Kentucky · Metropolitan Area
Salem is a small town in Kentucky with a population of 782. Residents earn $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national average.
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Salem is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Salem is $100,000, 65% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $683 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 97.8% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.2% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,614 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,188 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,130 |
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 260 |
| County GDP | $519M |
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,911 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
| Commute Time | 35.7 min |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $101,482 |
| Census Median Rent | $683 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,911 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,207/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 49.3 inches |
| 30% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 3.8 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 464 ft (141 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 920/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2647°N, 88.2412°W |
| County FIPS | 21139 |
Winner: Republican by 63.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 12.9% |
| 62% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.50 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 920/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.9 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Retail Stores | 27 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 35.7 min |
| Work from Home | 0.6% |