Median Income
$57,917
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,000
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$770
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How West Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,301
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density1,216/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,917
Per Capita$32,241
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$2,446M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,000
Rent$770
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$154,215
Health
Obesity41.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation1,097 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+89.2%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 25%
Commute28 min
Libraries3
Is West Salem a Good Place to Live?
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 low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Salem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Salem is $57,917, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Salem is $123,000, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $770 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
West Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Salem has a population of 1,301 with a density of 1,216 people per square mile. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96.4%).
Population
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.3% |
| 98% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
West Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Salem is $57,917, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Income: West Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,917 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,241 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,002 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,236 |
| County GDP | $2,446M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 97 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 83 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,863 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.3 min |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in West Salem is $123,000, 56% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $770 (34% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,215.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,215 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $770 |
| 34% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,863 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.14% |
In West Salem, 41.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.2% report depression. 30.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: West Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,329/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Crime Rates: West Salem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
Safety Score
West Salem has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,097 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9698°N, 82.1079°W |
| County FIPS | 39005 |