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.
Located in the state of Illinois, Salem is a smaller city with a population of 7,259 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (95% White). Given that fact, Salem could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Salem. With an average one way commute time of only 14 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Salem can be a good experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, 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, cost of living, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Salem, IL receives 67/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #471 in Illinois and #9,805 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Salem has been rewarded with high marks for housing (A+). Salem does not score well for the following: amenities (F), crime (D), education (D) and employment (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Salem market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Salem real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Salem. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $138,597, which is 55.1% 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 1.9, which is 45.7% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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