At a Glance
Median Income
$76,993
$44,686 per capita
Home Value
$160,900
Zillow: $237,296
Median Rent
$893/mo
30.4% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
24.2%
97.9% high school+
Unemployment
14.2%
4.0% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
30.8%
13.7% smoking rate
How Salem Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Salem's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Salem a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.7 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Salem residents earn a median household income of $76,993 , which is 2% above the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $44,686. The unemployment rate stands at 14.2% (294% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 1,294 business establishments, including 105 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Salem is $160,900 , 43% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $237,296. Median rent is $893/month, with 30.4% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 107.9 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1938.
Education
24.2% of adults in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(28% below the national average).
97.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.2/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Salem has an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C).
Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population914
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density312/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Foreign Born0.8%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$76,993
Per Capita$44,686
Unemployment14.2%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$2,641M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,195
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,900
Rent$893
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$237,296
Housing Units465
Rent Burden30.4%
Health
Obesity30.8%
Diabetes8.3%
Smoking13.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Premature Death8,493/100K
Climate
Avg Temp46°F
Rain46.9 in/yr
Elevation484 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+16.7%
School Score5.2/10
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 39%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.7%
Internet Speed153 Mbps
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Did You Know?
Salem was founded in 1761.
The median home in Salem was built in 1938.
The nearest airport is Rutland/Southern Vermont Regional (31 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.413 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
13.8% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 153 Mbps.
There are 105 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 11 fatal vehicle crashes.