Illinois
West Salem is a small town in Illinois with a population of 769. Residents earn $50,500 per year, which is 33% below the national average.
Based on current data, West Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in West Salem is $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
The median home value in West Salem is $65,800, 77% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $805 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
West Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches, including 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 97.8% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.2% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $50,500 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $24,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $842 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,552 |
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $321M |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.65% |
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
| Census Median | $65,800 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Census Median Rent | $805 |
| 31% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.65% |
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,576/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg | |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 48.8 inches |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 10.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 514 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 493/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5201°N, 88.0093°W |
| County FIPS | 17047 |
Winner: Republican by 71.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 13.3% |
| 61% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 493/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.6 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 80.4% |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Retail Stores | 18 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |