Salem County, New Jersey Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 21st-largest in New Jersey
The population of Salem County, New Jersey is 64,973 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest county in New Jersey. The median household income is $78,412, the median home value is $223,000, and the median age is 41.9.
The population of Salem County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (65,983 → 65,874), a -0.01% annualized rate.
64,973
Population
-0.01%
Annual growth
196
People / sq mi
$78,412
Median Income
$223,000
Median Home Value
Salem County covers 332 sq mi of land at 195.8 people per square mile.
About Salem County, NJ
Salem County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 64,973. It ranks #21 among counties in New Jersey by population. The median age is 41.9, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Salem County is $78,412, above the US median of $74,580. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $223,000, with monthly rent averaging $1,185. The homeownership rate of 71.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Salem County reflects 24.0% 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 26.3 minutes each way.
Salem County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Salem County had a population of 65,983 in 2010 and 65,874 in 2024, a -0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 65,983 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: 0.00%.
65,874
Population (2024)
65,983
Population (2010)
65,983
Peak (2010)
0.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 65,983 |
| 2011 | 65,880 |
| 2012 | 65,427 |
| 2013 | 64,801 |
| 2014 | 64,342 |
| 2015 | 63,754 |
| 2016 | 63,256 |
| 2017 | 62,944 |
| 2018 | 62,776 |
| 2019 | 62,341 |
| 2020 | 64,843 |
| 2021 | 65,062 |
| 2022 | 65,167 |
| 2023 | 65,429 |
| 2024 | 65,874 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.1% |
| Black or African American | 14.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.9
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $78,412$-22,638 vs state |
| Mean household income | $99,663 |
| Per-capita income | $39,397 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6%+1.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Salem County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
9.5%
Work from home
26.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$223,000$-204,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,185
Median rent
71.3%
Homeownership rate
27,740
Total housing units
89.7%
Occupied
10.3%
Vacant
28.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
94.4%
With broadband internet
30.2%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
91.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.1%
High School+
24.0%
Bachelor's+
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Part of New Jersey
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Salem County, New Jersey has a population of 64,973 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest county in New Jersey. Population density is 196 people per square mile.
The population of Salem County has declined 0.2% since 2010 (65,983 → 65,874), a -0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Salem County, New Jersey is $78,412, with mean (average) household income of $99,663 and per-capita income of $39,397. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Salem County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.1%), Black or African American (14.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Salem County, New Jersey is 41.9 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Salem County is $223,000 and median monthly rent is $1,185. 71.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,740 total housing units, 10.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Salem County, New Jersey is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Newark is among the largest cities associated with Salem County, New Jersey, with a population of 307,188.
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Statewide data for New Jersey
Population, race, income, age, and trends across New Jersey
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.