Salem city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Salem city, Iowa has a total population of 363, the 559th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $59,583, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Only 5.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%.
Salem city Quick Facts
How Salem city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Salem city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Salem city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh city | 354 | $58,824 | $83,300 | 11.2% | 18.1% |
| Rowley city | 354 | $60,417 | $135,200 | 19.5% | 6.3% |
| Ringsted city | 361 | $63,250 | $43,900 | 15.0% | 17.2% |
| Protivin city | 368 | $63,438 | $107,700 | 31.4% | 1.9% |
| Mingo city | 373 | $61,806 | $120,300 | 13.3% | 6.4% |
Population Overview
Salem city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 363. It ranks as the 559th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Salem city is 48.2 years. This is 25% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 11.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Salem city is $59,583. This is 19% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.2%. This is 7% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.7%. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $75,000. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Salem city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 83.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Salem city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.0%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.8%.
Education
5.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 83% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Salem city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salem city, Iowa?
Salem city, Iowa has a population of 363 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Salem city, IA?
The median household income in Salem city is $59,583, which is 24% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Salem city, IA?
The poverty rate in Salem city is 10.2%. This means approximately 37 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Salem city, Iowa?
Salem city's population is 79.6% White, 0.5% Black, 5.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Salem city, IA?
The median home value in Salem city is $75,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Salem city, Iowa?
5.2% of adults (25+) in Salem city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.