Massachusetts / Essex County

Moving to Salem, MA

Thinking of making a move to Salem, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, MA

Considering a move to Salem, MA? This welcoming community of 44,480 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $530,000 and average rents near $1,880. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Salem's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Salem, MA

Salem has a population of 44,480 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 7% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 20% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 134.1. Median home values are around $530,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,880. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 236 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $77,200 and a low poverty rate of 11.4%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 13% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Salem High School and Collins Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Salem State University and Endicott College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Salem Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital North Shore Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 96.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $530,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 6.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.7%. Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone
857-368-8000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Salem, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Salem, review the core fields on this page: population 44,480, median home value $530,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,880, commute time 29.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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