Salem 68 Good
Salem Livability #164 ranked city in Missouri#9,004 ranked city in the USARanks better than 69% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Salem

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Salem?

Salem is a small city located in the state of Missouri. The city has a population of 4,904 people. At 92%, the majority of the Salem population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Salem will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Salem can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Missouri, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Salem and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Missouri and national averages.

Salem, MO receives 69/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #123 in Missouri and #7,240 in the USA. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Salem ranks well for crime (B+). There are some categories that Salem scores poorly for, including: education (D) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Salem, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 22.87% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Salem an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Salem is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $73,800, which is 47.7% lower than the Missouri average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salem, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 10.3% lower than the Missouri average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Salem

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Salem?

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Compare Salem, MO Livability

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      Salem transportation information

      Statistic Salem Missouri National
      Average one way commute20min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work94.4%81.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.4%9.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%1.9%2.8%
      Working from home1.4%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Salem, MO data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).