Median Income
$71,655
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,500
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$880
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,201
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density961/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,655
Per Capita$35,763
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$406M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,500
Rent$880
Ownership70.2%
Zillow$254,404
Housing Units568
Rent Burden26.3%
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking14.1%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Elevation1,521 ft (464 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.5%
EV Stations1
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Salem stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salem is $71,655, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $163,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Salem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow.
Salem has a population of 1,201 with a density of 961 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 5.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,201
Total Population
2023 Census
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $71,655, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,763. The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 246 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,655 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,763 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $406M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Salem is $163,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,404, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $222,000 with homes selling in an average of 13 days. Homes sell for 100.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 568 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $254,404 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $222,000 |
| Median List Price | $355,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $222,000 |
| Median List Price | $355,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $179 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 13 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.9% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.8% |
| Housing Units | 568 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,817 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.95% |
In Salem, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695. The dentist ratio is 1:5,778. 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,695 |
| Dentists | 1:5,778 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Salem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,521 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,521 ft (464 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 961/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7228°N, 97.3893°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McCook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.0"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.92"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
85 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
81 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 260 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
24 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") 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) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 1,201 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 961 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,655, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.0 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $163,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $254,404. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $222,000, with homes typically selling within 13 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,817.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.8% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 30.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,695.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 90.6% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.