The name Salem is derived from the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning "peace".[9]
History
Dent County Museum (former home of W. P. Elmer)Bonebrake Center of Nature and History
Dent County was first explored by Dustin Counts and settled between 1818 and 1829. In 1851, the Missouri Assembly created Dent County from portions of Crawford Shannon and Texas counties. It was named for early settler Lewis Dent, who served as the first representative. A log courthouse, built circa 1851–1852, was Dent County's first and was located on the Wingfield farm northeast of Salem. W. P. Williams became the first mayor of Salem in 1860, just after the Missouri State Legislature passed laws regarding the administration of village government.[10] During the American Civil War, units of the 5th Missouri State Militia would sometimes garrison in Salem.[11] Village governments were suspended during the Civil War.[12] In 1881, Salem was incorporated as a town.[13]
The town's museums include the Dent County Museum, the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, and a historic Downtown Walking Tour.[14][15]
The Lower Parker School House which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.The Dent County Courthouse has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Missouri.Old Mill at Montauk State Park has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
As of the census[20] of 2010, there were 4,950 people, 2,152 households, and 1,248 families living in the city. The population density was 1,556.6 inhabitants per square mile (601.0/km2). There were 2,408 housing units at an average density of 757.2 per square mile (292.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.94% White, 0.53% Black or African American, 1.13% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.08% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.17% of the population.
There were 2,152 households, of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.0% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.93.
The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
2000 census
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 4,854 people, 2,115 households, and 1,269 families living in the city. The population density was 1,607.4 inhabitants per square mile (620.6/km2). There were 2,368 housing units at an average density of 784.2 per square mile (302.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.05% White, 0.74% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.
There were 2,115 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 23.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $21,648, and the median income for a family was $29,460. Males had a median income of $27,006 versus $17,285 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,766. About 12.9% of families and 17.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.8% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Salem High School is the only high school located within the city. Salem is also home to an extension of Southwest Baptist University.
Salem has a lending library, the Salem Public Library.[21]
^"Station: Salem, MO". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
