Salem is a hub for the towns of Marion County
With a population of around 7,300, Salem is the second-largest city in Marion County. As the county seat, it serves as a shopping, entertainment and employment hub for nearby towns. More than 20 manufacturing facilities call the area home, and the larger city of Centralia is about 15 miles away. “We’re very proud of the sense of community we have,” says Tabitha Meador, Salem’s city clerk. “We have local organizations that spearhead events and a large population that enjoys volunteering for different projects.” As the birthplace of William Jennings Bryan and the site of several historic buildings, Salem takes pride in its reputation as a historic city. Its outdoor activities attract nature lovers, while highly ranked public schools appeal to families.
Centennial homes are near the city center
Neighborhoods in the city center form a neat grid where lots tend to be a quarter-acre or smaller. Salem’s oldest houses are typically in the area, with early 20th-century homes selling for $20,000 to $140,000, depending on condition. Away from the city center, acreage tends to increase and midcentury-style homes go for $60,000 to $280,000. The newest homes are 21st-century designs that range from $270,000 to $500,000, depending on size and amenities.
Local recreation includes fishing, skating and historic homes
Bryan Memorial Park is Salem’s largest park, featuring trails, a disc golf course, a dog area and a skate park. The Salem Family Aquatic Center, open May through August, has water slides, diving boards and an obstacle course. C and El Reservoir and Salem Reservoir are popular fishing spots, and Salem Country Club has a semi-private 18-hole golf course, a fishing lake and a driving range. The city has four historic buildings recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, including Grace Methodist Church and the William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home.
Shopping centers around Broadway and Main Street
Most shopping is along Broadway and Main Street, including fast food, local retailers and big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter. Mamma Antonia’s serves classic Italian-American dishes like chicken parmigiana and toasted ravioli with a laid-back, bistro atmosphere. The ABC Pub is a local favorite with a history that dates back to 1905. The pub’s calendar is full of events from live music to dinner specials to karaoke nights. “It’s the sort of place people travel for,” says Meador. “When the new owners took over, they honored the past by keeping the menu the same and recreating the decor.”
Salem Community High has success in e-sports, baseball and bowling
Salem Elementary School District Number 11 teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and receives a B grade from Niche. Older students attend Salem Community High School, also rated B. In 2025, members of the high school e-sports team made it to state qualifiers, and the baseball team made the sectional semifinals. “We’ve also got some outstanding bowlers,” says Meador. “We’ve had state champion bowling teams for years, and a lot of those kids get scholarships for it.”
The Little Egypt Festival is every October
In the early 1800s, Northern Illinois was hit with a major drought that forced locals to purchase food from further south, where farming conditions were better. Comparisons were drawn to the biblical story of the Israelites buying grain from the Egyptians. Soon, the region was nicknamed Little Egypt, with Salem acting as the “Gateway to Little Egypt.” To celebrate their past, the city hosts the Little Egypt Festival every October, featuring a day of rides, food vendors and a parade.
Interstate 57 brings in visitors
U.S. Route 50 and State Route 37 converge in the city center. Interstate 57 cuts through the west side, bringing visitors who sometimes turn into residents. “We’re a prime opportunity for people to stay for the night, the weekend, and then they come back to live here,” says Meador. Salem Township Hospital has served the community since the 1940s, providing emergency care and other services.
