Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, VA
Considering a move to Salem, VA? With a friendly population of about 25,300, Salem offers affordable living, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $1,030. Residents benefit from short 19-minute commutes, low crime rates, and access to high-quality healthcare and schools. Enjoy a pleasant climate with 60% sunny days, and explore local colleges, parks, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Demographics - Salem, VA
Salem, VA is home to approximately 25,300 residents, featuring a predominantly White community with a median age of 42.1 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a small but present multicultural population, with nearly 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and family-friendly demographics make it appealing to a wide range of newcomers.
Population:
25,300
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.5%
Black:
8.1%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, VA?
Salem offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $235,000 and average rents around $1,030 per month. Utilities and everyday expenses are lower than national averages, with a cost of living index of 88.5, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households. State taxes range from 2% to 5.75%, helping residents manage overall expenses.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
73.1
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
92.8
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Salem, VA a safe place to live?
Salem has a relatively low crime rate, with just 181 violent crimes and 1,430 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 552, offering peace of mind for families and individuals. Overall, the city fosters a safe and secure environment for its residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
181
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,430
Crime Index:
1,611
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 552
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, VA year-round?
Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 27°F and warm summers reaching up to 86°F. The city enjoys about 60% sunny days and receives roughly 42.6 inches of rainfall each year, creating a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. Pleasant spring and fall temperatures make this area ideal for year-round living.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Salem benefit from a median household income of $59,600 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. The neighborhood boasts a high educational attainment rate, with nearly 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. Short average commutes of 19 minutes and a modest poverty rate contribute to the area's overall quality of life.
Median Income:
$37,800
Household Income:
$59,600
Family Income:
$77,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$49,200
Income Female:
$39,100
Poverty Rate:
11.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$1,030
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
30.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, VA?
Salem is known for its strong educational offerings, including highly rated public schools like Salem High and Andrew Lewis Middle, both maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Roanoke College, with larger institutions like Virginia Western Community College nearby, providing excellent higher education options. Private and Montessori schools add to the diversity of learning environments available to families.
Public Schools
Name:
Salem High School
Street:
400 Spartan Dr
Phone:
540-387-2437
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Andrew Lewis Middle School
Street:
616 S College Ave
Phone:
540-387-2513
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
Salem Montessori School
Street:
106 Roanoke Blvd
Phone:
540-387-1527
Students:
100
Colleges
Name:
Roanoke College
City:
Salem
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Virginia Western Community College
City:
Roanoke
State:
VA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
6,200
Healthcare
Salem provides access to quality healthcare through major facilities like LewisGale Medical Center and Salem VA Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The city has a strong physician presence, with 2.6 doctors per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of locals have health insurance coverage. Its healthcare index of 77.2 reflects reliable medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
LewisGale Medical Center
Address:
1900 Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone:
(540) 776-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Salem VA Medical Center
Address:
1970 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone:
(540) 982-2463
Type:
Veterans Affairs Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, VA?
The housing market in Salem is accessible, with a median home price of $235,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at about $1,030. Homeownership is common, with nearly 63% of residents owning their homes, and property values have seen modest appreciation over the past year. Rental vacancies are low, indicating a steady demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Salem residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Richmond, VA. The DMV provides essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers both online and in-person. Access to these services ensures convenient vehicle management for locals.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
210 N. 8th Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.