Located in the northern part of the county, it borders the following townships: The village of Lower Salem is located in central Lower Salem Township, and the unincorporated community of Whipple lies in the township's south.

It is one of fourteen Salem Townships statewide.

[4] In 1833, Salem Township contained a meeting house, store, and a steam saw mill.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.