West Salem, IL
Population 769 · Illinois
About West Salem, IL
West Salem is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 769 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,500 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Salem features a median home value of $65,800, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Salem one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $805, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 464 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (279 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (43 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Salem shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Salem have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.3% of West 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 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Salem, IL
Compared to national averages, West Salem has a median household income of $50,500 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,800, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $805 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, West Salem's income is 33% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 60% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in West Salem, IL?
West Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $805/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,500) that falls below the national average. However, West Salem’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Salem has a population of 769 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare West Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near West Salem
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood | 769 | $70,385 | $89,500 | Compare |
| Lake Petersburg | 769 | $124,643 | $336,200 | Compare |
| Bartelso | 768 | $93,929 | $192,000 | Compare |
| Coulterville | 770 | $57,813 | $76,100 | Compare |
| Oneida | 770 | $66,615 | $107,400 | Compare |
| Shannon | 772 | $59,375 | $114,100 | Compare |
| Ashkum | 765 | $67,500 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Bradford | 773 | $52,386 | $71,800 | 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 West Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Salem
What is the population of West Salem, IL?
The population of West Salem, IL is 769 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in West Salem?
The median household income in West Salem, IL is $50,500 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Salem?
The median home value in West Salem, IL is $65,800, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Salem?
The median monthly rent in West Salem, IL is $805, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Salem?
The unemployment rate in West Salem, IL is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Salem, IL a good place to live?
West Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 769 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Salem, IL?
13.3% of residents in West 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 West Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Salem, IL: median home value is $65,800 (73% below national), median rent is $805/month, and median household income is $50,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Salem?
The poverty rate in West Salem, IL is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Salem, IL?
West Salem's population is 0.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.