The rich farmland is still fed by the pure mountain waters of the Battenkill River, White Creek and Black Creek which join at Fitch's Pont before running on to the Hudson River. Salem continues to be one of the two county seats, and a county court house, jail and sheriff's department are located here. Although county court sessions in Salem ended in 1982, family court located on Main Street still meets weekly. The village offices, clerk and police are located in the renovated Proudfit Building. The Bancroft Library, the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and the public rooms occupy the rest of the space in the building.
Various professions are well represented in Salem.
Two lawyers, two medical doctors in general practice, one dentist and one chiropractor practice in the village. Clergy administer to the churches of various faiths such as Holy Cross Church, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church and the Presbyterian White Church. Two principals and 50 teachers offer public education in a modern, colonial revival style building on East Broadway. Active special interest societies and public service groups are numerous in the Salem area. Church-related groups thrive along with groups such as the Salem Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Rescue Squad, Senior Citizens, Salem Foot Lighters, Dr. Asa Fitch Historical Society, Salem Rotary Club, Francis Clark American Legion Post, General John Williams D.A.R., Salem Women's Club, the Shushan and Rexleigh Covered Bridge Associations, Coon and Cat Club, Pistol Club and Knights of Columbus.