Salem, NM demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
916
9.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$31,386/yr
-44.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
263
11.9% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 916 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 62% of Salem locals are male, and 38% are female.

Total population
916
9.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
62%
568
Female
38%
348
Value Percent YoY change
Male 568 62% 19.8%
Female 348 38% -3.3%
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 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 24.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 32.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7% are 65 or older.

Median age
30
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
24.9%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
32.4%
Over 65
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 120 13.1% -46.0%
15 to 24 228 24.9% 79.5%
25 to 44 207 22.6% -20.4%
45 to 64 297 32.4% 74.7%
Over 65 64 7% 16.4%
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, 51.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 39.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 26.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
51.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
39.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 471 51.4% 19.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 82 9% -36.9%
Non-citizens 363 39.6% 16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
2.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
26.3%
Other
71.4%
Value Percent
White 21 2.3%
Two or more races 241 26.3%
Other 654 71.4%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 243 households, with an average of 4 members in each.

Households stats

Total households
243
3.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
0
Family households
243
Value Percent YoY change
Family households 243 100% 25.3%
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 263 units, with 27.4% 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 72.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
263
11.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 72 27.4%
Mobile home 191 72.6%
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 1950 and 1959 19 7.2% 11.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 25.1% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 123 46.8% -19.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 55 20.9% 71.9%
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 243 occupied housing units in Salem, 74.9% are owner-occupied, while 25.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
243
3.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
61
Owner occupied
182
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 61 25.1% 19.6%
Owner occupied 182 74.9% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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

Median housing costs per month
$316/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.

Education in Salem

Salem education at a glance

About 51.2% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 15.1% pursued college studies. Another earned an associate degree and 2% hold a bachelor’s.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 228 31.8% 4.6%
High school diploma 367 51.2% 28.8%
College diploma 108 15.1% 22.7%
Bachelor's degree 14 2% N/A
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 $45,918 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -9.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $31,386, reflecting a -44.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$45,918/year
-9.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$31,386/year
-44.1% year-over-year change

Salem income by age

Overall, 45.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Above poverty level
420
Below poverty level
496
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 420 45.8% -4.1%
Below poverty level 496 54.2% 25.2%

Employment in Salem

Workforce and job types in Salem

The job market in Salem is powered by 408 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 19.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 80.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 14.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
408
-2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
81
Blue collar
327
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 81 19.8% -14.7%
Blue collar 327 80.2% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
14.7%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 43 10.5% -43.4%
Private companies 305 74.8% 3.4%
Governmental workers 60 14.7% 22.4%
Unemployment rate
8.5%
-39.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Salem stands at 8.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Salem

How people get around in Salem

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 360 88.2% -14.3%
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
87941 988 277 $31,332 $46,736

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 916 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 +9.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 62% males (568 residents)
  • 38% females (348 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 30.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (120 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 24.9% (228 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (207 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.4% (297 residents)
  • Over 65: 7% (64 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 2.3% (21 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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: 26.3% (241 residents)
  • Other: 71.4% (654 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 51.4% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 263 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +11.9% 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 243 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $31,386, representing a -44.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Salem?

The employment rate is 91.5% in Salem, with a workforce of 408 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 19.8% (81 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 80.2% (327 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (43 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (305 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.7% (60 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