Median Income
$56,103
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,300
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.3%
186% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
43.3%
249% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population834
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density637/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Economy
D
Median Income$56,103
Per Capita$15,012
Unemployment10.3%
Poverty43.3%
County GDP$1,242M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,300
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity43.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.6 in/yr
Elevation4,156 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+44.7%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute30 min
Libraries2
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 affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $56,103, 25% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 43.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $55,300, 80% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 44.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Salem has a population of 834 with a density of 637 people per square mile. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (7%).
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 2.8% |
| 96% below US avg |
| Spanish | 97.2% |
| 625% above US avg |
The median household income in Salem is $56,103, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 10.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 43.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,103 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,012 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,791 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.3% |
| 186% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 43.3% |
| 249% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 561 |
| County GDP | $1,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $55,300, 80% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,300 |
| 80% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.51% |
In Salem, 43.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.8% report depression. 42.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
Safety Score
Salem has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 10.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 10.6 inches |
| 72% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.4 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,156 ft (1,267 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 637/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7121°N, 107.2056°W |
| County FIPS | 35029 |