New Salem, ND
Population 904 · North Dakota
About New Salem, ND
New Salem is a small community located in North Dakota with a population of 904 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,750 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Salem features a median home value of $173,400, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions New Salem in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $866, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 433 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (246 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (83 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Salem shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in New Salem have an average one-way commute time of 25.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.3% of New 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 0.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How New Salem Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in New Salem, ND
Compared to national averages, New Salem has a median household income of $69,750 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,400, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $866 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, New Salem's income is 4% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 24% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in New Salem, ND?
New Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $866/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,750) that falls below the national average. However, New Salem’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Salem has a population of 904 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare New Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near New Salem
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooperstown | 910 | $51,932 | $108,300 | Compare |
| Green Acres | 914 | $46,429 | $0 | Compare |
| Reile's Acres | 888 | $198,333 | $455,900 | Compare |
| Wishek | 922 | $65,357 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Kindred | 927 | $103,542 | $291,100 | Compare |
| Walhalla | 927 | $30,774 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Killdeer | 879 | $89,583 | $271,900 | Compare |
| Fort Totten | 930 | $28,750 | $0 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare New Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Salem
What is the population of New Salem, ND?
The population of New Salem, ND is 904 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in New Salem?
The median household income in New Salem, ND is $69,750 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Salem?
The median home value in New Salem, ND is $173,400, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Salem?
The median monthly rent in New Salem, ND is $866, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Salem?
The unemployment rate in New Salem, ND is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is New Salem, ND a good place to live?
New Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 904 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Salem, ND?
18.3% of residents in New 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 New Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Salem, ND: median home value is $173,400 (29% below national), median rent is $866/month, and median household income is $69,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in New Salem?
The poverty rate in New Salem, ND is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is New Salem, ND?
New Salem's population is 0.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.