Salem, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Salem, Massachusetts is 44,241 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 30th-largest city in Massachusetts. The median household income is $85,137, the median home value is $497,400, and the median age is 38.5.
The population has grown 9.2% since 2010 (41,823 → 45,677).
44,241
Population
5334
People / sq mi
$85,137
Median Income
$497,400
Median Home Value
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Salem covers 8.3 sq mi of land at 5334 people per square mile.
About Salem, MA
Salem stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US cities, at roughly 5,334 people per square mile. Salem is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 44,241. It ranks #30 among cities in Massachusetts by population.
The typical household here earns about $85,137, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $497,400, with typical rent around $1,800.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US cities — 49.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 19.4% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Salem: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Salem city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Salem city had a population of 41,823 in 2010 and 45,677 in 2024, a 9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,677 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
45,677
Population (2024)
41,823
Population (2010)
45,677
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,823 |
| 2011 | 41,995 |
| 2012 | 42,316 |
| 2013 | 42,668 |
| 2014 | 42,988 |
| 2015 | 43,239 |
| 2016 | 43,233 |
| 2017 | 43,299 |
| 2018 | 43,272 |
| 2019 | 43,226 |
| 2020 | 43,670 |
| 2021 | 44,594 |
| 2022 | 44,657 |
| 2023 | 45,376 |
| 2024 | 45,677 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.2% |
| Black or African American | 5.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$85,137
Median Household Income
$49,734
Per Capita Income
11.6%
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$497,400
Median Home Value
$1,800
Median Rent
51.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.9%
High School+
49.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
6.3%
Drive Alone
57.6%
Public Transit
19.4%
Work From Home
29.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.4%
Foreign Born
77.4%
Non-English at Home
3.6%
Veterans
11.8%
With Disability
97.5%
Health Insurance
93.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 17.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.0% |
| Manufacturing | 7.5% |
| Information | 6.7% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Public Administration | 4.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Construction | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
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Part of Massachusetts
Metro areas in Massachusetts
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem, Massachusetts has a population of 44,241 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 30th-largest city in Massachusetts.
The median household income in Salem, Massachusetts is $85,137, with 11.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Salem, Massachusetts is $497,400, with median monthly rent at $1,800 and a homeownership rate of 51.4%.
The median age in Salem, Massachusetts is 38.5 years. The population is 44.7% male and 55.3% female.
The population has grown 9.2% since 2010 (41,823 → 45,677).
Where to stay in Salem
Visiting or relocating to Salem, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.