It is part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

[6][7] The donation of approximately ten acres of land to a railway company led to the creation of West Salem.

[10] As of the census[12] of 2010, there were 4,799 people, 1,831 households, and 1,259 families living in the village.

There were 1,869 housing units at an average density of 546.5 per square mile (211.0/km2).

26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 1,765 housing units at an average density of 743.0 per square mile (286.3/km2).

23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[13] The public West Salem School District consists of: The private schools are: Bus service towards La Crosse or Tomah is provided three times daily per direction by Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit.