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
Salem city is a county in Virginia with a population of 25,477. It ranks #70 among counties 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 city 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 city 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 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.
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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.