Median Income
$39,200
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,200
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
123/100K
68% 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
Ownership53.4%
Zillow$184,221
Housing Units2,316
Rent Burden28.6%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property1,839/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault123/100K
Burglary204/100K
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
C
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 123 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,839 per 100,000, near 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 3.2 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
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
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
| 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 |
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% |
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. 53.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 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
| Homeownership | 53.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.6% |
| 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 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 122.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,839 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,573, burglary at 204, vehicle theft at 61 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 | 122.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 122.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,838.6/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
| Burglary | 204.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,573.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 61.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 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 |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,188 ft (362 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,343/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6456°N, 91.5360°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
63 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
74 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
136 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
95 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
115 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Mar 12, 2002 |
6 km S of Marble Hill, Missouri |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
10 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
56 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 27, 2022 |
0.4 km ESE of Maynard, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
64 km |
| Mar 31, 2008 |
12 km E of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
312 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 395 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
87 km |
4 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
36 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
84 km |
7 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 8, 1966 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
70 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
27 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
50 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
40 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
HANES 1 |
3,139 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
MUD POND |
3,030 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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 3.2 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 123 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,839 per 100,000 (below 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. The homeownership rate is 53.4%.
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.