Salem, NC
Population 2,035 · North Carolina
About Salem, NC
Salem is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 2,035 residents. The median household income is $66,653 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Salem is 42.8 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $159,300 and median monthly rent of $772. Of the 1,106 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 682 owner-occupied and 237 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 7.2% and the poverty rate is 19.9%. 20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.3 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, NC?
The population of Salem, NC is 2,035 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, NC is $66,653 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, NC is $159,300.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, NC is $772.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, NC is 7.2%.