Median Income
$43,690
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,200
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$570
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.4%
65% higher than US avg
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,812
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density1,352/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,690
Per Capita$20,352
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty20.4%
County GDP$665M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,200
Rent$570
Ownership71.2%
Zillow$118,382
Housing Units758
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking24.1%
Depression32.4%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain49.1 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation1,144 ft (349 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+11.3%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute21 min
Broadband74.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $43,690, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 20.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salem is $77,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x 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 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.1 inches, including 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Salem has a population of 1,812 with a density of 1,352 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.6% female and 58.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Salem is $43,690, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,352 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,284. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 129 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,690 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,352 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,284 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.4% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 129 |
| County GDP | $665M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
The median home value in Salem is $77,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,382, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 84.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $570 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 758 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $1,500 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,382 |
| Median List Price | $80,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $80,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $28 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 84.3% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $570 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.8% |
| Housing Units | 758 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.94% |
In Salem, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 40.9% have high blood pressure. 24.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.1% report binge drinking. 34.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,735. The dentist ratio is 1:7,698. 15.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.9% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 11.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.1% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 32.4% |
| Mental Distress | 24.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,735 |
| Dentists | 1:7,698 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,680 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 50.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,796/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 15.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Salem has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 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 49.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,144 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,144 ft (349 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,352/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2849°N, 80.5645°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Doddridge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.1"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
32 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
82 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
94 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
72 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
106 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
85 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
62 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
1 km SW of Pratt, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
52 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
73 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
105 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 64 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1968 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1956 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUTHONYS CREEK (782 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
AUTHONYS CREEK |
782 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
POPLAR RIDGE |
659 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (3.0").
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) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $712 |
| Toddler | $676 |
| Preschool | $694 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $623 |
| Toddler | $536 |
| Preschool | $536 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Salem
What is the population of Salem?
Salem has a population of 1,812 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 1,352 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.6% female and 58.4% male.
Is Salem expensive to live in?
Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,690, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,200 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $570 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, 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 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.1 inches, with 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Salem?
The job market in Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,284. There are 129 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $77,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,382. For renters, the median monthly rent is $570. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,500.
How are the schools in Salem?
Schools in Salem score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salem?
The obesity rate in Salem is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.1% of adults are smokers. 34.1% are physically inactive. 32.4% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 15.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,735.
What is transportation like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is 95.1% White, 2.4% Black or African American. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
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