Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, SC
Considering a move to Salem, SC? This quaint lakeside town has a population of just 135 and offers a serene atmosphere with affordable living—median home prices around $296,000 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (122 per 100K), short commutes averaging 32.5 minutes, and easy access to outdoor recreation by Lake Keowee. The community features strong homeownership, mild winters, and a welcoming, small-town feel, with Clemson University and quality healthcare nearby. Explore below for more about cost of living, education, and lifestyle opportunities in Salem.
Demographics - Salem, SC
Salem, SC is a close-knit community of just 135 residents, most of whom are older adults with a median age of 61.2. The population is predominantly White, and the town offers a relaxed, small-town environment with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
135
Density:
88 per sq mi
Median Age:
61.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, SC?
Salem offers affordable living, with median home values around $296,000 and average rents near $900, while overall costs are below the national average. Utility and insurance expenses remain manageable, making this lakeside town attractive for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$296,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$122
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.1
Grocery:
95.6
Housing:
80.3
Utilities:
99.1
Transportation:
88.4
Health Care:
94.2
Miscellaneous:
92.9
Crime
Is Salem, SC a safe place to live?
Salem enjoys a very low violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, providing a sense of safety and security. While property crime is somewhat higher, the overall crime index remains low compared to larger cities, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
122
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,330
Crime Index:
1,452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 820
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, SC year-round?
Residents experience mild winters with lows around 31°F and warm summers reaching up to 88°F, complemented by 61% sunny days. The area receives abundant rainfall, making it lush and ideal for outdoor activities near Lake Keowee.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community benefits from solid median household incomes around $61,250 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with minimal public transport use.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$61,250
Family Income:
$70,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
34.5%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, SC?
Families in Salem have access to Tamassee-Salem Elementary School, known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, while higher education opportunities, such as Clemson University, are just a short drive away.
Public Schools
Name:
Tamassee-Salem Elementary School
Street:
195 Main St, Salem, SC 29676
Phone:
864-886-4545
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Clemson University
City:
Clemson
State:
SC
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
27,000
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is convenient, with Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital nearby and nearly 90% of residents covered by health insurance. With about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, residents receive attentive care in a small-town setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital
Address:
298 Memorial Dr, Seneca, SC 29672
Phone:
(864) 882-3351
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, SC?
Salem's housing market is stable, featuring a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 86% and a median home price of $296,000. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% over the past year, and rental options remain available with reasonable vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$296,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Salem residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Seneca. Services and information can be accessed both in person and online through the state DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Clemson Blvd, Seneca, SC 29678
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
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.