Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, NH
Thinking about moving to Salem, NH? With a population of just over 30,000, Salem is known for its welcoming community, strong schools, and convenient access to Boston. The median home price stands at $455,000, with average rents around $1,700, and cost of living slightly above the national average. Residents enjoy low crime rates, average commute times under 30 minutes, and highly rated public schools. Salem offers four-season New England charm, making it a great choice for families and professionals seeking a safe, vibrant place to call home.
Demographics - Salem, NH
Salem, NH is home to about 30,600 residents with a median age of 45, reflecting a balanced and mature community. The city is predominantly White, with a growing Asian population and nearly 11% of locals speaking a language other than English. Its population density and even gender ratio create a comfortable suburban environment for newcomers.
Population:
30,647
Density:
1,276 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.3
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
1.3%
Asian:
4.2%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, NH?
Living in Salem comes with a slightly higher cost of living index at 117.1, mainly due to housing where the median home value is $455,000 and average rent is $1,700. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should budget for above-average housing and utility costs. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare remain manageable compared to regional averages.
Median House Value:
$455,000
Gross Rent:
$1,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
5% (interest & dividends tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
117.1
Grocery:
107.3
Housing:
128.8
Utilities:
111.9
Transportation:
111.0
Health Care:
106.2
Miscellaneous:
104.7
Crime
Is Salem, NH a safe place to live?
Salem boasts a low violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also below national averages, with a 1 in 98 chance annually. Residents enjoy peace of mind in a community known for its safety and security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,117
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, NH year-round?
Salem experiences all four New England seasons, with warm summers reaching the low 80s and cold winters dipping to the upper teens. Rainfall is moderate at about 46 inches annually, and the area enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. The varied climate is ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Salem is strong at $101,500, with a low poverty rate of 4.5% and unemployment around 2.7%. Most residents hold a high school diploma or higher, and commute times average just under 30 minutes. The community is stable and family-friendly, with a mix of long-term homeowners and renters.
Median Income:
$54,800
Household Income:
$101,500
Family Income:
$119,900
Per Capita Income:
$49,200
Income Male:
$68,000
Income Female:
$49,900
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$1,700
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
35.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, NH?
Salem is served by well-rated public schools, including Salem High School and Woodbury Middle School, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also offers private education options and is within commuting distance of higher education institutions like Southern New Hampshire University. Families moving to Salem can expect a supportive and diverse educational environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Salem High School
Street:
44 Geremonty Dr
Phone:
603-893-7069
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Woodbury Middle School
Street:
206 Main St
Phone:
603-893-7055
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Regional Catholic School
Street:
40 Main St
Phone:
603-893-6811
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Southern New Hampshire University
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Northern Essex Community College
City:
Haverhill
State:
MA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,100
Healthcare
Salem residents have access to major hospitals like Parkland Medical Center and Elliot Hospital, both offering emergency services nearby. Healthcare coverage is high, with 94% of locals insured and a healthy ratio of 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. The city’s healthcare resources support a robust, well-cared-for population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Parkland Medical Center
Address:
1 Parkland Dr, Derry, NH 03038
Phone:
(603) 432-1500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Elliot Hospital
Address:
1 Elliot Way, Manchester, NH 03103
Phone:
(603) 669-5300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, NH?
The Salem housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $455,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, while rental vacancy remains low at just 3.1%. The area offers strong investment potential and stable housing choices for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$455,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Salem are managed by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord. Residents can access DMV resources, including forms and appointment scheduling, through the state’s official website. The process is streamlined for both newcomers and long-term residents.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
603-227-4000
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.