Salem, KY
Population 782 · Kentucky
About Salem, KY
Salem is a small community located in Kentucky with a population of 782 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $100,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Salem one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 299 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (196 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 35.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
12.9% of Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, KY?
The population of Salem, KY is 782 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, KY is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, KY is $100,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, KY is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, KY is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Salem, KY a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 782 and a median age of 45.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Salem, KY?
12.9% of residents in Salem aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salem, KY: median home value is $100,000 (59% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $61,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, KY is 19.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Salem, KY?
Salem's population is 5.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.