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Salem, IA

View of Salem, IA
Image credit: Billwhittaker ( talk ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
Population
381
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
719 ft
Median Home Value
$85,700
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$922/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$51,250
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

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OverallBest places in IowaPopulation rankingHighest population places in IowaNearest larger communityBurlington, Iowa26 miles away · 23,336 residents.

About Salem

Founded in the 1830s as Iowa's first Quaker settlement, Salem carries a deep and fascinating history. The town quickly became an active hub for the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, helping freedom seekers traveling north from Missouri. It is also famous as the launching point for the Traveling Orchard, when local nurseryman Henderson Lewelling hauled hundreds of young fruit trees west along the Oregon Trail in 1847.

Image The Collins Bond House

Today, Salem is a quiet, close-knit rural community in southern Henry County. The Lewelling Quaker Museum preserves the town's early roots, while Salem Elementary allows younger kids to go to school right in town through the Mount Pleasant Community School District. It is an appealing spot for anyone looking for peaceful small-town living, with the conveniences and jobs of Mount Pleasant just a quick 15-minute drive up the road.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0ratingLow PopulationA+100.0rating

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