Salem, VA
Population 25,477 · Virginia
About Salem, VA
Salem is a mid-sized city in Virginia with a population of 25,477 residents. The median household income is $66,716 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Salem is 40.3 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $244,800 and median monthly rent of $1,046. Of the 11,096 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,441 owner-occupied and 3,699 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 3.4% and the poverty rate is 10.9%. 31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.7 minutes.
How Salem Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Salem, VA
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $66,716 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $244,800, which is 0% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,046 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Salem's income is 24% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 25% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Salem, VA?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $244,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,046/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,716) 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 25,477 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey's Crossroads | 25,458 | $84,241 | $398,200 | Compare |
| Staunton | 25,765 | $62,586 | $239,300 | Compare |
| Cave Spring | 26,014 | $85,314 | $296,700 | Compare |
| Herndon | 24,529 | $141,418 | $568,700 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 24,478 | $132,774 | $677,400 | Compare |
| Brambleton | 23,999 | $250,001 | $833,000 | Compare |
| Chantilly | 23,744 | $143,786 | $633,900 | Compare |
| Chester | 23,519 | $88,455 | $290,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Salem, VA is 25,477 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, VA is $66,716 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, VA is $244,800.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, VA is $1,046.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, VA is 3.4%.