Living in Salem, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 7,236 residents with a median age of 39.1. The median household income is $59,728 (28% lower than the Illinois median), the median home value is $106,100, the median rent is $774/month.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 7,236
- Median age
- 39.1State: 39
- Median household income
- $59,728State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $106,100State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $774/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 65%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15.6%
- Average commute
- 14 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%.
Cons: Median household income 28% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 16.3%.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $106,100, 68% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $774 per month, which is 26.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,093 a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $59,728 and the income per person is $33,467. 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,430
- Owner-occupied
- 65%
- Renter-occupied
- 35%
- Vacant
- 9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1969
- Average household size
- 2.24
Salem demographics
- Population
- 7,236
- Median age
- 39.1
- Under 18
- 25%
- 65 and older
- 20.7%
- Households
- 3,122
- Foreign-born
- 0.4%
- Veterans
- 7.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
15.6% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 3.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 2.4%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 14 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 4.2%
- Drive alone
- 84.6%
- Public transit
- 0.3%
- Walk to work
- 1.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 84.8%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 7,236 | $59,728 | $106,100 | $774 |
| Odin | 972 | $46,131 | $102,600 | $682 |
| Alma | 285 | $67,500 | $61,700 | $534 |
| Sandoval | 1,004 | $52,841 | $59,100 | $682 |
| Iuka | 534 | $61,146 | $72,600 | $581 |
| Junction City | 638 | $56,364 | $83,500 | $878 |
| Kell | 145 | $67,500 | $60,000 | — |
| Central City | 1,081 | $44,896 | $47,600 | $840 |
| Patoka | 498 | $65,833 | $89,200 | $831 |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, IL?
The median household income in Salem is $59,728, 28% lower than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $106,100, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in Salem?
The median gross rent in Salem is $774 per month, about 26.6% of household income.
Is Salem, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 14 minutes; unemployment of 2.4%. Minuses: median household income 28% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 16.3%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 39.1 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 14 minutes; 4.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 2.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
15.6% of adults in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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