14.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches, including 10.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Salem has a population of 7,341 with a density of 1,050 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90%), with 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $57,083, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,213 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 796 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,083 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,213 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,758M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 114 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Salem is $99,800, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,214, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $752 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,276 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,800 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,214 |
| Median List Price | $99,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $99,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.9% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 16 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $752 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 3,276 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.54% |
In Salem, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.0% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876. The dentist ratio is 1:2,840. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,876 |
| Dentists | 1:2,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:248 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,320/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 114 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 298 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 170.1 per 100,000, robbery at 28.4, rape at 99.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,736 per 100,000, 142% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,083, burglary at 482, vehicle theft at 170 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 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 | 297.8/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 99.3/100K |
| Robbery | 28.4/100K |
| Assault | 170.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,735.6/100K |
| 142% above US avg |
| Burglary | 482.1/100K |
| Theft | 4,083.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 170.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 51 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°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 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 543 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 543 ft (166 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,050/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6275°N, 88.9594°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
70 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
95 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
97 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
96 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
97 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
94 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
56 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
78 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
57 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
523 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 697 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
66 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
93 km |
10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
84 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
6 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KINKAID RX (1,215 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.1").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $713 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 7,341 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,050 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $57,083, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,800 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $752 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, 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 298 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,736 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches, with 10.2 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 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $99,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,214. For renters, the median monthly rent is $752. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.8% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 90% White, 4.2% Black or African American. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
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