Living in Salem, Arkansas

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024

Salem has 2,642 residents with a median age of 53.8. The median household income is $73,750 (21% higher than the Arkansas median), the median home value is $202,100.

Salem at a glance

Population
2,642
Median age
53.8State: 38.5
Median household income
$73,750State: $60,773
Median home value
$202,100State: $188,000
Homeowners
83.5%
Bachelor's degree or higher
25.7%
Average commute
22 min

Is Salem a good place to live?

Pros: Median household income 21% higher than the Arkansas median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 0%; a poverty rate of 2.4%.

Cons: Home values 8% higher than the state median.

The weather is best in April–May and September–October.

Cost of living in Salem

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $202,100, 39% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of — per month. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,231 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Salem$202,100
Arkansas$188,000
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Arkansas$947
United States$1,413

Salem median household income

The median household income in Salem is $73,750 and the income per person is $38,884. 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Arkansas: 16%).

Median household income

Salem$73,750
Arkansas$60,773
United States$80,734

Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
1,120
Owner-occupied
83.5%
Renter-occupied
16.5%
Vacant
0%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1979
Average household size
2.36

Salem demographics

Population
2,642
Median age
53.8
Under 18
9.1%
65 and older
28.7%
Households
1,120
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans
4.1%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White93.4%
Hispanic or Latino6.5%
Black0.7%
Asian0%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›

Education in Salem

25.7% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (Arkansas: 25.7%), and 5.8% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Salem25.7%
Arkansas25.7%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Salem

Unemployment rate
0%State: 4.9%
Average commute
22 minState: 23 min
Work from home
14.4%
Drive alone
78.4%
Public transit
0%
Walk to work
0%
Homes with broadband
92.7%

Salem vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Salem2,642$73,750$202,100—
Benton36,595$72,876$212,700$1,072
Bryant21,504$83,024$223,200$993
Avilla1,833$106,290$363,200—
Bauxite846$74,250$188,200$900
Alexander3,587$57,250$174,000$1,054
Shannon Hills4,641$71,318$170,900$1,530
Haskell4,100$85,758$160,600$1,151
Tull596$61,125$160,400$614

More for people moving to Salem

Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Salem: FAQ

What is the median household income in Salem, AR?

The median household income in Salem is $73,750, 21% higher than the Arkansas median of $60,773 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in Salem?

The median home value in Salem is $202,100, compared with $188,000 in Arkansas.

Is Salem, AR a good place to live?

Pluses: median household income 21% higher than the Arkansas median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 0%; a poverty rate of 2.4%. Minuses: home values 8% higher than the state median.

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 53.8 years (Arkansas: 38.5).

How long is the commute in Salem?

The average commute to work in Salem is 22 minutes; 14.4% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Salem?

The unemployment rate in Salem is 0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Salem?

25.7% of adults in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

Last updated: