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.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
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.
Health & Safety
Subpar air quality and the limited availability of certain health-related facilities such as hospitals, police stations, doctors and pharmacies may have contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Ohio, Salem is a moderately-sized city with a population of 12,141 people. At 93%, the majority of the Salem population is White; this is followed by 2% 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 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Salem, Ohio. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, 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 Ohio and the national average.
The livability score in Salem is 69/100 and the city is ranked in the 72nd percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we know that Salem ranks very well for crime (A-), education (B+) and housing (A-). The bad news for Salem, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F) and employment (F).
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Salem schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Salem an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Salem. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Salem are affordable. The median home price for Salem homes is $168,373, which is 28.3% lower than the Ohio 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 2.9, which is 6.5% lower than the Ohio 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 | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.1% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.2% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 4.9% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.2% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.8% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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