Median Income
$90,991
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$269,300
4% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.1%
31% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,142
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How West Salem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,268
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,573/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,991
Per Capita$38,147
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$9,934M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$269,300
Rent$1,142
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$364,472
Housing Units2,163
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property747/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault98/100K
Burglary59/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking11.6%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation744 ft (227 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.1%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+14.2%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute20 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is West Salem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Salem receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. 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 $90,991, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Salem is $269,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,142 per month. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
West Salem is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 747 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
West Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
West Salem has a population of 5,268 with a density of 1,573 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Salem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Salem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Salem is $90,991, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,147. The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,551 business establishments, including 350 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income: West Salem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,991 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,147 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,551 |
| County GDP | $9,934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 350 |
| Healthcare | 350 |
| Retail | 392 |
| Manufacturing | 148 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in West Salem is $269,300, 4% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,472, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,142 (2% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,163 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $269,300 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $364,472 |
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,142 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,163 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.54% |
In West Salem, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:717. The dentist ratio is 1:978. 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Salem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:717 |
| Dentists | 1:978 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,575/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 350 |
West Salem has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 98.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 747 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 609, burglary at 59, vehicle theft at 79 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 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 | 98.3/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 98.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 747.0/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Burglary | 59.0/100K |
| Theft | 609.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 78.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 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 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 744 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 744 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,573/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8985°N, 91.0875°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | La Crosse County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0478 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
280 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 192 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
79 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
West Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Salem
What is the population of West Salem?
West Salem has a population of 5,268 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,573 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is West Salem expensive to live in?
West Salem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,991, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $269,300 (4% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,142 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Salem safe?
West Salem is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 747 per 100,000 (below 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in West Salem?
The job market in West Salem is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 3,551 business establishments in the area, including 350 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Salem?
The median home value in West Salem is $269,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,472. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,142. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in West Salem?
Schools in West Salem score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.1% of adults in West Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 14.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Salem?
The obesity rate in West Salem is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:717.
What is transportation like in West Salem?
The average commute in West Salem is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Salem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Salem is 87.1% White. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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