Salem, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
349
-3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,250/yr
-14.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
156
0.7% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 349 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.1% of Salem locals are male, and 57.9% are female.

Total population
349
-3.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.1%
147
Female
57.9%
202
Value Percent YoY change
Male 147 42.1% -9.8%
Female 202 57.9% 1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Salem is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.1% are children under 15, then 8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.1% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.1%
15 to 24
8%
25 to 44
22.1%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 70 20.1% 32.1%
15 to 24 28 8% -28.2%
25 to 44 77 22.1% -7.2%
45 to 64 97 27.8% -8.5%
Over 65 77 22.1% -6.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Salem, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. As for race, 85.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 342 98% -3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7 2% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
85.1%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 297 85.1%
Black or African American 6 1.7%
Asian 5 1.4%
Two or more races 38 10.9%
Other 3 0.9%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 150 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.7% are families, while the remaining 35.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
150
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
53
Family households
97
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 53 35.3% 23.3%
Family households 97 64.7% -8.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Salem

The housing landscape of Salem

Salem's housing consists of 156 units, with 84% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
156
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 131 84%
2 units 3 1.9%
3 or 4 units 3 1.9%
5 to 9 units 6 3.8%
Mobile home 13 8.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1946. About 48.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 75 48.1% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5 3.2% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10 6.4% 42.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11 7% 10.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 14 9% -46.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6 3.8% -14.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 13 8.3% -23.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10 6.4% 66.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 12 7.7% 71.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Salem occupancy rates

Out of the 150 occupied housing units in Salem, 82.7% are owner-occupied, while 17.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
150
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
26
Owner occupied
124
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 26 17.3% 4.0%
Owner occupied 124 82.7% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Salem housing costs

Housing costs in Salem come to a median of $833 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $922.

Median housing costs per month
$833/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Salem
$922/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Salem

Salem education at a glance

About 56.7% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 12.3% earned an associate degree and 6.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 3% -11.1%
High school diploma 152 56.7% 9.3%
College diploma 51 19% -50.0%
Associate degree 33 12.3% -5.7%
Bachelor's degree 18 6.7% 63.6%
Graduate degree 6 2.2% 100.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Salem

How much people earn in Salem

The average annual household income in Salem was $61,151 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,250, reflecting a -14% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$61,151/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$51,250/year
-14.0% year-over-year change

Salem income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,750 overall. Overall, 82% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $63,750 -20.5%
Over 65 $34,375 -11.3%
Above poverty level
286
Below poverty level
63
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 286 82% -12.3%
Below poverty level 63 18% 70.3%

Average renter income in Salem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Salem, their median household income was $28,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,750
Rent-to-income ratio
38.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

The job market in Salem is powered by 141 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 55.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 20.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
141
-16.6% year-over-year change
White collar
78
Blue collar
63
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 78 55.3% -14.3%
Blue collar 63 44.7% -19.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
20.6%
Not for profit companies
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14 9.9% -26.3%
Private companies 95 67.4% -14.4%
Governmental workers 29 20.6% -14.7%
Not for profit companies 3 2.1% -40.0%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
166.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Salem stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 131 91.6% -16.6%
Walk 6 4.2% 500.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Salem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52649 913 342 $91,071 $121,932

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 349 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -3.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 42.1% males (147 residents)
  • 57.9% females (202 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.1% (70 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8% (28 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.1% (77 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (97 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (77 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 85.1% (297 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (38 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (3 residents)

What percentage of the population in Salem are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 156 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Salem and what is the average household size?

Salem has a total of 150 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $51,250, representing a -14.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Salem?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Salem, with a workforce of 141 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 55.3% (78 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44.7% (63 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (14 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (95 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.6% (29 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.1% (3 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025