Salem, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Salem, Virginia is 25,477 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $66,716, the median home value is $244,800, and the median age is 40.3.
The population has grown 4.1% since 2010 (24,895 → 25,908).
25,477
Population
1755
People / sq mi
$66,716
Median Income
$244,800
Median Home Value
Salem covers 14.5 sq mi of land at 1755 people per square mile.
About Salem, VA
Salem is a city in Virginia with a population of 25,477. It ranks #44 among cities in Virginia by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Salem is $66,716, below the US median of $74,580. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $244,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,046. The homeownership rate of 63.5% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Salem reflects 31.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.7 minutes each way.
Salem city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Salem city had a population of 24,895 in 2010 and 25,908 in 2024, a 4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,908 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.29%.
25,908
Population (2024)
24,895
Population (2010)
25,908
Peak (2024)
0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,895 |
| 2011 | 25,026 |
| 2012 | 25,179 |
| 2013 | 25,317 |
| 2014 | 25,428 |
| 2015 | 25,364 |
| 2016 | 25,252 |
| 2017 | 25,373 |
| 2018 | 25,293 |
| 2019 | 25,301 |
| 2020 | 25,396 |
| 2021 | 25,417 |
| 2022 | 25,698 |
| 2023 | 25,669 |
| 2024 | 25,908 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.0% |
| Black or African American | 7.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$66,716
Median Household Income
$38,127
Per Capita Income
7.3%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$244,800
Median Home Value
$1,046
Median Rent
63.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
94.2%
High School+
31.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
76.8%
Public Transit
9.5%
Work From Home
18.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
29.4%
Foreign Born
95.2%
Non-English at Home
7.2%
Veterans
12.4%
With Disability
94.5%
Health Insurance
94.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 32.6% |
| Manufacturing | 9.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.6% |
| Information | 7.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.8% |
| Construction | 6.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.8% |
| Public Administration | 4.6% |
| Retail Trade | 3.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem, Virginia has a population of 25,477 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest city in Virginia.
The median household income in Salem, Virginia is $66,716, with 7.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Salem, Virginia is $244,800, with median monthly rent at $1,046 and a homeownership rate of 63.5%.
The median age in Salem, Virginia is 40.3 years. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The population has grown 4.1% since 2010 (24,895 → 25,908).
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Statewide data for Virginia
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.