Median Income
$56,103
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,300
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
63/100K
83% 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%
Veterans2.9%
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
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$174,124
Housing Units252
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent63/100K
Property1,445/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured36.9%
Smoking18.2%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,156 ft (1,267 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+44.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute30 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Salem has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,445 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 44.7% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
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. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.2% female and 56.8% male. The city is predominantly White (7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 2.8% of residents, while 97.2% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $15,012 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 43.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 561 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,103 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,012 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,791 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Salem is $55,300, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,124, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 252 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $1,940 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.3% 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 | $55,300 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,124 |
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
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 252 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 18.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 42.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.8% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 36.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383. The dentist ratio is 1:2,575. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.4 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 4.1% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 36.9% |
| 329% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,575 |
| Mental Health | 1:603 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.1% |
| Dental Visits | 34.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 63 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,445 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 62.8/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,444.7/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Salem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,156 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,156 ft (1,267 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 637/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.7121°N, 107.2056°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Luna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.6"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on May 9, 2025.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
53 km |
| Feb 27, 1990 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 20, 1991 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Jul 22, 2013 |
25 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| May 19, 2011 |
40 km SSE of Datil, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
130 km |
| Jun 10, 1993 |
47 km SE of San Antonito, New Mexico |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
57 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
56 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
50 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
50 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
96 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
62 km |
| Sep 6, 1991 |
8 km NNW of Mimbres, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
50 km NW of Tularosa, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| Sep 10, 2015 |
38 km E of San Antonio, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
60 km |
| Apr 16, 2008 |
17 km W of Carrizozo, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Aug 20, 2009 |
3 km SSE of Socorro, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
24 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 12, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1979 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1971 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1971 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1959 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2007 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2002 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2001 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1987 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1982 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1981 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1979 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Carrizozo (168 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Carrizozo |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,731 m (5,679 ft) |
-3250 |
168 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLACK (328,091 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
BLACK |
328,091 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
SILVER |
137,884 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
DIAMOND |
32,021 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
BONNER |
26,381 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
14,645 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
ABRAMS |
12,786 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
MEASON |
12,781 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
SKATES |
11,285 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK |
10,695 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
BENNETT MT |
10,249 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
9,423 |
82 km |
| 1989 |
DIVIDE |
9,393 |
85 km |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
17 km |
| 2017 |
ROUND |
7,539 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,496 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
LONG CANYON |
6,656 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
6,555 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
HERMOSA |
6,463 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
AREA 74 UNITS 9 AND 10 |
6,415 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
SECO |
6,161 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 42°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and April the driest (0.2").
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) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 834 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 637 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.2% female and 56.8% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,103, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,300 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, 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 63 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,445 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 561 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $55,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,124. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,940.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 44.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 42.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 36.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 30 minutes. 79.3% 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 7% White. 2.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 97.2% speak Spanish. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
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