Salem is a home rule-class city in Livingston County, Kentucky, in the United States. Salem is part of the Paducah, KY-IL metropolitan statistical area. As of the 2020 census, Salem had a population of 722. It is the second-largest community and largest village in Livingston County, but the census-designated place of Ledbetter has more than two times the population of Salem.

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Town numbers

ZIP code42078

Area codeSign in to add

Living in Salem

Housing in Salem

$123K▼ 13.7% in a year Typical home value · Zillow

The typical Salem home is worth about $123,000, down 13.7% in a year, 47% below the Kentucky typical home.

Only 1 sale in March 2026, too few for a market read. The typical value is the steadier guide.

Zillow Home Value Index · Redfin Data CenterHousing market →

Work & commute in Salem

Full picture →

Most working residents leave Salem for work: only 11% work in town. The top destinations are Paducah (11%), Marion (9%) and Smithland (8%). Half commute less than 20 miles.

Paducah

11%

Marion

Smithland

Princeton

11%Work in townlive and work in Salem 20 miWhere do people commute?the commute map 399Jobs based herebalanced

Census LEHD 2023 · ACSWork & commute in Salem →

Health in Salem

Compared with Kentucky

1worse than KY

of 5 measures CDC estimates. The other 4 are too close to call.

Conditions all close Habits all close Care 1▼ 2 close

BetterToo close to callWorse

What stands out

53.9%Fewer adults seeing a dentistKY 58.1% · worse

Care nearby

Livingston Hospital and Healthcare ServicesSalem · 0.7 mi · ER · rural critical access

Hardin County Dental ClinicRosiclare · 12.1 mi · sliding-scale fees

Primary careShortage · county-wide

DentalShortage · county-wide

Mental healthShortage · county-wide

CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CDC's estimate for Salem · CMS · HRSAHealth in Salem →

Natural hazards in Salem

Very high

Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 81% of U.S. communities.

🌊 Inland flooding🏚️ Earthquakes🌪️ Tornadoes

0Does Salem flood?no paid flood claims on record 2Disasters that paid out herefederal disasters sent FEMA money to Salem

FEMA National Risk Index December 2025 · OpenFEMANatural hazards in Salem →

Climate in Salem

Full climate →

Salem has chilly winters and warm summers, with plenty of rain. A typical July afternoon reaches 88°, a January night drops to 26°, and about 4 inches of snow falls in a normal winter.

46° / 29°Winter

68° / 47°Spring

87° / 67°Summer

70° / 48°Fall