Median Income
$68,750
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,600
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
152/100K
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$988
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How South Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population135
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density750/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans95.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,750
Per Capita$26,641
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$3,869M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,600
Rent$988
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$165,899
Housing Units90
Rent Burden13.8%
Crime
F
Violent152/100K
Property3,255/100K
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking23.1%
Depression31.6%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation924 ft (282 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute25 min
Broadband45.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is South Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. South Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Salem is $68,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Salem is $115,600, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Salem is below the national average at 152 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
South Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
South Salem has a population of 135 with a density of 750 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Salem is $68,750, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,641 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,546 business establishments, including 135 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,750 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,641 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,892 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,546 |
| County GDP | $3,869M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 135 |
| Healthcare | 161 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,026 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in South Salem is $115,600, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,899, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $988 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 90 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,026. 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,600 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,899 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 90 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,026 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In South Salem, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,508. The dentist ratio is 1:1,741. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.1% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 31.6% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,508 |
| Dentists | 1:1,741 |
| Mental Health | 1:164 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,209/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 161 |
South Salem has a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 residents, 60% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,255 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 151.9/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,255.2/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 924 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 924 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 750/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3372°N, 83.3071°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Ross County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rickenbacker International (LCK)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 3, 2025.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
28 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Sep 8, 1990 |
5 km N of Owingsville, Kentucky |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Apr 25, 2020 |
2 km SE of South Shore, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| Mar 17, 1999 |
2 km NNE of Ripley, Ohio |
M2.8 |
79 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| May 11, 2015 |
5 km ESE of Maysville, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
86 km |
| Jul 23, 2013 |
6 km NNE of Germantown, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Feb 11, 2015 |
8 km SE of Richmond Dale, Ohio |
M2.6 |
53 km |
| Mar 8, 2016 |
0 km N of Thurman, Ohio |
M2.6 |
89 km |
| Jan 28, 2024 |
3 km SW of Old Washington, Kentucky |
M2.5 |
94 km |
| Mar 27, 2013 |
3 km W of Apple Grove, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
120 km |
| Feb 17, 2023 |
6 km ESE of Cheshire, Ohio |
M2.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 20, 2023 |
13 km SSW of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M2.5 |
101 km |
| Jan 26, 2018 |
7 km NNW of Vincent, Ohio |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,729 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
72 km |
36 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF5 |
83 km |
7 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1999 |
EF4 |
92 km |
4 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1993 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1959 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,259 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,259 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
127 |
1,349 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
PEACH ORCHARD |
1,043 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
South Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in South Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Salem
What is the population of South Salem?
South Salem has a population of 135 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 750 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is South Salem expensive to live in?
South Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,750, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,600 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $988 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Salem safe?
South Salem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 152 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,255 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Salem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Salem?
South Salem has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in South Salem?
The unemployment rate in South Salem is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 1,546 business establishments in the area, including 135 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Salem?
The median home value in South Salem is $115,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,899. For renters, the median monthly rent is $988. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,026.
How are the schools in South Salem?
Schools in South Salem score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in South Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Salem?
The obesity rate in South Salem is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 31.6% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,508.
What is transportation like in South Salem?
The average commute in South Salem is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Salem is 97% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 95.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 99.5% have health insurance coverage.
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