Salisbury, NC
Population 35,730 · North Carolina
About Salisbury, NC
Salisbury is a mid-sized city located in North Carolina with a population of 35,730 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,058 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salisbury features a median home value of $215,200, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Salisbury in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,030, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,523 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (6,760 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (6,844 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 Salisbury shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salisbury have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.9% of Salisbury residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Salisbury With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salisbury
What is the population of Salisbury, NC?
The population of Salisbury, NC is 35,730 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Salisbury?
The median household income in Salisbury, NC is $51,058 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salisbury?
The median home value in Salisbury, NC is $215,200, which is 12% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Salisbury?
The median monthly rent in Salisbury, NC is $1,030, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salisbury?
The unemployment rate in Salisbury, NC is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salisbury, NC a good place to live?
Salisbury offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,730 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salisbury, NC?
26.9% of residents in Salisbury 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 Salisbury?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salisbury, NC: median home value is $215,200 (12% below national), median rent is $1,030/month, and median household income is $51,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Salisbury?
The poverty rate in Salisbury, NC is 24.3%, 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 Salisbury, NC?
Salisbury's population is 6.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 35.2% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.