Living in Salem, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 4,144 residents with a median age of 53.9. The median household income is $61,659 (21% lower than the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $241,400, the median rent is $1,073/month.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 4,144
- Median age
- 53.9State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $61,659State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $241,400State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,073/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 79.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.9%
- Average commute
- 28 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 5% lower than the state median; a poverty rate of 11.7%.
Cons: Median household income 21% lower than the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 6.4%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $241,400, 27% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month, which is 44.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,515 a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $61,659 and the income per person is $31,531. 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,127
- Owner-occupied
- 79.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 20.9%
- Vacant
- 42.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1983
- Average household size
- 2.28
42.2% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Salem has many vacation and second homes.
Salem demographics
- Population
- 4,144
- Median age
- 53.9
- Under 18
- 20.1%
- 65 and older
- 26.6%
- Households
- 1,806
- Foreign-born
- 2.9%
- Veterans
- 10.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
26.9% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 11% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 6.4%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 28 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 13.8%
- Drive alone
- 66.3%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 5.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 84%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 4,144 | $61,659 | $241,400 | $1,073 |
| The Hideout | 2,432 | $48,045 | $205,600 | — |
| Indian Rocks | 375 | $106,250 | $313,000 | — |
| Lake Wallenpaupack Estates | 233 | $250,001 | $269,500 | — |
| The Escape | 416 | $48,603 | — | $1,358 |
| Lake | 4,897 | $59,873 | $198,700 | $1,464 |
| Sterling | 1,407 | $70,417 | $231,600 | $869 |
| Wallenpaupack Lake Estates | 1,232 | $86,917 | $242,300 | $1,673 |
| Madison | 2,401 | $79,769 | $247,800 | $910 |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, PA?
The median household income in Salem is $61,659, 21% lower than the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (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 $241,400, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in Salem?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,073 per month, about 44.2% of household income.
Is Salem, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 5% lower than the state median; a poverty rate of 11.7%. Minuses: median household income 21% lower than the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 28 minutes; unemployment of 6.4%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 53.9 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 28 minutes; 13.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 6.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
26.9% 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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