Salem, Illinois

About Salem

Set in the southern part of Illinois, Salem is a close-knit town counting 7,016 people who proudly call it home.

Salem holds the status of an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 6.99 square miles, giving it a balanced suburban layout with room to breathe at roughly 1,004 residents per square mile.

📰 Salem News Today

• Kentucky Fried Chicken in Salem has closed southernillinoisnow.com · Aug 15
• Salem woman charged with forgery for claiming child suffered from untrue illness southernillinoisnow.com · Aug 13
• Small earthquake rattles southeastern Illinois town WGEM · Jun 29
• Edward Lee Miller Obituary Jun 19, 2026 Meridith Funeral Home, P.C. · Jun 19
• Kent Fisher Obituary (2026) - Salem, IL - Stumpff Funeral Home - Kimberling City Legacy obituary · Aug 10

Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.

What Makes Salem Unique

• One of 21 places in the US named Salem — but the Illinois one has a character all its own.
• Positioned in southern 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

• Big enough for services and schools, small enough to feel like home.
• Local businesses and schools anchored by a stable resident base of 7,016.
• Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 9 miles.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Salem

• Applebee's — american
• La Cocina Mexican Restaurant — mexican
• Denny's — american
• Pizza Hut — pizza

Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.

🏞️ Parks & Outdoors in Salem

• Bryan Memorial Park reviews ★
• Marion County Fair Grounds reviews ★
• Salem Reservoir Park reviews ★
• Tully Park reviews ★

Parks mapped by the OpenStreetMap community · "reviews" opens each park's live Google reviews.

🏫 Schools in Salem

• Franklin Park Middle School
• Hawthorn Elem School
• Salem Community High School
• Selmaville Elem School

Public schools, U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES) 2023–24 directory.

🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare

• Salem Township Hospital ★★★★ (4/5 CMS rating) · 24/7 ER · Critical Access Hospitals

Medicare-registered hospitals with official CMS star ratings.

⚡ Quick Facts

🗺️ Map of Salem

🏘️ Nearby Communities