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 44,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 33 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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 44,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 74% White, 9% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
44,500
Density
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
74.0%
Black
9.0%
Asian
6.0%
Others
11.0%

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 136.4. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,300. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$980
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
136.4
Grocery
124.0
Housing
165.0
Utilities
116.5
Transportation
133.0
Health Care
118.0
Miscellaneous
118.5

Crime

Is Salem, MA a safe place to live?

Salem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 55. 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
290
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,820
Crime Index
2,110
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 55

Weather

What is the weather like in Salem, MA year-round?

Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $87,500 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 43% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 33 minutes, and almost 17% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$54,000
Household Income
$87,500
Family Income
$102,000
Per Capita Income
$41,500
Income Male
$58,000
Income Female
$50,000
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Non English Speakers
24.0%
Rent
$2,300
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
16.5%
Commute Time
33.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
42.5%

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 Maritime Academy Charter School. 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
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Collins Middle School
Street
29 Highland Ave
Phone
(978) 740-1223
Students
820
Student Teacher Ratio
13.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph School
Street
26 Jervis Ave
Phone
(978) 744-0138
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Salem State University
City
Salem
State
MA
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,500
Name
Maritime Academy Charter School
City
Peabody
State
MA
Distance
4 miles
Students
400

Healthcare

Salem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Salem Hospital and MassGeneral for Children at North Shore Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people and 97.1% 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
MassGeneral for Children at North Shore Medical Center
Address
81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Phone
(978) 741-1200
Type
Specialty
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage
97.1%
Health Care Index
82.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Salem, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.3%. Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.1%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Salem handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Quincy. 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
25 Newport Ave Extension, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone
1-857-368-8000

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 44,500, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 33.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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