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
0.5%
86% 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%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,655
Per Capita$35,763
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$406M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,500
Rent$880
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$240,379
Health
Obesity35.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F
AQI35 (Good)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Elevation1,521 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+92.7%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute20 min
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. 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 0.5%. 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. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Salem has a population of 1,201 with a density of 961 people per square mile. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 7% Hispanic.
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.2% |
| 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. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,655 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,763 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,058 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% 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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Salem is $163,500, 42% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,379.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,379 |
| Median List Price | $355,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $355,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $179 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.9% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 22.2% report depression. 21.5% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Salem has an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 27.0 inches |
| 29% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 46087 |