New Salem, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,375
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,528/yr
-6.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
478
-3.6% year-over-year change

New Salem population

How many people live in New Salem

New Salem is home to 1,375 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of New Salem locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
1,375
4.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
721
Female
47.6%
654
Value Percent YoY change
Male 721 52.4% 5.6%
Female 654 47.6% 4.0%
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 New Salem is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 13.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
49
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
13.7%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 244 17.8% 16.8%
15 to 24 188 13.7% 10.6%
25 to 44 303 22% -18.3%
45 to 64 346 25.2% -5.2%
Over 65 294 21.4% 49.2%
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 New Salem, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,325 96.4% 3.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 48 3.5% 65.5%
Non-citizens 2 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.8%
Black or African American
4.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 1,208 87.8%
Black or African American 63 4.6%
Two or more races 91 6.6%
Other 13 1%

Households in New Salem

A peek inside New Salem households

New Salem has 478 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 86.8% are families, while the remaining 13.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
478
-3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
63
Family households
415
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 63 13.2% -25.0%
Family households 415 86.8% 1.2%
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 New Salem

The housing landscape of New Salem

New Salem's housing consists of 478 units, with 98.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
478
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 472 98.7%
1 unit, attached 3 0.6%
2 units 1 0.2%
Mobile home 2 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in New Salem

In New Salem, the median construction year is 1954. About 38.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% 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 184 38.5% 25.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 24 5% -14.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 27 5.6% -53.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 69 14.4% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 81 17% -4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 5% -7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4 0.8% -76.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 25 5.2% -10.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 40 8.4% 2.6%
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.

New Salem occupancy rates

Out of the 478 occupied housing units in New Salem, 97.7% are owner-occupied, while 2.3% are lived in by tenants.

Occupied housing units
478
-3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11
Owner occupied
467
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11 2.3% 83.3%
Owner occupied 467 97.7% -4.3%
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.

New Salem housing costs

Housing costs in New Salem come to a median of $1,068 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,054.

Median housing costs per month
$1,068/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 New Salem
$1,054/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 New Salem

New Salem education at a glance

About 54% of the population in New Salem went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 7.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17 1.6% 183.3%
High school diploma 571 54% 12.6%
College diploma 227 21.5% -14.0%
Associate degree 104 9.8% 4.0%
Bachelor's degree 79 7.5% -32.5%
Graduate degree 59 5.6% 9.3%
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 New Salem

How much people earn in New Salem

The average annual household income in New Salem was $96,162 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,528, reflecting a -6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in New Salem
$96,162/year
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in New Salem
$95,528/year
-6.5% year-over-year change

New Salem income by age

In New Salem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $107,844. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,580 overall. Overall, 97.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $107,844 4.4%
45 - 64 $72,580 -35.8%
Over 65 $98,508 54.6%
Above poverty level
1,339
Below poverty level
33
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,339 97.6% 4.9%
Below poverty level 33 2.4% 0.0%

Employment in New Salem

Workforce and job types in New Salem

The job market in New Salem is powered by 646 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 73.2% are employed by private companies, and 5.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
646
-5.6% year-over-year change
White collar
419
Blue collar
227
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 419 64.9% -12.0%
Blue collar 227 35.1% 9.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
73.2%
Governmental workers
5.1%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 9.9% 106.5%
Private companies 473 73.2% -12.7%
Governmental workers 33 5.1% -2.9%
Not for profit companies 76 11.8% -1.3%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
-14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in New Salem stands at 5.3%, 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 New Salem

How people get around in New Salem

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 552 99.1% -5.2%
Bicycle 5 0.9% 66.7%
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 New Salem demographics 

What is the total population of New Salem?

New Salem has a total population of 1,375 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 +4.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in New Salem?

The gender ratio in New Salem is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (721 residents)
  • 47.6% females (654 residents)

What is the median age in New Salem?

The median age in New Salem is 49.

What is the age distribution of the population in New Salem?

The age distribution in New Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (244 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.7% (188 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (303 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (346 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (294 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of New Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of New Salem is as follows:
  • White: 87.8% (1,208 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.6% (63 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (91 residents)
  • Other: 1% (13 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in New Salem.

How many housing units are there in New Salem?

There are 478 housing units in New Salem, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in New Salem and what is the average household size?

New Salem has a total of 478 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in New Salem?

New Salem has a median household income of $95,528, representing a -6.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.7% in New Salem, with a workforce of 646 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.9% (419 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.1% (227 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.2% (473 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.1% (33 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (76 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