New: Get Kurby insights right inside Zillow, Trulia, and Redfin

    Add to Chrome
    logo
    S

    Salem

    Salem city, Virginia

    Affordable
    About Salem

    If you're seeking a blend of small-town charm with big-city convenience, Salem, Virginia, is a hidden gem. This city of just over 25,000 residents offers a refreshingly affordable lifestyle, particularly when you consider the median home value is a comfortable $231,900, significantly below the national average. Salem's allure lies in its friendly atmosphere, the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a pace of life that encourages a true sense of community. Here, you'll find residents enjoying the numerous outdoor activities, local shops, and a vibrant cultural scene, all contributing to a quality of life that's hard to beat.

    From an investment perspective, Salem presents a compelling opportunity. While the median household income hovers around $68,402, competitive with the national average, the lower housing costs mean your money stretches further. The city is known for its safety and walkability, with many areas offering easy access to amenities. Salem is ideal for families, retirees, and young professionals looking for an affordable yet fulfilling lifestyle.

    Salem, Virginia at a Glance

    Salem is a city in Salem city, Virginia with a population of approximately 25,372. The median home value is $231,900 and the median household income is $68,402. It has a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, indicating car dependency. The violent crime rate is 1.4 per 1,000 residents, which is 61% below the national average. Air quality is rated Good. The overall climate risk is rated as "Relatively Moderate." Median rent is $1,267 per month. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Data Explorer, EPA, Walk Score, and FEMA.

    Median Home Value

    $231,900

    Median Income

    $68,402

    Population

    25,372

    Walk Score

    0

    Air Quality

    AQI 40

    Good

    Climate Risk

    Relatively Moderate

    Kurby Score
    62
    B

    Good

    Walkability & Transit3/100
    Affordability80/100
    Safety95/100
    Economy72/100
    Environment46/100
    Education: Unavailable

    Are you a real estate agent in Salem?

    Thousands of homebuyers research this neighborhood every month. Make sure they find you.

    Get discovered

    Your profile shown to every visitor

    Generate leads

    Direct calls, emails & website clicks

    Build authority

    Branded reports & local expert badge

    Claim this neighborhood

    Available on Pro & Enterprise plans

    Demographics
    Population
    25,372
    Median Age
    N/A
    Median Household Income
    $68,402

    8% below nat'l avg

    Bachelor's Degree+
    N/A
    Poverty Rate
    9.6%

    23% below nat'l avg

    Housing
    Median Home Value
    $231,900

    18% below nat'l avg

    Median Rent
    $1,267

    9% above nat'l avg

    Homeownership Rate
    80.0%

    21% above nat'l avg

    Affordability Index
    98

    Near nat'l avg

    Safety
    Violent Crime Rate
    1.4 per 1K

    61% below nat'l avg

    Property Crime Rate
    5.8 per 1K

    69% below nat'l avg

    Livability
    Walk Score
    0 / 100

    100% below nat'l avg

    Transit Score
    N/A
    Bike Score
    6 / 100

    81% below nat'l avg

    Want a detailed report for a specific address in Salem?

    Air Quality
    AQI
    40

    5% below nat'l avg

    Category
    Good
    GoodModerateUnhealthy
    Climate Risk
    Overall Risk
    Relatively Moderate
    Risk Score
    71.58

    Top Hazards

    Drought
    Relatively Moderate
    Strong Wind
    Relatively High
    Landslide
    Relatively Low
    Noise Levels
    Overall
    Quiet
    Road Traffic
    N/A
    Aviation
    N/A
    Rail
    N/A
    Utility Costs
    Electricity Rate
    13.4¢/kWh

    19% below nat'l avg

    Est. Monthly Electric
    $121

    12% below nat'l avg

    Employment
    Unemployment Rate
    3.5%

    5% below nat'l avg

    Poverty Rate
    9.6%

    23% below nat'l avg

    Weather & Climate in Salem

    Avg High

    70°F

    Avg Low

    50°F

    Annual Rainfall

    37.3"

    Avg Humidity

    67%

    Monthly Temperature (°F)
    Monthly Precipitation (inches)

    Political Landscape

    Political Leaning
    Leans Republican
    DemocratRepublican

    → Politically stable

    Based on Fluvanna County county-level presidential election data

    Presidential Election Results

    Culture & Things to Do in Salem

    Attractions & Landmarks
    🏗️Dixie Caverns(landmark)
    🏛️Salem Museum(museum)
    🌳Explore Park(park)
    🦁Mill Mountain Zoo(zoo)
    🏗️Salem Farmers Market(landmark)
    🌳Longwood Park(park)
    Local Events & Festivals

    Salem Fair

    An annual fair featuring rides, games, food, and entertainment.

    Salem Red Sox Baseball

    Minor league baseball games are a popular local event.

    Virginia's Championship Wrestling

    Local wrestling matches are held at the Salem Civic Center.

    Salem Apple Butter Festival

    A fall festival celebrating apple butter and local crafts.

    Things to Know Before Moving

    Similar Cities in Virginia

    People Also Compare

    Explore Virginia

    Find Your Perfect Neighborhood

    Tell us what matters most to you and we'll match you with neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.