Salem city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Salem city, South Dakota has a total population of 1,201, the 70th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $71,655, which is 1% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%.
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: 33 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Salem city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in McCook County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canistota city | 664 | $61,979 | 10.9% | $112,200 |
| Montrose city | 514 | $86,000 | 3.7% | $216,700 |
| Bridgewater city | 456 | $38,500 | 11.7% | $86,900 |
| Spencer city | 126 | $57,917 | 0.0% | $137,500 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garretson city | 1,166 | $66,375 | $197,400 | 24.6% | 3.3% |
| Britton city | 1,117 | $70,156 | $110,100 | 24.2% | 11.3% |
| Platte city | 1,310 | $71,641 | $165,700 | 29.7% | 16.2% |
| Ipswich city | 1,126 | $79,135 | $165,600 | 20.8% | 3.4% |
| Ashland Heights CDP | 1,142 | $61,538 | $202,700 | 12.8% | 18.1% |
Population Overview
Salem city is a small community located in South Dakota, within McCook County. The total population is 1,201. It ranks as the 70th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Salem city is 43.7 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Salem city is $71,655. This is 1% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%. This is 47% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.8%. This is 73% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $163,500. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Salem city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Salem city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.6%.
Education
24.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 20% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Salem city, South Dakota 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 South Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salem city, South Dakota?
Salem city, South Dakota has a population of 1,201 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Salem city, SD?
The median household income in Salem city is $71,655, which is 9% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Salem city, SD?
The poverty rate in Salem city is 6.3%. This means approximately 73 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Salem city, South Dakota?
Salem city's population is 89.9% White, 0.0% Black, 5.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Salem city, SD?
The median home value in Salem city is $163,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x.
How educated is Salem city, South Dakota?
24.8% of adults (25+) in Salem city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.