Living in Salem, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 2,377 residents with a median age of 41.3. The median household income is $68,988 (5% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $159,100, the median rent is $856/month.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 2,377
- Median age
- 41.3State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $68,988State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $159,100State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $856/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 71.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 22.8%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 45% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 5% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 7.1%; a poverty rate of 19.1%.
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 $159,100, 52% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, which is 26.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,256 a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $68,988 and the income per person is $30,654. 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,188
- Owner-occupied
- 71.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 28.2%
- Vacant
- 12%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1980
- Average household size
- 2.27
Salem demographics
- Population
- 2,377
- Median age
- 41.3
- Under 18
- 21.6%
- 65 and older
- 28.6%
- Households
- 1,045
- Foreign-born
- 4.9%
- Veterans
- 12.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
22.8% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 7.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 7.1%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 0%
- Drive alone
- 77.3%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 83.3%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 2,377 | $68,988 | $159,100 | $856 |
| Morganton | 17,646 | $51,355 | $221,700 | $944 |
| Glen Alpine | 1,991 | $69,697 | $172,800 | $871 |
| Drexel | 2,146 | $61,992 | $214,400 | $590 |
| Valdese | 4,704 | $50,740 | $209,800 | $665 |
| Rutherford College | 1,374 | $67,500 | $185,600 | $853 |
| Connelly Springs | 2,427 | $54,620 | $206,500 | $884 |
| Nebo | 1,670 | $50,139 | $129,800 | $1,087 |
| Gamewell | 3,689 | $46,556 | $170,100 | $808 |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, NC?
The median household income in Salem is $68,988, 5% lower than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (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 $159,100, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Salem?
The median gross rent in Salem is $856 per month, about 26.6% of household income.
Is Salem, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 45% lower than the state median; an average commute of 21 minutes. Minuses: median household income 5% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 7.1%; a poverty rate of 19.1%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 41.3 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 21 minutes; 0% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 7.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
22.8% 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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