Salem, Columbiana County, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,758
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,073/yr
-6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,756
0.1% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 11,758 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Salem locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
11,758
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
5,648
Female
52%
6,110
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,648 48% -0.2%
Female 6,110 52% -0.6%
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 13.4% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,573 13.4% -9.8%
15 to 24 1,782 15.2% 8.3%
25 to 44 2,878 24.5% -4.9%
45 to 64 2,915 24.8% -0.7%
Over 65 2,610 22.2% 6.2%
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, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,549 98.2% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 36 0.3% -72.5%
Non-citizens 173 1.5% 55.9%
Racial breakdown
White
95.9%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.7%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.1%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 11,272 95.9%
Black or African American 8 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 197 1.7%
Two or more races 244 2.1%
Other 37 0.3%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 5,141 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.8% are families, while the remaining 47.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,141
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,427
Family households
2,714
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,427 47.2% 1.1%
Family households 2,714 52.8% 0.2%
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 5,756 units, with 68.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.6% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,756
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,965 68.9%
1 unit, attached 323 5.6%
2 units 294 5.1%
3 or 4 units 638 11.1%
5 to 9 units 163 2.8%
10 to 19 units 86 1.5%
20 to 49 units 87 1.5%
50 or more units 183 3.2%
Mobile home 17 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1954. About 38.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,238 38.9% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 252 4.4% -29.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 907 15.8% -0.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 715 12.4% 3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 465 8.1% 15.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 348 6% 9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 398 6.9% -4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 334 5.8% 16.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 99 1.7% 2.1%
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 5,141 occupied housing units in Salem, 57.3% are owner-occupied, while 42.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,141
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,195
Owner occupied
2,946
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,195 42.7% 3.4%
Owner occupied 2,946 57.3% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
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 $764 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $763.

Median housing costs per month
$764/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
$763/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 51.3% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 13.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 349 3.5% 2.4%
High school diploma 5,090 51.3% 0.4%
College diploma 1,842 18.6% 6.3%
Associate degree 962 9.7% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,334 13.4% -4.0%
Graduate degree 340 3.4% 19.7%
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 $67,179 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,073, reflecting a -6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$67,179/year
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$47,073/year
-6.3% 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 $54,182. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,683 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $64,744, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $28,100 in earnings. Overall, 78.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $64,744 6.7%
25 - 44 $54,182 -9.6%
45 - 64 $63,683 -5.1%
Over 65 $28,100 -12.7%
Above poverty level
8,921
Below poverty level
2,386
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,921 78.9% -2.6%
Below poverty level 2,386 21.1% 9.8%

Average renter income in Salem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Salem, their median household income was $29,924 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,924
Rent-to-income ratio
30.6%
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 5,584 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.6% run their own businesses, 81.6% are employed by private companies, and 6.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,584
-6.2% year-over-year change
White collar
3,840
Blue collar
1,744
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,840 68.8% -5.2%
Blue collar 1,744 31.2% -8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
3.6%
Private companies
81.6%
Governmental workers
6.8%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 204 3.6% -33.8%
Private companies 4,559 81.6% -4.4%
Governmental workers 380 6.8% -16.9%
Not for profit companies 441 7.9% 4.5%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
14.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Salem stands at 6.2%, 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

Commuting methods vary: 89.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 4,986 89.6% -4.6%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 100.0%
Bicycle 302 5.4% 0.3%
Walk 83 1.5% -46.8%
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
44460 25,082 10,355 $57,423 $77,151

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 11,758 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 48% males (5,648 residents)
  • 52% females (6,110 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (1,573 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (1,782 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (2,878 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (2,915 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.2% (2,610 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 95.9% (11,272 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.7% (197 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.1% (244 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (37 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 5,756 housing units in Salem, reflecting a +0.1% 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 5,141 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $47,073, representing a -6.3% 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 93.8% in Salem, with a workforce of 5,584 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.8% (3,840 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.2% (1,744 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.6% (204 residents)
  • Private companies: 81.6% (4,559 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.8% (380 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (441 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