Salem, SD
Full City Profile · South Dakota · McCook County County
4.1
/5.0
A
Great
1,201
Population
961/sq mi density
$71,655
Median Income
$35,763 per capita
$163,500
Home Value
$254,404 Zillow
$880
Median Rent
26.3% income on rent
44°F
Avg Temperature
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Strong
A
Economy
4.4 / 5.0
$71,655 median income, 0.8% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$163,500 home value, $880/mo rent
C+
Education
3.0 / 5.0
24.8% bachelor's degree or higher
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. The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually.
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
Air Quality
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)
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").