Salem, KY
Population 782 · Kentucky
About Salem, KY
Salem is a small community in Kentucky with a population of 782 residents. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Salem is 45.3 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $100,000 and median monthly rent of $683. Of the 299 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 196 owner-occupied and 62 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 1.5% and the poverty rate is 19.0%. 12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 35.7 minutes.
How Salem Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Salem, KY
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $61,250 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $100,000, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Salem's income is 8% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 45% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Salem, KY?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $100,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,250) that falls below the national average. However, Salem’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salem has a population of 782 with a median age of 45.3 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitley City | 782 | $31,250 | $61,900 | Compare |
| Calhoun | 783 | $51,071 | $106,500 | Compare |
| Science Hill | 790 | $53,542 | $129,300 | Compare |
| Woodlawn Park | 790 | $98,661 | $289,800 | Compare |
| Frenchburg | 773 | $26,375 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Auxier | 795 | $113,565 | $116,000 | Compare |
| New Haven | 798 | $68,977 | $143,100 | Compare |
| Crab Orchard | 762 | $31,397 | $97,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, KY?
The population of Salem, KY is 782 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, KY is $61,250 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, KY is $100,000.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, KY is $683.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, KY is 1.5%.