Salem Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

Salem Township is a township located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 6,939.

Geography

\nAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 123.8 km² (47.8 mi²). 122.1 km² (47.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.7 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.40% water.

Demographics

\nAs of the census of 2000, there are 6,939 people, 2,932 households, and 1,976 families residing in the township. The population density is 56.8/km² (147.2/mi²). There are 3,117 housing units at an average density of 25.5/km² (66.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 97.88% White, 1.21% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.04% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 0.16% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 2,932 households out of which 26.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% are married couples living together, 7.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% are non-families. 29.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.34 and the average family size is 2.89. In the township the population is spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.3 males. The median income for a household in the township is $34,467, and the median income for a family is $39,803. Males have a median income of $35,197 versus $22,885 for females. The per capita income for the township is $18,937. 7.7% of the population and 4.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.6% are under the age of 18 and 5.9% are 65 or older.