Salem, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
385
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
185
8.8% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 385 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59.7% of Salem locals are male, and 40.3% are female.

Total population
385
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59.7%
230
Female
40.3%
155
Value Percent YoY change
Male 230 59.7% 9.5%
Female 155 40.3% -4.3%
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

Adults between 25 and 44 make up 12.7% of the population, while another 39.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
0%
15 to 24
19.7%
25 to 44
12.7%
45 to 64
39.7%
Over 65
27.8%
Value Percent YoY change
15 to 24 76 19.7% 31.0%
25 to 44 49 12.7% -21.0%
45 to 64 153 39.7% 10.1%
Over 65 107 27.8% 42.7%
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

At the same time, 2.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 376 97.7% 4.2%
Non-citizens 9 2.3% -18.2%
Racial breakdown
White
4.7%
Black or African American
92%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 18 4.7%
Black or African American 354 92%
Two or more races 13 3.4%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 185 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 40% are families, while the remaining 60% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
185
8.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
111
Family households
74
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 111 60% 5.7%
Family households 74 40% 13.8%
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 185 units, with 60.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 33.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
185
8.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 112 60.5%
1 unit, attached 11 6%
Mobile home 62 33.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1984. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1960 and 1969 43 23.2% 43.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 45 24.3% 66.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 11 6% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 49 26.5% -7.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 20% -24.5%
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 185 occupied housing units in Salem, 71.4% are owner-occupied, while 28.6% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
185
8.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
53
Owner occupied
132
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 53 28.6% -20.9%
Owner occupied 132 71.4% 28.2%
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 $468 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $460.

Median housing costs per month
$468/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
$460/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 57.5% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 2% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 1.4% 0.0%
High school diploma 203 57.5% 23.0%
College diploma 82 23.2% -2.4%
Associate degree 7 2% -50.0%
Bachelor's degree 51 14.4% 34.2%
Graduate degree 5 1.4% 66.7%
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 $68,688 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +21.7% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Salem
$68,688/year
21.7% year-over-year change

Salem income by age

Overall, 81.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Above poverty level
314
Below poverty level
71
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 314 81.6% -2.2%
Below poverty level 71 18.4% 39.2%

Average renter income in Salem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Salem, their median household income was $18,083 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,083
Rent-to-income ratio
30.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

The job market in Salem is powered by 186 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
186
-1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
142
Blue collar
44
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 142 76.3% 5.2%
Blue collar 44 23.7% -18.5%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
39.2%
Governmental workers
60.8%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 73 39.2% 25.9%
Governmental workers 113 60.8% -13.7%

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Commuting methods vary: 74.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.1% 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 131 74.9% -2.2%
Walk 44 25.1% -6.4%
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.

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 385 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 59.7% males (230 residents)
  • 40.3% females (155 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 57.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 0% (0 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.7% (76 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 12.7% (49 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 39.7% (153 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.8% (107 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 4.7% (18 residents)
  • Black or African American: 92% (354 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.4% (13 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 185 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +8.8% 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 185 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the job market overview for Salem?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.3% (142 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.7% (44 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 39.2% (73 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 60.8% (113 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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