Living in West Salem, Illinois
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Salem · Census data 2020–2024
West Salem has 713 residents with a median age of 46.1. The median household income is $49,821 (40% lower than the Illinois median), the median home value is $74,600, the median rent is $811/month.
West Salem is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
West Salem at a glance
- Population
- 713
- Median age
- 46.1State: 39
- Median household income
- $49,821State: $83,390
- Median home value
- $74,600State: $263,300
- Median rent
- $811/moState: $1,274
- Homeowners
- 82.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15.2%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is West Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 72% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; a poverty rate of 8.6%.
Cons: Median household income 40% lower than the Illinois median; unemployment of 7%.
The weather is best in May and August to October.
Cost of living in West Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Salem the median home value is $74,600, 78% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $811 per month, which is 25.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $875 a month in housing costs.
West Salem median household income
The median household income in West Salem is $49,821 and the income per person is $30,452. 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).
Housing in West Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 497
- Owner-occupied
- 82.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 17.8%
- Vacant
- 29.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1956
- Average household size
- 2.03
West Salem demographics
- Population
- 713
- Median age
- 46.1
- Under 18
- 20.3%
- 65 and older
- 29.5%
- Households
- 349
- Foreign-born
- 2%
- Veterans
- 7.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Salem ›
Education in West Salem
15.2% of adults 25 and older in West Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 4.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 5.8%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 2.3%
- Drive alone
- 86%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 82.8%
West Salem vs nearby towns
More for people moving to West Salem
West Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Salem, IL?
The median household income in West Salem is $49,821, 40% 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 West Salem?
The median home value in West Salem is $74,600, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.
How much is rent in West Salem?
The median gross rent in West Salem is $811 per month, about 25.2% of household income.
Is West Salem, IL a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 72% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; a poverty rate of 8.6%. Minuses: median household income 40% lower than the Illinois median; unemployment of 7%.
What is the median age in West Salem?
The median age in West Salem is 46.1 years (Illinois: 39).
How long is the commute in West Salem?
The average commute to work in West Salem is 22 minutes; 2.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Salem?
The unemployment rate in West Salem is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Salem?
15.2% of adults in West 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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