Median Income
$50,500
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,800
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
373/100K
2% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$805
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How West Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population769
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density493/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,500
Per Capita$24,852
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$321M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,800
Rent$805
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$149,643
Housing Units444
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent373/100K
Property3,063/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking18.2%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation514 ft (157 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute23 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is West Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Salem receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, 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 has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in West Salem is below the national average at 373 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above the national average.
Education
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 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches, including 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Salem has a population of 769 with a density of 493 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Salem is $50,500, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,852 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $842, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,500 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $842 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,552 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $321M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in West Salem is $65,800, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,643, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $805 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,060. 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,800 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,643 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $805 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.65% |
In West Salem, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:6,071. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:6,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,989 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
West Salem has a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 residents, 2% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,063 per 100,000, 56% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Salem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 373.3/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,063.2/100K |
| 56% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Salem 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 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 48.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 514 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 514 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 493/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5201°N, 88.0093°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edwards County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.8"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
68 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
13 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
14 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
62 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
14 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
69 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
50 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
14 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
14 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
84 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
12 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
31 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
16 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
15 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 683 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
46 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
43 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CAVE HILL RX (999 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.6 in |
|
West Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in West Salem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About West Salem
What is the population of West Salem?
West Salem has a population of 769 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 493 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is West Salem expensive to live in?
West Salem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,800 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $805 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Salem safe?
West Salem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 373 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,063 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West Salem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Salem?
West Salem 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 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.8 inches, with 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Salem?
The unemployment rate in West Salem is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $842. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Salem?
The median home value in West Salem is $65,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,643. For renters, the median monthly rent is $805. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,060.
How are the schools in West Salem?
Schools in West Salem score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in West Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Salem?
The obesity rate in West Salem is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in West Salem?
The average commute in West Salem is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Salem is 93.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.