Median Income
$46,563
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$45,900
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.6%
92% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.8%
19% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population84
Median Age63.5 yrs
Density135/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans14.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,563
Per Capita$35,573
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.8%
County GDP$499M
Commute65 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$45,900
Ownership65.9%
Zillow$105,252
Housing Units60
Rent Burden21.5%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured23.8%
Smoking14.6%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Elevation1,064 ft (324 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.6%
High School+82.9%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute65 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. 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 $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 65 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $45,900, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
2.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% 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 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow.
Salem has a population of 84 with a density of 135 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 63.5 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
84
Total Population
2023 Census
63.5yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $46,563, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,573. The average weekly wage is $831, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 298 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 65 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,563 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,573 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $831 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,104 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.8% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $499M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,629 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 65.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $45,900, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,252, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,629 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $45,900 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $105,252 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.1% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,629 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.73% |
In Salem, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 23.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,940. The dentist ratio is 1:2,568. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 8.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 27.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.2% |
| Uninsured | 23.8% |
| 177% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,940 |
| Dentists | 1:2,568 |
| Mental Health | 1:769 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.3% |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,372/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. The area receives 24.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,064 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,064 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0769°N, 95.7285°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richardson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Philip Billard Municipal (TOP)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.19"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
38 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
81 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
69 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
28 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
583 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1964 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OAKS (5,673 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
78 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
41 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
41 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
40 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
41 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 84 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 135 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,563, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $45,900 (84% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $831. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 65 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $45,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,252. The homeownership rate is 65.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,629.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.6% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.9% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 23.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,940.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 65 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 100% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.5% of the population are military veterans. 32.1% of residents have a disability. 76.2% have health insurance coverage.