Salem, NJ
Population 5,315 · New Jersey
About Salem, NJ
Salem is a small town located in New Jersey with a population of 5,315 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,650 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 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 $69,300, which is 72% 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 $992, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,889 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (768 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (1,448 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 28 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% 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 1.1% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salem Ranks in New Jersey
Cost of Living in Salem, NJ
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $40,650 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $69,300, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $992 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Jersey, Salem's income is 65% below the state average of $115,667, and home values are 85% below the state median of $469,644.
Why Live in Salem, NJ?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $69,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $992/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,650) 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 5,315 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Jersey.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in New Jersey with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englewood Cliffs | 5,330 | $222,192 | $1,232,700 | Compare |
| Clementon | 5,351 | $69,536 | $197,200 | Compare |
| Glendora | 5,367 | $94,792 | $219,700 | Compare |
| Margate City | 5,260 | $114,417 | $645,200 | Compare |
| Cape May Court House | 5,375 | $74,503 | $355,500 | Compare |
| East Freehold | 5,381 | $195,804 | $626,800 | Compare |
| Bargaintown | 5,231 | $127,734 | $307,100 | Compare |
| Neshanic Station | 5,403 | $213,682 | $636,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Jersey
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, NJ?
The population of Salem, NJ is 5,315 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Jersey.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, NJ is $40,650 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, NJ is $69,300, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, NJ is $992, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, NJ is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salem, NJ a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,315 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, NJ?
12.7% 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, NJ: median home value is $69,300 (72% below national), median rent is $992/month, and median household income is $40,650. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, NJ is 31.2%, 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, NJ?
Salem's population is 1.1% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 56.2% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.