Median Income
$51,786
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,800
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,484
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,536/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,786
Per Capita$25,661
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$1,000M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,800
Rent$736
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$202,273
Health
Obesity43.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Elevation750 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+86.5%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salem is $51,786, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $136,800, 51% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches, including 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Salem has a population of 6,484 with a density of 1,536 people per square mile. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.1%).
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above 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 $51,786, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,786 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,661 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $846 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,485 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $1,000M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,609 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Salem is $136,800, 51% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $202,273.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,800 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $202,273 |
| Median List Price | $182,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $182,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $151 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.2% |
| Price Drops | 26.1% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,609 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
In Salem, 43.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 30.0% report depression. 30.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Premature Death | 13,005/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
Salem has an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.9 inches |
| 23% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 14.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6046°N, 86.0975°W |
| County FIPS | 18175 |