Salem, Lee County, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,096
-11.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,986/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,197
-6.8% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 9,096 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Salem locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
9,096
-11.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
4,591
Female
49.5%
4,505
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,591 50.5% -9.8%
Female 4,505 49.5% -14.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Salem is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.5% are children under 15, then 10.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.9% of the population, while another 30.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
49
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.5%
15 to 24
10.8%
25 to 44
19.9%
45 to 64
30.8%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,317 14.5% -32.2%
15 to 24 985 10.8% 15.8%
25 to 44 1,811 19.9% -16.0%
45 to 64 2,797 30.8% -6.6%
Over 65 2,186 24% -8.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Salem, 94.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83.1% of locals are Caucasian, 13.9% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.3%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,599 94.5% -12.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 486 5.3% -8.1%
Non-citizens 11 0.1% -52.2%
Racial breakdown
White
83.1%
Black or African American
13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 7,555 83.1%
Black or African American 1,266 13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 24 0.3%
Asian 43 0.5%
Two or more races 208 2.3%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 3,643 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.8% are families, while the remaining 28.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,643
-6.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,026
Family households
2,617
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,026 28.2% -8.5%
Family households 2,617 71.8% -6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Salem

The housing landscape of Salem

Salem's housing consists of 4,197 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 30.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,197
-6.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,924 69.7%
20 to 49 units 8 0.2%
Mobile home 1,265 30.1%
Homes built since 2020
92
142.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1998. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 42 1% 10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 31 0.7% -71.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 205 4.9% 7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 241 5.7% 4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 356 8.5% -22.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 589 14% -20.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 759 18.1% -22.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,056 25.2% 1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 826 19.7% 23.6%
Built in 2020 or later 92 2.2% 142.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Salem occupancy rates

Out of the 3,643 occupied housing units in Salem, 90.7% are owner-occupied, while 9.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,643
-6.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
339
Owner occupied
3,304
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 339 9.3% 41.2%
Owner occupied 3,304 90.7% -10.0%
Unoccupied housing units
13.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Salem housing costs

Housing costs in Salem come to a median of $697 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,074.

Median housing costs per month
$697/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Salem
$1,074/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Salem

Salem education at a glance

About 40% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 16.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 196 2.6% 1.6%
High school diploma 2,954 40% -19.0%
College diploma 1,685 22.8% 3.4%
Associate degree 756 10.2% -27.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,209 16.4% 21.1%
Graduate degree 589 8% 12.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Salem

How much people earn in Salem

The average annual household income in Salem was $87,815 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +13.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,986, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$87,815/year
13.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$66,986/year
6.0% year-over-year change

Salem income by age

In Salem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,114. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,426 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,710 in earnings. Overall, 91.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,125 163.6%
25 - 44 $76,114 4.1%
45 - 64 $79,426 -1.6%
Over 65 $45,710 15.3%
Above poverty level
8,239
Below poverty level
781
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,239 91.3% -9.9%
Below poverty level 781 8.7% -24.9%

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

73.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 68.7% are employed by private companies, and 19.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,152
Blue collar
1,111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,152 73.9% -0.6%
Blue collar 1,111 26.1% -18.4%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
68.7%
Governmental workers
19.9%
Not for profit companies
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 407 9.6% 19.4%
Private companies 2,929 68.7% -8.7%
Governmental workers 847 19.9% -5.6%
Not for profit companies 80 1.9% -10.1%

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Commuting methods vary: 99.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,876 99.6% -5.0%
Bus or trolleybus 9 0.2% -40.0%
Walk 8 0.2% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Salem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36874 9,096 3,643 $66,986 $87,815

Explore more communities

FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 9,096 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -11.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (4,591 residents)
  • 49.5% females (4,505 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 49.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.5% (1,317 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.8% (985 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.9% (1,811 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.8% (2,797 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (2,186 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 83.1% (7,555 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.9% (1,266 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (24 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (43 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.3% (208 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

What percentage of the population in Salem are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.5% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 4,197 housing units in Salem, reflecting a -6.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Salem and what is the average household size?

Salem has a total of 3,643 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $66,986, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Salem?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.9% (3,152 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.1% (1,111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (407 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.7% (2,929 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.9% (847 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.9% (80 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025