Salem, MA
Population 44,241 · Massachusetts
About Salem, MA
Salem is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 44,241 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,137 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $497,400, which is 103% above the national median of $244,900. This places Salem in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,800, 55% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,000 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (10,163 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (9,626 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
49.6% of Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 14.4% Asian residents, with 15.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salem Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Salem, MA
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $85,137 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $497,400, which is 103% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,800 is 55% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Salem's income is 19% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 11% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Salem, MA?
Salem offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,137, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 49.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $497,400. However, Salem’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salem has a population of 44,241 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leominster | 43,697 | $81,556 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $68,386 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Arlington | 46,015 | $141,440 | $885,000 | Compare |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $103,739 | $621,900 | Compare |
| Attleboro | 46,499 | $93,266 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $70,659 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $95,047 | $485,400 | Compare |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $107,754 | $641,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
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, MA?
The population of Salem, MA is 44,241 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, MA is $85,137 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, MA is $497,400, which is 103% above 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, MA is $1,800, which is 55% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, MA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salem, MA a good place to live?
Salem offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 44,241 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, MA?
49.6% of residents in Salem aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salem, MA: median home value is $497,400 (103% above national), median rent is $1,800/month, and median household income is $85,137. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, MA is 13.7%, 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, MA?
Salem's population is 0.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 14.4% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 15.4% of residents are foreign-born.