At a Glance
Median Income
$50,500
$24,852 per capita
Home Value
$65,800
Zillow: $149,643
Median Rent
$805/mo
21.6% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
13.3%
90.5% high school+
Unemployment
12.1%
7.7% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
40.0%
18.2% smoking rate
How West Salem Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows West Salem's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is West Salem a Good Place to Live?
B
3.3 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
West Salem residents earn a median household income of $50,500 , which is 33% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $24,852. The unemployment rate stands at 12.1% (236% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 147 business establishments, including 6 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in West Salem is $65,800 , 77% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $149,643. Median rent is $805/month, with 21.6% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 100.0 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1956.
Education
13.3% of adults in West Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(61% below the national average).
90.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.6/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
West Salem has an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C).
Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.8 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population769
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density493/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Foreign Born0.8%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
C+
Median Income$50,500
Per Capita$24,852
Unemployment12.1%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$321M
Avg Weekly Wage$842
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,800
Rent$805
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$149,643
Housing Units444
Rent Burden21.6%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Diabetes10.5%
Smoking18.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death9,576/100K
Climate
Avg Temp57°F
Rain48.8 in/yr
Elevation514 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.6/10
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute23 min
Broadband80.4%
Internet Speed124 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Did You Know?
West Salem was founded in 1857.
The median home in West Salem was built in 1956.
The nearest airport is Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (28 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.410 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
20.7% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 124 Mbps.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.