Salem, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,629
-10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,529/yr
-11.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
735
-7.7% year-over-year change

Salem population

How many people live in Salem

Salem is home to 1,629 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56.9% of Salem locals are male, and 43.1% are female.

Total population
1,629
-10.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56.9%
927
Female
43.1%
702
Value Percent YoY change
Male 927 56.9% -12.5%
Female 702 43.1% -6.8%
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 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.7% are children under 15, then 27.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.7%
15 to 24
27.7%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
16.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 142 8.7% -6.0%
15 to 24 451 27.7% -7.6%
25 to 44 388 23.8% -20.5%
45 to 64 382 23.4% -10.8%
Over 65 266 16.3% 3.5%
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, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.5% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,588 97.5% -9.9%
Non-citizens 41 2.5% -16.3%
Racial breakdown
White
94.5%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,540 94.5%
Black or African American 48 3%
Asian 14 0.9%
Two or more races 17 1%
Other 10 0.6%

Households in Salem

A peek inside Salem households

Salem has 578 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46.9% are families, while the remaining 53.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
578
-10.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
307
Family households
271
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 307 53.1% -13.0%
Family households 271 46.9% -6.2%
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 735 units, with 65.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
735
-7.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 479 65.2%
1 unit, attached 4 0.5%
2 units 10 1.4%
3 or 4 units 14 1.9%
5 to 9 units 44 6%
10 to 19 units 31 4.2%
20 to 49 units 85 11.6%
50 or more units 9 1.2%
Mobile home 59 8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Salem

In Salem, the median construction year is 1956. About 41.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.5% 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 302 41.1% -13.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 55 7.5% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 2.6% -32.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 44 6% -37.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 93 12.6% -15.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 102 13.9% 56.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 53 7.2% -26.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 19 2.6% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 48 6.5% 65.5%
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 578 occupied housing units in Salem, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
578
-10.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
175
Owner occupied
403
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 175 30.3% -5.4%
Owner occupied 403 69.7% -11.8%
Unoccupied housing units
21.4%
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 $505 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $525.

Median housing costs per month
$505/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
$525/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 56.7% of the population in Salem went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 38 2.7% 11.8%
High school diploma 799 56.7% -1.8%
College diploma 325 23% -11.4%
Associate degree 74 5.2% -26.0%
Bachelor's degree 112 7.9% -26.8%
Graduate degree 62 4.4% -38.0%
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 $49,242 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,529, reflecting a -11.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Salem
$49,242/year
-3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Salem
$38,529/year
-11.8% year-over-year change

Salem income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,510 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,688, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $26,613 in earnings. Overall, 83.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,688 N/A
45 - 64 $51,510 -1.2%
Over 65 $26,613 -0.1%
Above poverty level
1,101
Below poverty level
220
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,101 83.4% -11.3%
Below poverty level 220 16.6% -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 $29,821 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,821
Rent-to-income ratio
21.1%
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 637 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.1% run their own businesses, 53.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
637
-21.3% year-over-year change
White collar
543
Blue collar
94
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 543 85.2% -15.2%
Blue collar 94 14.8% -44.4%
Employer type
Self employees
4.1%
Private companies
53.2%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
24.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 26 4.1% -42.2%
Private companies 339 53.2% -23.3%
Governmental workers 118 18.5% -15.1%
Not for profit companies 154 24.2% -15.8%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-17.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Salem stands at 4.4%, 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: 84.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11.3% 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 541 84.9% -22.8%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.6% -20.0%
Walk 72 11.3% -21.7%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Salem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
26426 7,575 2,637 $56,163 $81,212

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FAQs about Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Salem?

Salem has a total population of 1,629 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 -10.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Salem?

The gender ratio in Salem is as follows:
  • 56.9% males (927 residents)
  • 43.1% females (702 residents)

What is the median age in Salem?

The median age in Salem is 32.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Salem?

The age distribution in Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.7% (142 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 27.7% (451 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (388 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (382 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.3% (266 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Salem is as follows:
  • White: 94.5% (1,540 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (48 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (14 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1% (17 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (10 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Salem.

How many housing units are there in Salem?

There are 735 housing units in Salem, reflecting a -7.7% 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 578 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Salem?

Salem has a median household income of $38,529, representing a -11.8% 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 95.6% in Salem, with a workforce of 637 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.2% (543 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.8% (94 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.1% (26 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.2% (339 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (118 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 24.2% (154 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