Living in Salisbury, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salisbury · Census data 2020–2024
Salisbury has 35,825 residents with a median age of 36.5. The median household income is $53,716 (26% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $242,500, the median rent is $1,071/month.
Salisbury at a glance
- Population
- 35,825
- Median age
- 36.5State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $53,716State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $242,500State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $1,071/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 51.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 29.9%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Salisbury a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 16% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 26% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.8%; a poverty rate of 26.3%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Salisbury
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salisbury the median home value is $242,500, 27% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,071 per month, which is 32.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,500 a month in housing costs.
Salisbury median household income
The median household income in Salisbury is $53,716 and the income per person is $32,043. 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Salisbury: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 15,637
- Owner-occupied
- 51.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 48.2%
- Vacant
- 10.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.30
Salisbury demographics
- Population
- 35,825
- Median age
- 36.5
- Under 18
- 21.9%
- 65 and older
- 17.1%
- Households
- 14,043
- Foreign-born
- 6.4%
- Veterans
- 6.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salisbury ›
Education in Salisbury
29.9% of adults 25 and older in Salisbury have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 12.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salisbury
- Unemployment rate
- 5.8%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 8.7%
- Drive alone
- 72.2%
- Public transit
- 1.9%
- Walk to work
- 1.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 86.9%
Salisbury vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury | 35,825 | $53,716 | $242,500 | $1,071 |
| East Spencer | 1,434 | $34,417 | $112,000 | $677 |
| Granite Quarry | 3,043 | $57,981 | $257,300 | $1,099 |
| Spencer | 3,349 | $65,465 | $201,700 | $1,000 |
| Faith | 917 | $139,844 | $264,000 | $944 |
| China Grove | 4,530 | $54,083 | $225,800 | $993 |
| Rockwell | 2,782 | $69,632 | $237,200 | $952 |
| Landis | 3,765 | $75,000 | $252,100 | — |
| Cooleemee | 988 | $46,750 | $144,600 | $968 |
More for people moving to Salisbury
Salisbury ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salisbury: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salisbury, NC?
The median household income in Salisbury is $53,716, 26% 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 Salisbury?
The median home value in Salisbury is $242,500, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Salisbury?
The median gross rent in Salisbury is $1,071 per month, about 32.1% of household income.
Is Salisbury, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 16% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 26% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.8%; a poverty rate of 26.3%.
What is the median age in Salisbury?
The median age in Salisbury is 36.5 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Salisbury?
The average commute to work in Salisbury is 22 minutes; 8.7% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salisbury?
The unemployment rate in Salisbury is 5.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salisbury?
29.9% of adults in Salisbury 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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