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
What sets Salem County apart is money: median household income runs $78,412, near the US median of $78,538. Salem County is a county in New Jersey with a population of 64,973. It ranks #21 among counties in New Jersey by population.
Median household income is $78,412, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.6%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $223,000, with typical rent around $1,185.
Roughly 24.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 9.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Salem County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
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+
Largest cities in New Jersey
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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.
Salem County, NJ Climate
Salem County, NJ has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1135 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1135
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 32° | 91 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 75 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 104 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 94 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 105 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 92 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 109 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 104 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 102 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 82 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 85 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 92 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 County, NJ
The most comfortable months to visit Salem County, NJ are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Salem County
Visiting or relocating to Salem County, NJ? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.