Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, NJ
Considering a move to Salem, NJ? With a population of 4,634, Salem offers affordable living, with median home prices around $97,000 and average rents at $1,120. Commute times are short at just over 22 minutes, but the city faces higher crime rates than average. Salem features small class sizes in its public schools and a mild climate with 56% sunny days. Explore the cost of living, housing, schools, and local amenities to see if this historic riverside city is right for you.
Demographics - Salem, NJ
Salem, NJ is home to 4,634 residents, with a median age of 37.8 and a predominantly Black community making up 59% of the population. The city has a moderate population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, offering a diverse urban experience within a compact area.
Population:
4,634
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
85 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
32.1%
Black:
59.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, NJ?
Salem offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $97,000 and average rents of $1,120. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the city's overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$97,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.9
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
108.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Salem, NJ a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Salem are higher than the national average, with 1 in 92 residents experiencing violent crime and 1 in 34 affected by property crime. Prospective residents should consider personal and property safety when evaluating neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,085
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,900
Crime Index:
3,985
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 92
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, NJ year-round?
Salem enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and winters with lows around 26°F. The area receives about 44.7 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny weather 56% of the year, making it comfortable for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Salem are modest, with a median of $37,800 and a notable poverty rate of 36.6%. Most residents have completed high school, but only about 11% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a community with a strong working-class presence and accessible commute times averaging 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$25,700
Household Income:
$37,800
Family Income:
$44,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,100
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
36.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
8.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.4%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, NJ?
Salem provides small class sizes in its public schools, such as Salem High and John Fenwick Academy, and is served by both public and private institutions. Higher education is available nearby at Salem Community College, located just five miles away, offering options for continued learning within the region.
Public Schools
Name:
Salem High School
Street:
219 Walnut St
Phone:
856-935-3900
Students:
383
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.8
Name:
John Fenwick Academy
Street:
183 Smith St
Phone:
856-935-3900
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Regional School
Street:
735 Vine St
Phone:
856-935-4427
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Salem Community College
City:
Carneys Point
State:
NJ
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Salem residents benefit from access to Salem Medical Center, a general hospital with emergency services, and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91%. The city has a solid ratio of physicians per capita, supporting general healthcare needs for the population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salem Medical Center
Address:
310 Salem Woodstown Rd, Salem, NJ 08079
Phone:
(856) 935-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, NJ?
The local housing market in Salem is affordable, with a median home price of $97,000 and rents averaging $1,120 for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership rates are lower than the national average, and rental options are plentiful due to a higher vacancy rate, making Salem accessible for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$97,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Salem's motor vehicle needs are served locally by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission office, conveniently located on Woodstown Road. Residents can access comprehensive DMV services and information through the state website or by phone.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
185 Woodstown Rd, Salem, NJ 08079
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
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.