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.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
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.
Salem, Ohio is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,692 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.
Living in Salem can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Ohio, there are many desirable 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. Finding the best places to live in Salem and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in Salem is 67/100 and the city is ranked in the 68th percentile of all cities across America. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Salem has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (B-). Salem does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 136 crimes per 100,000 residents, Salem has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Salem, the average school test scores are an impressive 68%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Salem apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 $92,000, which is 30.3% 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 2.4, which is 7.7% lower than the Ohio average.
| 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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