West Salem 75 Excellent
West Salem Livability #155 ranked city in Wisconsin#4,243 ranked city in the USARanks better than 85% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in West Salem

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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 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.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in West Salem?

Located in the state of Wisconsin, West Salem is a small city with a population of 5,126 people. If we look at the most recent Census, West Salem is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in West 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.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in West Salem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Salem and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Salem to Wisconsin and the national average.

The livability score in West Salem is 74 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 86th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that West Salem ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (A-), employment (B+) and housing (A+). The bad news for West Salem, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. West Salem gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 113 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In West Salem, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in West 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 West 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 West Salem are affordable. The median home price for West Salem homes is $344,248, which is 14.3% higher than the Wisconsin average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Salem, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 5.4% lower than the Wisconsin average.

Best Places to Live in and Around West Salem

See all the best places to live around West Salem

How Do You Rate The Livability In West Salem?

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Compare West Salem, WI Livability

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      West Salem transportation information

      Statistic West Salem Wisconsin National
      Average one way commute20min22min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.9%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.1%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.9%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.6%3.3%2.8%
      Working from home8.1%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The West Salem, WI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.