Salem, Fulton County, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Salem, Arkansas
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  The Fulton County Courthouse (top) and downtown Salem
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Location of Salem in Fulton County, Arkansas.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Fulton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.41 sq mi (6.25 km2) |
| • Land | 2.41 sq mi (6.25 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 656 ft (200 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,566 |
| • Density | 649.25/sq mi (250.72/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
72576
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| Area code(s) | 870 |
| FIPS code | 05-62150 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405404 |
Salem is a city in Arkansas, United States. It is the main town, or county seat, of Fulton County. Salem became an official city in 1900. In 2020, about 1,566 people lived there.
Contents
Exploring Salem's Location
Salem is located in the middle of Fulton County. Major roads like US Route 62 and US Route 412 meet here. Arkansas Highways 9 and 395 also pass through the city.
The city covers about 2.41 square miles (6.25 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water.
Salem's Climate and Weather
Salem has a warm, wet climate. Winters are mild, and summers are hot. November usually gets the most rain, with about 5.17 inches. The city gets about 47 inches of rain each year. The average low temperature is 44 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average high is 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Salem has several great places for outdoor activities.
- Salem City Park: This park has a walking trail, a volleyball court, and picnic areas. There is also a playground for kids and a lake where you can fish.
- Preacher Roe Park: Located on Highway 9, this park has fields for baseball and softball. It also has a basketball court for sports lovers.
- Mammoth Spring State Park: About 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Salem, this state park is a beautiful place to visit.
- Lake Norfork: This lake is a short drive away. It's perfect for water skiing, swimming, fishing, and boating. You can catch large striped bass, some weighing over 50 pounds! Other fish like largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass are also found here. The lake's bays are full of bream and other small fish.
The area around Salem is also great for seeing wildlife. Many people enjoy deer and turkey hunting here.
Salem's Population History
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 86 | — | |
| 1930 | 481 | — | |
| 1940 | 574 | 19.3% | |
| 1950 | 687 | 19.7% | |
| 1960 | 713 | 3.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,277 | 79.1% | |
| 1980 | 1,424 | 11.5% | |
| 1990 | 1,474 | 3.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,591 | 7.9% | |
| 2010 | 1,635 | 2.8% | |
| 2020 | 1,566 | −4.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Who Lives in Salem?
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 1,416 | 90.42% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 9 | 0.57% |
| Native American | 7 | 0.45% |
| Asian | 2 | 0.13% |
| Other/Mixed | 108 | 6.9% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 24 | 1.53% |
In 2020, there were 1,566 people living in Salem. These people made up 818 households and 451 families.
Learning and Education in Salem
Schools for All Ages
The Salem School District has two main campuses.
- Salem Elementary School: This school teaches students from kindergarten through 6th grade.
- Salem High School: This school is for students in 7th through 12th grade.
Over 700 students attend schools in the district.
Colleges and Higher Learning
Several colleges are located near Salem.
- Ozarka College is in Melbourne, Arkansas, with another campus in Ash Flat.
- Arkansas State University–Mountain Home is in Baxter County.
- Missouri State University–West Plains is in West Plains, Missouri.
Many students from Salem High School go on to attend larger universities. These include Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Local Libraries
The Fulton County Library is located at 205 Pickens in Salem. It is part of the White River Regional Library System. This means it works with other libraries in the area.
Salem's Culture and Fun Activities
Fishing and Canoeing Adventures
The nearby South Fork of the Spring River is great for fishing for smallmouth bass and canoeing. The White River is famous for its large rainbow and brown trout. The Spring River and the Strawberry River are also excellent for floating. The Spring River has rainbow trout and walleye, while the Strawberry River has smallmouth bass, crappie, and bream. Many companies offer canoe rentals and trips on the Spring River.
Beautiful Scenery
The landscape around Salem is especially beautiful in the fall. The Salem Knob, a hill overlooking the town, and the surrounding area offer many chances for amazing photos.
Yearly Events and Celebrations
The area has a rich history of bluegrass music.
- Fulton County Homecoming: Each year, local and visiting musicians gather to perform on the town square.
- Old Soldiers Reunion: Held at Mammoth Spring State Park, this event started to celebrate the end of the Civil War. Now, it's like a fair with Civil War re-enactments, rides, games, and live music. It lasts for three or four days each year.
- Fulton County Fair: This annual fair takes place behind the Salem City Park. It features rodeos, tractor pulls, livestock shows, concerts, rides, and games.
Getting Around and Services
Main Roads in Salem
U.S. Routes 62 and 412 go through the south side of Salem. These roads lead southeast to Ash Flat and west to Mountain Home. Arkansas Highway 9 passes through the center of town. It goes northeast to Mammoth Spring and southwest to Mountain View.
Electricity for the City
Electricity in Salem is provided by the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. This company is based right in Salem.
See also
In Spanish: Salem (condado de Fulton) para niños
