Salem, SD
Population 1,201 · South Dakota
About Salem, SD
Salem is a small community in South Dakota with a population of 1,201 residents. The median household income is $71,655 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Salem is 43.7 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $163,500 and median monthly rent of $880. Of the 620 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 373 owner-occupied and 158 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 0.8% and the poverty rate is 6.3%. 24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes.
How Salem Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Salem, SD
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $71,655 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $163,500, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $880 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Salem's income is 11% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 14% above the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Salem, SD?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $163,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $880/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,655) 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 1,201 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in South Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyndall | 1,206 | $51,719 | $94,200 | Compare |
| Lemmon | 1,214 | $42,461 | $79,700 | Compare |
| Crooks | 1,216 | $104,479 | $270,500 | Compare |
| Clark | 1,181 | $49,464 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Garretson | 1,166 | $66,375 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Parker | 1,247 | $87,632 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Ashland Heights | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Fort Thompson | 1,134 | $45,313 | $110,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, SD?
The population of Salem, SD is 1,201 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, SD is $71,655 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, SD is $163,500.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, SD is $880.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, SD is 0.8%.