Median Income
$66,653
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,300
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$772
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,035
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density474/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,653
Per Capita$28,115
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$3,724M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,300
Rent$772
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity38.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain51.5 in/yr
Elevation1,219 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+85.4%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute19 min
Libraries3
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include 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 $66,653, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $159,300, 43% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Salem has a population of 2,035 with a density of 474 people per square mile. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 1.5% Black.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 88.5% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Spanish | 11.5% |
| 14% below US avg |
The median household income in Salem is $66,653, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,653 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,115 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $942 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,014 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,725 |
| County GDP | $3,724M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 158 |
| Healthcare | 177 |
| Retail | 253 |
| Manufacturing | 111 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $159,300, 43% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $772 (34% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $772 |
| 34% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Salem, 38.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.8% report depression. 30.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,521/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 177 |
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Salem has an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation is 51.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.9°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 51.5 inches |
| 36% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 4.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 474/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6997°N, 81.7003°W |
| County FIPS | 37023 |