Salem, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,322
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$123,425/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,792
1.5% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 4,322 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.3% of Salem locals are male, and 46.7% are female.

Total population
4,322
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.3%
2,304
Female
46.7%
2,019
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,304 53.3% 4.2%
Female 2,019 46.7% -2.3%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 5.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
5.7%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
20.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 835 19.3% 1.6%
15 to 24 248 5.7% -43.0%
25 to 44 1,232 28.5% 13.1%
45 to 64 1,133 26.2% 0.3%
Over 65 874 20.2% 8.8%
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, 92.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,006 92.7% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 257 6% -6.2%
Non-citizens 59 1.4% -26.2%
Racial breakdown
White
88%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 3,801 88%
Black or African American 21 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 48 1.1%
Asian 65 1.5%
Two or more races 283 6.6%
Other 104 2.4%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 1,792 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 75.5% are families, while the remaining 24.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,792
5.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
439
Family households
1,353
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 439 24.5% 3.3%
Family households 1,353 75.5% 5.9%
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 1,792 units, with 88.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,792
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,583 88.4%
1 unit, attached 55 3.1%
3 or 4 units 11 0.6%
5 to 9 units 86 4.8%
10 to 19 units 56 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
52
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1988. About 6.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 122 6.8% -4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 55 3.1% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 103 5.8% -29.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 100 5.6% 13.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 164 9.2% -31.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 419 23.4% 28.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 459 25.6% 11.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 145 8.1% -33.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 172 9.6% 8.9%
Built in 2020 or later 52 2.9% N/A
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 1,792 occupied housing units in Salem, 86.4% are owner-occupied, while 13.6% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
1,792
5.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
243
Owner occupied
1,549
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 243 13.6% 16.3%
Owner occupied 1,549 86.4% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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 $2,031 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,440.

Median housing costs per month
$2,031/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
$1,440/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 19.1% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 17.7% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 31.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 32 1% 77.8%
High school diploma 637 19.1% -7.8%
College diploma 592 17.7% 20.3%
Associate degree 400 12% -8.5%
Bachelor's degree 1,063 31.8% -5.9%
Graduate degree 615 18.4% 19.2%
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 $149,270 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $123,425, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$149,270/year
-5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$123,425/year
3.9% 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 $125,184. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $168,036 overall. Overall, 93.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $125,184 2.1%
45 - 64 $168,036 9.0%
Over 65 $106,795 -1.2%
Above poverty level
4,014
Below poverty level
262
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,014 93.9% 0.6%
Below poverty level 262 6.1% -1.1%

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

81% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.8% run their own businesses, 57.1% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,762
Blue collar
414
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,762 81% 2.0%
Blue collar 414 19% -3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
14.8%
Private companies
57.1%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 321 14.8% 9.9%
Private companies 1,244 57.1% -5.5%
Governmental workers 403 18.5% 23.6%
Not for profit companies 209 9.6% -7.1%

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,818 98.5% -1.4%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.8% 27.3%
Ferryboat 13 0.7% 30.0%
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
06420 4,368 1,811 $123,425 $149,369

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 4,322 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 53.3% males (2,304 residents)
  • 46.7% females (2,019 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (835 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.7% (248 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (1,232 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (1,133 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.2% (874 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 88% (3,801 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (48 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (65 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (283 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (104 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.7% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 1,792 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +1.5% 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 1,792 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $123,425, representing a +3.9% 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: 81% (1,762 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19% (414 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.8% (321 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.1% (1,244 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (403 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (209 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