Salisbury, NC
Population 35,730 · North Carolina
About Salisbury, NC
Salisbury is a mid-sized city in North Carolina with a population of 35,730 residents. The median household income is $51,058 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Salisbury is 36.5 years.
Housing in Salisbury has a median home value of $215,200 and median monthly rent of $1,030. Of the 15,523 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 6,760 owner-occupied and 6,844 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salisbury is 7.5% and the poverty rate is 24.3%. 26.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.8 minutes.
How Salisbury Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Salisbury, NC
Compared to national averages, Salisbury has a median household income of $51,058 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $215,200, which is 12% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,030 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Salisbury's income is 21% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 6% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Salisbury, NC?
Salisbury offers affordable housing with a median home value of $215,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,030/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,058) that falls below the national average. However, Salisbury’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salisbury has a population of 35,730 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Salisbury with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Salisbury
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe | 35,596 | $67,265 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Fuquay-Varina | 37,749 | $111,447 | $410,600 | Compare |
| Goldsboro | 33,448 | $47,005 | $173,700 | Compare |
| Garner | 32,543 | $77,496 | $320,300 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 32,009 | $114,688 | $512,400 | Compare |
| New Bern | 31,563 | $56,893 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Sanford | 30,833 | $54,294 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Morrisville | 30,471 | $125,404 | $481,800 | 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 Salisbury
What is the population of Salisbury, NC?
The population of Salisbury, NC is 35,730 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salisbury?
The median household income in Salisbury, NC is $51,058 per year.
What is the median home value in Salisbury?
The median home value in Salisbury, NC is $215,200.
What is the average rent in Salisbury?
The median monthly rent in Salisbury, NC is $1,030.
What is the unemployment rate in Salisbury?
The unemployment rate in Salisbury, NC is 7.5%.