Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,800
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
394/100K
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.8%
76% higher than US avg
How Selma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population833
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density926/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$24,079
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty21.8%
County GDP$5,403M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,800
Rent$913
Ownership72.6%
Zillow$232,041
Housing Units341
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent394/100K
Property4,121/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking18.2%
Depression30.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,012 ft (308 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute29 min
Broadband97.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Selma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Selma receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Selma has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Selma is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Selma is $99,800, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 394 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,121 per 100,000, 110% above the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Selma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Selma has a population of 833 with a density of 926 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Selma is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,079 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $987, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,354 business establishments, including 220 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 1.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,079 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,728 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.8% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,354 |
| County GDP | $5,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 220 |
| Healthcare | 342 |
| Retail | 387 |
| Manufacturing | 106 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,457 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 1.0% |
The median home value in Selma is $99,800, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,041, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 341 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,457. 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,800 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,041 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $76 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.4% |
| Housing Units | 341 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,457 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Selma, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 30.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874. The dentist ratio is 1:1,535. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Selma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:874 |
| Dentists | 1:1,535 |
| Mental Health | 1:296 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 342 |
Selma has a violent crime rate of 394 per 100,000 residents, 4% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,121 per 100,000, 110% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Selma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Selma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 393.8/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,121.0/100K |
| 110% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Selma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,012 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,012 ft (308 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 926/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1866°N, 85.2738°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Delaware County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.3"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0469 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
47 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
78 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
118 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
96 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,739 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
79 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
15 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
4 |
| Apr 25, 1961 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Selma has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in February to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Selma. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Selma
What is the population of Selma?
Selma has a population of 833 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 926 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Selma expensive to live in?
Selma is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,800 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Selma safe?
The violent crime rate in Selma is 394 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,121 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Selma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Selma?
Selma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Selma?
The unemployment rate in Selma is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $987. There are 2,354 business establishments in the area, including 220 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 1.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Selma?
The median home value in Selma is $99,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,041. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,457.
How are the schools in Selma?
Schools in Selma score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Selma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Selma?
The obesity rate in Selma is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 30.5% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:874.
What is transportation like in Selma?
The average commute in Selma is 29 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Selma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Selma is 95.6% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.3% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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