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
Get Salem's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Salem covers 14.5 sq mi of land at 1755 people per square mile.
About Salem, VA
With 25,477 residents, Salem is a city in Virginia. It ranks #44 among cities in Virginia by population.
Median household income is $66,716, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $244,800, with typical rent around $1,046.
Roughly 31.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.5%, and the average commute runs about 19 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).
Where to stay in Salem
Visiting or relocating to Salem, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
More from Virginia
Population 457,066
Population 251,153
Population 235,463
Population 235,037
Population 227,595
Full rankings of Virginia cities by population
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.