Salem, NC
Population 2,035 · North Carolina
About Salem, NC
Salem is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,035 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,653 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 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 $159,300, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Salem in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $772, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,106 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (682 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (237 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.9% 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 4.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.0% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Salem, NC
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $66,653 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,300, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $772 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Salem's income is 3% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 30% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Salem, NC?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $772/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,653) 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 2,035 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coats | 2,029 | $38,098 | $116,800 | Compare |
| Walnut Cove | 2,046 | $44,700 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Claremont | 2,051 | $59,583 | $227,200 | Compare |
| Ramseur | 2,061 | $29,508 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Cedar Point | 2,005 | $91,853 | $421,400 | Compare |
| Pine Level | 2,072 | $72,663 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Glen Alpine | 1,995 | $62,917 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Hemby Bridge | 2,079 | $71,953 | $262,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Salem, NC is 2,035 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, NC is $66,653 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, NC is $159,300, which is 35% 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, NC is $772, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, NC is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salem, NC a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,035 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, NC?
20.9% 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, NC: median home value is $159,300 (35% below national), median rent is $772/month, and median household income is $66,653. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, NC is 19.9%, 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, NC?
Salem's population is 4.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.0% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.