Salem Town, NH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,954
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$110,490/yr
9.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,732
1.7% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 30,954 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Salem locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
30,954
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
16,026
Female
48.2%
14,928
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,026 51.8% 3.1%
Female 14,928 48.2% -1.1%
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 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.7% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 31.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.7%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
31.2%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,938 12.7% -6.2%
15 to 24 3,256 10.5% 7.2%
25 to 44 8,362 27% 1.6%
45 to 64 9,644 31.2% 5.9%
Over 65 5,754 18.6% -5.1%
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, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 3.5% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.1%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,405 88.5% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,203 7.1% -6.2%
Non-citizens 1,346 4.4% 2.1%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 26,996 87.2%
Black or African American 356 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 293 1%
Asian 1,092 3.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 40 0.1%
Two or more races 1,566 5.1%
Other 611 2%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 12,614 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,614
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,166
Family households
8,448
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,166 33% 3.5%
Family households 8,448 67% -1.1%
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 13,732 units, with 63.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% 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 6.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,732
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,769 63.8%
1 unit, attached 590 4.3%
2 units 334 2.4%
3 or 4 units 137 1%
5 to 9 units 382 2.8%
10 to 19 units 1,055 7.7%
20 to 49 units 970 7.1%
50 or more units 547 4%
Mobile home 938 6.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
480
117.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1977. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 579 4.2% -4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 584 4.2% 26.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,138 8.3% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,737 19.9% 2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,589 18.8% 1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,193 16% -4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,212 8.8% -11.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 964 7% -7.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,258 9.2% 15.8%
Built in 2020 or later 480 3.5% 117.2%
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 12,614 occupied housing units in Salem, 75.6% are owner-occupied, while 24.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,614
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,076
Owner occupied
9,538
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,076 24.4% 5.7%
Owner occupied 9,538 75.6% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
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 $1,985 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,625.

Median housing costs per month
$1,985/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
$1,625/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 34.8% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 23.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 444 1.7% 33.7%
High school diploma 9,022 34.8% 1.0%
College diploma 4,876 18.8% 11.6%
Associate degree 1,806 7% -17.0%
Bachelor's degree 6,189 23.9% 1.8%
Graduate degree 3,598 13.9% 1.0%
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 $138,791 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $110,490, reflecting a +9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$138,791/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$110,490/year
9.0% 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 $137,273. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $132,252 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $128,686, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,968 in earnings. Overall, 95% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $128,686 -4.5%
25 - 44 $137,273 4.5%
45 - 64 $132,252 5.6%
Over 65 $71,968 6.7%
Above poverty level
29,023
Below poverty level
1,532
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 29,023 95% 1.3%
Below poverty level 1,532 5% 6.5%

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

81.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
15,206
Blue collar
3,502
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,206 81.3% 5.5%
Blue collar 3,502 18.7% -1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,470 7.9% -5.6%
Private companies 13,058 69.8% 4.9%
Governmental workers 2,640 14.1% 8.3%
Not for profit companies 1,540 8.2% 1.9%

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Commuting methods vary: 96% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 14,337 96% 2.1%
Bus or trolleybus 274 1.8% 26.9%
Railroad 27 0.2% -35.7%
Motorcycle 43 0.3% -12.2%
Bicycle 27 0.2% -22.9%
Walk 234 1.6% -19.3%
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
03079 30,964 12,618 $110,490 $138,926

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 30,954 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:
  • 51.8% males (16,026 residents)
  • 48.2% females (14,928 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.7% (3,938 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (3,256 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (8,362 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.2% (9,644 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (5,754 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (26,996 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (356 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (293 residents)
  • Asian: 3.5% (1,092 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (40 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (1,566 residents)
  • Other: 2% (611 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 13,732 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +1.7% 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 12,614 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $110,490, representing a +9.0% 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: 81.3% (15,206 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.7% (3,502 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (1,470 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (13,058 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (2,640 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (1,540 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