Living in Salem, New Jersey
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 5,322 residents with a median age of 36.9. The median household income is $38,721 (63% lower than the New Jersey median), the median home value is $79,800, the median rent is $1,075/month.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 5,322
- Median age
- 36.9State: 40.1
- Median household income
- $38,721State: $103,556
- Median home value
- $79,800State: $454,400
- Median rent
- $1,075/moState: $1,720
- Homeowners
- 34.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15%
- Average commute
- 29 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 82% lower than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 63% lower than the New Jersey median; unemployment of 10.2%; a poverty rate of 24.8%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $79,800, 76% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,075 per month, which is 40.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,588 a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $38,721 and the income per person is $26,130. 24.8% of residents live below the poverty line (New Jersey: 9.7%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,073
- Owner-occupied
- 34.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 65.3%
- Vacant
- 22.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1942
- Average household size
- 2.22
Salem demographics
- Population
- 5,322
- Median age
- 36.9
- Under 18
- 27.3%
- 65 and older
- 18.4%
- Households
- 2,386
- Foreign-born
- 2.2%
- Veterans
- 5.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
15% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Jersey: 43.6%), and 4.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 10.2%State: 6.3%
- Average commute
- 29 minState: 31 min
- Work from home
- 8.5%
- Drive alone
- 63.3%
- Public transit
- 4.9%
- Walk to work
- 0.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 79%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 5,322 | $38,721 | $79,800 | $1,075 |
| Elsinboro | 841 | $90,385 | $254,900 | $1,531 |
| Pennsville | 12,754 | $75,097 | $214,100 | $1,252 |
| Hancocks Bridge | 320 | $80,625 | $124,700 | — |
| Mannington | 1,913 | $109,271 | $297,800 | $1,206 |
| Quinton | 2,615 | $86,563 | $220,900 | $1,296 |
| Delaware City | 1,950 | $85,395 | $266,900 | $1,511 |
| Port Penn | 592 | $72,009 | $383,900 | — |
| Lower Alloways Creek | 1,714 | $80,000 | $248,500 | $1,189 |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, NJ?
The median household income in Salem is $38,721, 63% lower than the New Jersey median of $103,556 (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 $79,800, compared with $454,400 in New Jersey.
How much is rent in Salem?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,075 per month, about 40.4% of household income.
Is Salem, NJ a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 82% lower than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes. Minuses: median household income 63% lower than the New Jersey median; unemployment of 10.2%; a poverty rate of 24.8%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 36.9 years (New Jersey: 40.1).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 29 minutes; 8.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 10.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
15% 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.
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