Salem, IL
Population 7,341 · Illinois
About Salem, IL
Salem is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 7,341 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,083 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Salem one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $752, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,340 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,933 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,147 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Salem, IL
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $57,083 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,800, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $752 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Salem's income is 24% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 40% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Salem, IL?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $752/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,083) that falls below the national average. However, Salem’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salem has a population of 7,341 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerseyville | 7,432 | $71,623 | $124,200 | Compare |
| North Riverside | 7,495 | $80,753 | $295,100 | Compare |
| Greenville | 7,159 | $52,727 | $119,800 | Compare |
| West Frankfort | 7,156 | $48,143 | $72,500 | Compare |
| Inverness | 7,541 | $215,810 | $704,100 | Compare |
| Marengo | 7,123 | $72,586 | $206,100 | Compare |
| Sandwich | 7,121 | $77,027 | $239,600 | Compare |
| University Park | 7,109 | $65,580 | $137,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, IL?
The population of Salem, IL is 7,341 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, IL is $57,083 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, IL is $99,800, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, IL is $752, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, IL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Salem, IL a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,341 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, IL?
14.8% of residents in Salem aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salem, IL: median home value is $99,800 (59% below national), median rent is $752/month, and median household income is $57,083. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, IL is 20.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Salem, IL?
Salem's population is 0.1% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 4.2% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.