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 25,300 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $1,030. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% 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 25,300 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 8% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.5. Median home values are around $235,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,030. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 181 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. 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
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 warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 27°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
27°F
Max
45°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,600 and a low poverty rate of 11.4%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Salem High School and Andrew Lewis Middle 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
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like LewisGale Medical Center and Salem VA Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 90.6% 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 VA Medical Center
Address
1970 Roanoke Blvd, Salem, VA 24153
Phone
(540) 982-2463
Type
Veterans Affairs Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $235,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 3.7% 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
$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

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
210 N. 8th Street, Richmond, VA 23219
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 25,300, median home value $235,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,030, commute time 19.0 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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