Salem, WV
Population 1,812 · West Virginia
About Salem, WV
Salem is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,812 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,690 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $77,200, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Salem one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $570, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 796 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (457 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (185 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salem Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Salem, WV
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $43,690 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,200, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $570 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Salem's income is 19% below the state average of $54,014, and home values are 40% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Salem, WV?
Salem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $570/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,690) 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 1,812 with a median age of 32.4 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belington | 1,843 | $47,361 | $95,200 | Compare |
| Crab Orchard | 1,877 | $59,122 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Logan | 1,736 | $31,100 | $86,300 | Compare |
| McMechen | 1,735 | $42,863 | $89,500 | Compare |
| New Haven | 1,735 | $56,500 | $101,700 | Compare |
| Nutter Fort | 1,890 | $62,917 | $116,700 | Compare |
| Star City | 1,894 | $62,031 | $256,800 | Compare |
| Romney | 1,714 | $39,118 | $150,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West 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, WV?
The population of Salem, WV is 1,812 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, WV is $43,690 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, WV is $77,200, which is 68% 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, WV is $570, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, WV is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salem, WV a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,812 and a median age of 32.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Salem, WV?
18.2% 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, WV: median home value is $77,200 (68% below national), median rent is $570/month, and median household income is $43,690. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, WV is 16.6%, 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 Salem, WV?
Salem's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.