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.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
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.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
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.
Salem is a small city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 6,988 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Salem is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Salem offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Salem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Illinois, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. 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, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Salem has a livability score of 68/100 and is ranked #346 in Illinois and #7,480 in the USA. If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Salem ranks well for crime (B+) and housing (A-). Salem does not rank well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Salem, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 22.96% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Salem an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Salem excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
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 $78,900, which is 54.9% lower than the Illinois 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 1.6, which is 46.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Salem | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.5% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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