Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, WI
Thinking of moving to Salem, WI? This welcoming community of 14,500 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents at $1,160. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 92 per 100k, short commutes, and quality local schools. With a family-friendly vibe, four distinct seasons, and easy access to larger cities, Salem is a great choice for those seeking small-town charm and value.
Demographics - Salem, WI
Salem, WI is home to about 14,500 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a population density that offers a suburban feel. The community is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnicities and just over 6% non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate diversity create a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
14,500
Density:
410 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, WI?
Salem's cost of living is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.1 and median home values at $295,000. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, while state income taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%. Overall, residents enjoy affordable housing and manageable everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,160
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$560
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.1
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
89.2
Utilities:
101.7
Transportation:
99.1
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Salem, WI a safe place to live?
Salem experiences notably low crime, with a violent crime rate of only 92 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 780 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 1,087, making it a safe community for families and newcomers. Residents can feel secure in their neighborhoods and daily routines.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
872
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, WI year-round?
Residents in Salem enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 82°F and cold winters dropping to 15°F. The area receives about 36.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 55% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. These seasonal changes provide a classic Midwestern climate experience.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
55%
Neighbors
Salem's median household income is $87,200, with a low poverty rate of 5.8% and an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. The majority of adults hold at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a manageable 31 minutes. The community is largely owner-occupied and maintains a friendly, stable atmosphere.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$87,200
Family Income:
$97,400
Per Capita Income:
$34,700
Income Male:
$49,000
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
5.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,160
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
26.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, WI?
Salem offers quality educational options, featuring public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and private school alternatives. Nearby higher education institutions, such as Gateway Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, are within a short drive. Families benefit from strong local schools and convenient access to colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Salem Grade School
Street:
8828 Antioch Rd
Phone:
262-843-2356
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Westosha Central High School
Street:
24617 75th St
Phone:
262-843-2321
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Trevor-Wilmot School
Street:
26325 Wilmot Rd
Phone:
262-862-2356
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Gateway Technical College
City:
Kenosha
State:
WI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
8,800
Name:
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
City:
Kenosha
State:
WI
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Salem residents have access to excellent healthcare, including nearby major hospitals with emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 93% health insurance coverage, medical care is readily available. The community benefits from a solid healthcare infrastructure and high coverage rates.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Aurora Medical Center Kenosha
Address:
10400 75th St, Kenosha, WI 53142
Phone:
(262) 948-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital
Address:
9555 76th St, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Phone:
(262) 577-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, WI?
The housing market in Salem is attractive, with a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupied rate above 80%. Rental options are available, with average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,120, and the area enjoys a healthy home appreciation rate of 4.7%. Inventory is stable, supporting both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Salem residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Kenosha. Services such as registration, licensing, and renewals are easily accessible both in-person and online. The DMV provides a full range of resources for local drivers.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4911 88th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone:
608-264-7447
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.