Salem city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 70th-largest in Virginia
The population of Salem city, Virginia is 25,477 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 70th-largest county 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 of Salem city has grown 4.1% since 2010 (24,897 → 25,908), a +0.28% annualized rate.
25,477
Population
+0.28%
Annual growth
1755
People / sq mi
$66,716
Median Income
$244,800
Median Home Value
Salem city covers 15 sq mi of land at 1755.0 people per square mile.
About Salem city, VA
What distinguishes Salem city is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 1,755 people per square mile. Salem city is a county in Virginia with a population of 25,477.
The typical household here earns about $66,716, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $244,800, with typical rent around $1,046.
About 31.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.5%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Salem city: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Salem city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Salem city had a population of 24,897 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)
24,897
Population (2010)
25,908
Peak (2024)
0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,897 |
| 2011 | 25,030 |
| 2012 | 25,190 |
| 2013 | 25,330 |
| 2014 | 25,441 |
| 2015 | 25,378 |
| 2016 | 25,268 |
| 2017 | 25,362 |
| 2018 | 25,271 |
| 2019 | 25,209 |
| 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% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $66,716$-24,258 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,769 |
| Per-capita income | $38,127 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Salem city is professional & business services, accounting for 32.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
5.8%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$244,800$-115,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,046
Median rent
63.5%
Homeownership rate
11,096
Total housing units
91.4%
Occupied
8.6%
Vacant
36.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.5%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
29.4%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
12.4%
With a disability
95.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
31.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem city, Virginia has a population of 25,477 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 70th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 1755 people per square mile.
The population of Salem city has grown 4.1% since 2010 (24,897 → 25,908), a +0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Salem city, Virginia is $66,716, with mean (average) household income of $92,769 and per-capita income of $38,127. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Salem city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.0%), Black or African American (7.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Salem city, Virginia is 40.3 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Salem city is $244,800 and median monthly rent is $1,046. 63.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,096 total housing units, 8.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Salem city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Salem city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Salem city, VA Climate
Salem city, VA has an average annual temperature of 13.2°C (56°F) and receives about 1036 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.2°C
Avg Temp
1036
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 69 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 75 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 88 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 84 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 100 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 85 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 102 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 98 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 89 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 94 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 79 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 73 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Salem city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Salem city, VA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Salem city
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
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.