Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, IN
Thinking about moving to Salem, IN? This friendly community of 6,278 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $136,000 and average rent at $740. Residents enjoy a reasonable cost of living, easy commutes averaging 23 minutes, and plenty of sunny days. Salem’s schools are highly rated for a small town, and the local hospital ensures convenient healthcare. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, low violent crime rates, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Demographics - Salem, IN
Salem, Indiana is a close-knit community of about 6,278 residents, with most identifying as White and a median age of nearly 40, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The city has a fairly even gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, supporting a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
6,278
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, IN?
Salem offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $136,000, and average rents are just $740 per month, making housing accessible for many budgets.
Median House Value:
$136,000
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.6
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
90.6
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
93.8
Crime
Is Salem, IN a safe place to live?
Salem boasts a low violent crime rate, with about 180 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of safety and peace of mind. Property crime is more common but still moderate for a city of its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,030
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, IN year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers peaking at 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 21°F. The city receives ample rainfall—about 46.5 inches annually—and enjoys sunshine nearly 60% of the year.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Salem’s households earn a median income of $47,900, with a modest cost of living and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a brief 23 minutes, adding to the convenience of small-town life.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$47,900
Family Income:
$58,700
Per Capita Income:
$23,300
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
19.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, IN?
Salem provides quality public education through schools like Salem High School and Bradie M. Shrum Elementary, both known for supportive staff and manageable class sizes. Higher education is accessible nearby at Indiana University Southeast, just 34 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Salem High School
Street:
700 N Harrison St
Phone:
812-883-3904
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Bradie M. Shrum Elementary School
Street:
1101 N Shelby St
Phone:
812-883-3700
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Colleges
Name:
Indiana University Southeast
City:
New Albany
State:
IN
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible in Salem, with St. Vincent Salem Hospital providing essential medical and emergency services locally. The city has nearly two physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% of the population is covered by health insurance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Vincent Salem Hospital
Address:
911 N Shelby St, Salem, IN 47167
Phone:
(812) 883-5881
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, IN?
Salem’s housing market is attractive for buyers and renters alike, with a median home price of $136,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $740. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has a healthy appreciation rate, indicating stable growth.
Median Home Price:
$136,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$740
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Salem residents are managed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which offers comprehensive services both online and at nearby branch locations.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone:
1-888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.