Salem, VA
Population 25,477 · Virginia
About Salem, VA
Salem is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 25,477 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,716 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $244,800, which is 0% 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 $1,046, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,096 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (6,441 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (3,699 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.1% of Salem 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 2.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, VA?
The population of Salem, VA is 25,477 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, VA is $66,716 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, VA is $244,800, which is 0% 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, VA is $1,046, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, VA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Salem, VA a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,477 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, VA?
31.1% 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, VA: median home value is $244,800 (0% below national), median rent is $1,046/month, and median household income is $66,716. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, VA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Salem, VA?
Salem's population is 2.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 7.7% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.