| Statistic | Salem | Illinois | National |
| Population | 6,988 | 12,671,821 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,000 | 228 | 91 |
| Median age | 38.0 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 56% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 42% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 100% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 0% | 13% | 13% |
The demographics of Salem offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 6,988, Salem exhibits a population density of 1,000 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 38, with 56% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 42% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Salem, 33% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 10% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Salem racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Salem is 94.8% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 0.4% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 99.5% reported speaking English only, while 0.2% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 0.2% of residents were considered foreign born.
Areas like Salem that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Salem population density is higher than average and comes in at 1,000 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in Salem to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating Salem demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
Healthcare Planning: The examination of Salem demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Understanding Populations: Reporting and analyzing the demographic data in Salem can allow us to gain insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges of different demographic groups within communities. Demographics can play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and well-being for all individuals and communities. Salem population data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges and promoting the well-being and resilience of societies.
| Race | Salem | Illinois | National |
| White | 94.79% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 2.29% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.21% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.10% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 2.50% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.10% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
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