Salem, NJ
Population 5,315 · New Jersey
About Salem, NJ
Salem is a small community in New Jersey with a population of 5,315 residents. The median household income is $40,650 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Salem is 36.1 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $69,300 and median monthly rent of $992. Of the 2,889 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 768 owner-occupied and 1,448 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 10.6% and the poverty rate is 31.2%. 12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 28 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, NJ?
The population of Salem, NJ is 5,315 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, NJ is $40,650 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, NJ is $69,300.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, NJ is $992.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, NJ is 10.6%.