Median Income
$51,786
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,800
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% 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%
Veterans8.9%
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
Ownership74.1%
Zillow$202,273
Housing Units2,693
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property3,439/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking22.7%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation750 ft (229 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
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 $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.
Safety & Crime
Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
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 5.8/10.
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. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.0% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $25,661 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $846, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 488 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,786 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,661 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $846 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,485 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Salem is $136,800, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $202,273, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,693 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $2,609 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,693 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 38.8% have high blood pressure. 22.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,015. The dentist ratio is 1:5,645. 32.0% 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 | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.7% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,015 |
| Dentists | 1:5,645 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,763 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 53.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,005/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,439 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 33.4/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,439.1/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 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 33°F in January while summers reach 76°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 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 750 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6046°N, 86.0975°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
23% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
62 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Mar 6, 2000 |
0 km E of Darmstadt, Indiana |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
52 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
65 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Jan 29, 1990 |
11 km S of Paoli, Indiana |
M2.6 |
36 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
2 km ESE of Cynthiana, Indiana |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 18, 2012 |
13 km W of Owensboro, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
542 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 59 fatalities, 1,355 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
82 km |
6 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
21 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
31 km |
11 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
54 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JPG 09 1 (6,113 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
JPG 09 1 |
6,113 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
RX BURNPLAN AREA 2-06 |
5,054 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
UNITS 8-9 2008 |
4,316 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 19 06 WUI |
3,412 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
WUI 3 03 |
3,372 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
WUI UNIT 28K |
3,230 |
73 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,122 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 8 |
2,753 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNIT 3 05 |
2,511 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
01 UNIT 16 |
2,361 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
WUI UNITS 0 AND 1 2011 |
2,215 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 19 |
2,004 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 8 03 |
1,971 |
65 km |
| 2008 |
FY 09 UNIT 42 RX FALL 2008 |
1,942 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
JPG 14 |
1,908 |
66 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 16 03 |
1,809 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
UNIT 9 |
1,485 |
65 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,462 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
TRACER |
1,408 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 33°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 6,484 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,536 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,786, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,800 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,439 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 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 14.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $846. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $136,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $202,273. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,609.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.7% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,015.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 27 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 95.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 86.0% have health insurance coverage.