Living in Salem, New Mexico
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 916 residents with a median age of 30. The median household income is $31,386 (51% lower than the New Mexico median), the median home value is $61,500.
Salem is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 916
- Median age
- 30State: 39.4
- Median household income
- $31,386State: $64,059
- Median home value
- $61,500State: $248,100
- Homeowners
- 74.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 2.5%
- Average commute
- 29 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 75% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 51% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 29 minutes; unemployment of 8.5%; a poverty rate of 54.1%.
The weather is best in March–April and October–November.
Cost of living in Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $61,500, 82% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of — per month. Homeowners with a mortgage pay — a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $31,386 and the income per person is $12,653. 54.1% of residents live below the poverty line (New Mexico: 17.8%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 263
- Owner-occupied
- 74.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 25.1%
- Vacant
- 7.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1984
- Average household size
- 3.77
Salem demographics
- Population
- 916
- Median age
- 30
- Under 18
- 21.7%
- 65 and older
- 7%
- Households
- 243
- Foreign-born
- 48.6%
- Veterans
- 2.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
2.5% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Mexico: 31%), and 0% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 8.5%State: 6%
- Average commute
- 29 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 0%
- Drive alone
- 74%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.4%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 916 | $31,386 | $61,500 | — |
| Hatch | 1,588 | $43,486 | $102,800 | $503 |
| Rincon | 271 | $57,083 | — | — |
| Radium Springs | 1,908 | $43,836 | $136,100 | — |
| Las Palomas | 304 | $73,864 | $137,500 | — |
| Williamsburg | 466 | $29,250 | $43,600 | $424 |
| Doña Ana | 868 | $35,700 | $96,400 | — |
| Elephant Butte | 1,790 | $53,482 | $176,800 | $1,089 |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, NM?
The median household income in Salem is $31,386, 51% lower than the New Mexico median of $64,059 (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 $61,500, compared with $248,100 in New Mexico.
Is Salem, NM a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 75% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 51% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 29 minutes; unemployment of 8.5%; a poverty rate of 54.1%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 30 years (New Mexico: 39.4).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 29 minutes; 0% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 8.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
2.5% 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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