New Salem, Illinois

About New Salem

New Salem, IL is a tiny community located in western Illinois with an estimated population of 116.

Officially, New Salem is an incorporated village, one of the most intimate forms of local government in America. The community covers 1.05 square miles, giving it wide-open spaces and a spread-out, rural feel at roughly 110 residents per square mile.

📰 New Salem News Today

• Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site starts summer season with Pioneer Days WSIU NEWS · May 29
• Lincoln's New Salem hosts Black Hawk War militia encampment - The State Journal-Register The State Journal-Register · Apr 21
• Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site starts summer season with Pioneer Days Springfield Herald News · May 29
• New ornament featuring Lincoln at New Salem now available NPR Illinois · Dec 15
• Conducting a magnetometry survey at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site blogs.illinois.edu · Sep 11

Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.

What Makes New Salem Unique

• One of 5 places in the US named New Salem — but the Illinois one has a character all its own.
• Positioned in western Illinois, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
• Part of the fabric of Illinois — one of 1,461 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.

⚡ Quick Facts

🗺️ Map of New Salem

🏘️ Nearby Communities