Virginia / Salem County

Moving to Salem, VA

Thinking of making a move to Salem, VA? 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, VA

Considering a move to Salem, VA? This welcoming community of 25,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 22 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, VA

Salem has a population of 25,100 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 77% White, 16% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
25,100
Density
1,950 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.5%
Black
15.8%
Asian
3.0%
Others
4.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Salem, VA?

The cost of living in Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.4. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
92.4
Grocery
96.8
Housing
82.5
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
94.1
Health Care
96.5
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Salem, VA a safe place to live?

Salem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 62. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
185
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,620
Crime Index
1,805
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 541
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 62

Weather

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

Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 27°F. The area receives about 44 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
27°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
71°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.4%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$67,800
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$32,900
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
13.4%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
22.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
32.6%

Education

How are the schools in Salem, VA?

Salem offers quality education options, with public schools like Andrew Lewis Middle School and East Salem Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Roanoke College and Virginia Western Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Andrew Lewis Middle School
Street
1224 Lewis St
Phone
540-389-0212
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
13.9
Name
East Salem Elementary School
Street
1118 E 2nd St
Phone
540-389-0240
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Roanoke Catholic School
Street
621 N Jefferson St
Phone
540-366-6537
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Roanoke College
City
Salem
State
VA
Distance
1 mile
Students
1,800
Name
Virginia Western Community College
City
Roanoke
State
VA
Distance
6 miles
Students
8,500

Healthcare

Salem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like LewisGale Medical Center and Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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 Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Address
1970 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone
(540) 982-2860
Type
Veterans Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
78.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Salem, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Salem handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. 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
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2300 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23269
Phone
(804) 497-7100

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, VA

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 25,100, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 22.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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