Salem, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $39,200

48% lower than US avg

Home Value $97,200

66% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 100/100K

74% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 17.2%

49% lower than US avg

Median Rent $593

49% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 40.7%

27% higher than US avg

Unemployment 2.6%

28% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 9.9%

20% lower than US avg

How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,673

Median Age42.0 yrs

Density1,343/mi²

Male / Female44% / 56%

Largest GroupWhite 92%

Veterans10.2%

Economy

B+

Median Income$39,200

Per Capita$24,636

Unemployment2.6%

Poverty9.9%

Commute17 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$97,200

Rent$593

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$184,221

Housing Units2,316

Rent Burden28.6%

Crime

Violent100/100K

Property4,382/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault60/100K

Burglary637/100K

Health

Obesity40.7%

Uninsured11.1%

Smoking22.1%

Depression27.5%

Heart Disease6.9%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain42.6 in/yr

Sunny Days259/yr

Elevation1,188 ft (362 m)

Education

Bachelor's+17.2%

High School+83.5%

Graduate+4.0%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute17 min

Broadband80.5%

EV Stations4

Is Salem a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. 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 offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Salem is $39,200, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Salem is $97,200, 66% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $593 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x 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 100 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,382 per 100,000, 124% above the national average.

Education

17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 259 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Salem has a population of 4,673 with a density of 1,343 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,673

Total Population

1,343

People / sq mi

42.0yrs

Median Age

8% above US avg

3.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44%

Female 56%

Race & Ethnicity

Salem vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.2%
	26% above US avg
Spanish	0.8%
	94% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Salem vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Salem is $39,200, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,636 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Salem vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$39,200
	48% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$24,636

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.6%
	28% below US avg
Poverty Rate	9.9%
	20% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	16.8 min
Drive Alone	89.5%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	5.3%

Walkability

The median home value in Salem is $97,200, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,221, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $593 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 2,316 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$97,200
	66% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$184,221

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$593
	49% below US avg
Rent Burden	28.6%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$732
1 Bedroom	$775
2 Bedrooms	$970
3 Bedrooms	$1,265
4 Bedrooms	$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	53.4%
Housing Units	2,316
Median Year Built	1969

Property Tax

In Salem, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 22.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	40.7%
	27% above US avg
Diabetes	11.8%
Heart Disease	6.9%
High Blood Pressure	35.3%
Asthma	11.6%
COPD	10.0%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	3.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	22.1%
	58% above US avg
Binge Drinking	16.7%
Physical Inactivity	33.7%
Depression	27.5%
Mental Distress	21.3%
Physical Distress	16.7%
Short Sleep	41.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	88.3%
Uninsured	11.1%
	29% above US avg
Checkup Rate	75.8%
Dental Visits	48.2%

Food & Exercise

Salem has a violent crime rate of 100 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 59.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 39.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,382 per 100,000, 124% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,645, burglary at 637, vehicle theft at 100 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Salem receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	99.6/100K
	74% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	39.8/100K
Robbery	0.0/100K
Assault	59.8/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	4,382.5/100K
	124% above US avg
Burglary	637.5/100K
Theft	3,645.4/100K
Vehicle Theft	99.6/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

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 77°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,188 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)

Annual Average	54.8°F
	1% above US avg
January Average	30°F (-1°C)
July Average	77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days	259 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	42.6 inches
	12% above US avg
Snowfall	7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	1,188 ft (362 m)
Area	3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²)
Population Density	1,343/sq mi
Coordinates	37.6456°N, 91.5360°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	30°F (-1°C)	2.0 in	Coldest, Driest
February	35°F (2°C)	2.3 in
March	45°F (7°C)	3.9 in
April	55°F (13°C)	4.1 in
May	64°F (18°C)	4.6 in	Wettest
June	72°F (22°C)	3.9 in
July	77°F (25°C)	3.7 in	Warmest
August	75°F (24°C)	3.8 in
September	68°F (20°C)	3.9 in
October	57°F (14°C)	3.3 in
November	45°F (7°C)	3.9 in
December	35°F (2°C)	3.3 in

Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.0").

17.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 49% below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 80.5% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 4 EV charging stations. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	17.2%
	49% below US avg
High School+	83.5%
Graduate Degree+	4.0%
School Test Score	5.51

C Education Grade (2.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,343/sq mi
Total Area	3.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	80.5%
EV Charging Stations	4
Alt Fuel Stations	5

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	16.8 min
Drive Alone	89.5%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	5.3%

Frequently Asked Questions About Salem

What is the population of Salem?

Salem has a population of 4,673 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,343 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.

Is Salem expensive to live in?

Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,200, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,200 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $593 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, 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 100 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,382 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 77°F in July. The area receives 259 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.6 inches, with 7.6 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 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Salem?

The median home value in Salem is $97,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,221. For renters, the median monthly rent is $593. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Salem?

Schools in Salem score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.2% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Salem?

The obesity rate in Salem is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.1% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Salem?

The average commute in Salem is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.

What are the demographics of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 92.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Licking, MO 2,816 pop · 20.3 mi Steelville, MO 1,410 pop · 24.4 mi Rolla, MO 20,144 pop · 24.7 mi Cuba, MO 3,172 pop · 29.7 mi Indian Lake, MO 1,075 pop · 31.3 mi Houston, MO 2,407 pop · 31.9 mi Fort Leonard Wood, MO 15,317 pop · 34.2 mi St. Robert, MO 5,327 pop · 34.9 mi Waynesville, MO 5,422 pop · 38.5 mi Bourbon, MO 1,694 pop · 38.6 mi Dixon, MO 1,267 pop · 38.7 mi Ellington, MO 1,104 pop · 41.8 mi Sullivan, MO 6,355 pop · 43.9 mi Belle, MO 1,476 pop · 45.4 mi

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