Salem and Dent County, Missouri provide an ideal environment for businesses seeking room to grow, competitive wages, low tax rates, low cost of living, and a superior quality of life. Local officials appreciate the need of businesses to operate with a minimum of interference, yet offer substantial resources and assistance to help businesses thrive in our community.

You can find specific information and resources in the links on the left side of this page.

One of the nation’s leading engineering schools, thelumberyard
Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri, means businesses have access to research opportunities and a well-educated work force.
More about workforce training and education HERE.

Natural Resources are plentiful in the area. Salem is well known for its wood industry and close proximity to lead mining. Stave mills, charcoal, rough cut and kiln dried lumber, specialty wood trims, wood for barrels, flooring and cabinets are all manufactured in the area.



us locator mapDiscover Why Salem and Dent County Have More To Offer!

SALEM
Latitude : 37.64555°  
Longitude : 091.53514°
Elevation : 1240 ft
DENT COUNTY
Square Miles : 753.5



POPULATION HISTORY
YEAR CITY of SALEM DENT COUNTY
1980 4,454 14,157
1990 4,484 13,702
2000 4,854 14,927
2010 4,950 15,657
2020 estimated 4,910 15,810

LOCATION
Salem is 28 miles south of I-44 and equal distance
from St. Louis and Springfield, MO. State Highways
72, 32, 19 and 68 intersect in Salem.  
MORE INFORMATION
Sally Burbridge, Economic Development Director
 573-729-2428
economic@salemmo.com 

Located in the middle of the Missouri Ozarks!
Twenty minutes north of the National Ozarks Scenic Riverways National Park (Current River) and Montauk State Park, Mark Twain National Forest blankets the eastern part of Dent County.  Our open public lands are plentiful welcoming! Read on to learn more about our community.

Abundant Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
Located in the heart of the Ozarks in south central Missouri, the City of Salem and Dent County offer abundant natural resources providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Just 1.4 miles outside of the Salem City limits is Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation area with 257 acres of forest and grass lands with two boat ramps, primitive camping, picnic
area, pavilion, a fishing jetty, and two fishable lakes (Ziske Lake-30 acres, and Turner Lake-17 acres. The area also offers an outdoor archery target range and two hiking trails around the lakes. Montauk State Park is a popular destination for trophy trout fishing, beautiful camping facilities, and historic sites. Additional outdoor recreation include deer and turkey hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and is a favorite place to stay for visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Many of our visitors are also attracted by the natural scenery, beautiful weather, and small town living.

Annual Community Events
RallyAmerica™ 100 Acre Wood Road Rally; Opening Day of Trout Season; 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Display; Chamber Rodeo; Christmas Parade of Lights; Montauk State Park hosts special events for adults & kids throughout the year; Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) also hosts history and art exhibits free to the public
throughout the year.

Restaurants and Entertainment
Salem hosts several locally owned restaurants ranging from Mexican, Chinese and traditional American Fare. One of our local restaurants also provides live music and libations in the evenings as well as regular live music events at the Whispering Pines Campground. Throughout the summer there are multiple dances at the Bonita Valley Dance Barn & Event Center and the Dent County Commons also hosts a variety events throughout the year including the 4 of July Fireworks display and the annual Chamber of Commerce Rodeo.

Educational Opportunities
Southwest Baptist University (SBU) Salem Campus offers a variety of degree programs specifically designed for working individuals. Missouri Science and Technology offers a vast array of degree opportunities just 28 miles away.
For those who are looking for more lifestyle and personal improvement opportunities, Spring Creek Artisans regularly offer classes in stained glass, painting and music jams, and the Salem Community Center offers health and nutrition classes, a fitness center and more.

Civic Engagement
Salem has a highly active and engagemed community. Clubs and organizations such as the Rotary Club, Salem Area Community Better Association, Spring Creek Garden Club, American Legion, American Volunteers, the Salem Civic Theater Association and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce among others all boast high interaction between their members and community projects and events.
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