Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, MA
Considering a move to Salem, MA? With a population of 44,480, Salem blends coastal New England charm with modern amenities and a walkable downtown. The median home price is around $530,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom is about $1,880. Residents enjoy relatively low violent crime (236 per 100k), a 30-minute average commute, and strong public schools and healthcare options. Salem’s rich history, moderate climate, and vibrant cultural scene make it a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Salem, MA
Salem is home to approximately 44,480 residents with a median age of 38.6, featuring a diverse community where nearly 20% speak languages other than English at home. The city’s population is predominantly White, with notable Black, Asian, and other minority groups contributing to its cultural richness. Its moderate gender ratio and urban density make for a lively yet balanced environment.
Population:
44,480
Density:
5,260 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.4%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
15.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, MA?
Salem’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $530,000 and average monthly rent around $1,880 for a two-bedroom apartment. Residents can expect higher housing and utility costs, while state taxes range from 5% to 9%. Overall, living in Salem offers a vibrant community with expenses reflective of its desirable coastal location.
Median House Value:
$530,000
Gross Rent:
$1,880
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.1
Grocery:
116.3
Housing:
149.7
Utilities:
118.2
Transportation:
131.5
Health Care:
117.0
Miscellaneous:
110.5
Crime
Is Salem, MA a safe place to live?
Salem offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 236 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,473 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 424, which is below national averages for cities of similar size. Residents generally enjoy a secure and welcoming atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
236
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,473
Crime Index:
1,709
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 424
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, MA year-round?
Salem experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and chilly winters dipping to 22°F. The city sees about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, offering a pleasant balance for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring vibrant autumns and comfortable springs, ideal for exploring the area’s coastal beauty.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Salem’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $77,200 and a poverty rate of 11.4%. The local community is well-educated, with nearly 94% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and over 44% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents benefit from accessible public transportation and an average commute of just under 30 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,900
Household Income:
$77,200
Family Income:
$90,800
Per Capita Income:
$41,700
Income Male:
$50,800
Income Female:
$44,200
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
19.8%
Rent:
$1,880
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
12.6%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.9%
Bachelors or More:
44.1%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, MA?
Salem offers strong educational opportunities with public schools like Salem High and Collins Middle, featuring favorable student-teacher ratios around 10:1. The city is also home to Salem State University, providing higher education to over 7,000 students, and is close to other colleges and private schools. Families benefit from a well-rounded selection of academic options across all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Salem High School
Street:
77 Willson St
Phone:
978-740-1123
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2
Name:
Collins Middle School
Street:
29 Highland Ave
Phone:
978-740-1231
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.7

Private Schools
Name:
The Phoenix School
Street:
89 Margin St
Phone:
978-741-0870
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
Salem State University
City:
Salem
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Endicott College
City:
Beverly
State:
MA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Salem provides excellent healthcare access with major facilities like Salem Hospital offering emergency and general services, and a strong physician presence at 3.1 doctors per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is high at 96%, ensuring most residents have reliable access to care. The city’s healthcare index reflects good service quality and availability.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Salem Hospital
Address:
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Phone:
(978) 741-1200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Massachusetts General Hospital North Shore Center
Address:
102-104 Endicott St, Danvers, MA 01923
Phone:
(978) 882-6100
Type:
Specialty & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
79.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, MA?
Salem’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $530,000 and an owner-occupancy rate just over 52%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,880, while the market has shown steady appreciation at 6.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable and desirable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$530,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,880
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Salem access motor vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Boston. The RMV provides licensing, registration, and title services both online and in person, ensuring convenient support for drivers. Contact information and resources are readily available via the state’s official website.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.