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.
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.
Salem, Missouri is a small-sized city with a population of 5,099 people. At 92%, the majority of the Salem population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Salem. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Salem, Missouri could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, you can easily compare the best places to live in Salem and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Salem to Missouri and the national average.
Using data and statistics Salem has received a livability score of 68 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 69th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Salem has higher than average scores for the following: housing (B-). Salem does not rank well for the following: education (D-) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Managing monthly expenses, from grocery bills to never-ending utility costs, can swiftly accumulate. Fortunately, we're delighted to share that the cost of living in Salem is 21.21% lower than the national average. This translates to a tangible reduction in those persistent monthly expenditures, making Salem a city where you can anticipate lower costs across the board when compared to many other urban areas. This financial advantage not only eases the burden of day-to-day living but also allows for a more budget-friendly lifestyle, ensuring that your hard-earned money goes further and providing an appealing incentive for those seeking to improve their financial well-being in a world where expenses continue to rise.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Salem has a violent crime rate of 190 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Salem can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
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. The median home price for Salem homes is $129,427, which is 48.1% lower than the Missouri average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Salem, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 8.8% lower than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Salem | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 94.4% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 2.4% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.0% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.4% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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