Salem, WV
Population 1,812 · West Virginia
About Salem, WV
Salem is a small community in West Virginia with a population of 1,812 residents. The median household income is $43,690 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Salem is 32.4 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $77,200 and median monthly rent of $570. Of the 796 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 457 owner-occupied and 185 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 4.1% and the poverty rate is 16.6%. 18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.1 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, WV is $43,690 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, WV is $77,200.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, WV is $570.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, WV is 4.1%.