About Salem
Salem is a tiny community in southeastern Iowa, home to 380 residents as of the latest Census estimates.
Officially, Salem is an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 0.63 square miles, giving it a balanced suburban layout with room to breathe at roughly 603 residents per square mile.
📰 Salem News Today
- Connie Weatherman Obituary Jul 27, 2026 olsonyoderfh.com · Jul 27
- Elementary school closing in Salem, IA KWQC · Apr 30
- Salem time capsule yields soggy treasure, fond memories Southeast Iowa Union · May 27
- John Kramer Obituary (2026) - Windsor Heights, IA - Mississippi Valley Publishing Legacy obituary · Jun 10
- Parents push back on proposed elementary closure in Iowa KWQC · Mar 19
Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.
What Makes Salem Unique
- One of 21 places in the US named Salem — but the Iowa one has a character all its own.
- Positioned in southeastern Iowa, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
- Part of the fabric of Iowa — one of 1,026 recognized communities statewide.
Why People Love It Here
- Small-town pace of life: less traffic, more community, and neighbors who wave.
- Housing dollars stretch further here than in the nearest metro.
- Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 8 miles.
🎡 Fun Things to Do
- Lewelling Quaker Museum · Museum
Attractions mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.
🏫 Schools in Salem
- Salem Elementary School
Public schools, U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES) 2023–24 directory.
⚡ Quick Facts
StateIowa
TypeCity
Population (2024)380
Rank in state#503 of 940
Land area0.63 sq mi
Density603/sq mi
Coordinates40.8522, -91.6207