Salem city, VA

County

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    2024 Population
    25,618
    US Senator
    Mark Warner
    Democratic Party
    US Senator
    Tim Kaine
    Democratic Party
    2024 Median Age
    40
    0.744% 1-year decrease
    2024 Poverty Rate
    10.2%
    5.64% 1-year decrease
    2024 Median Household Income
    $66,725
    0.0135% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $258,600
    5.64% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    12,300
    1.13% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Salem city, VA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    97.1% of the residents in Salem city, VA are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Salem City, VA are Roanoke College (470 degrees awarded in 2024), Roanoke College (470 degrees), and American National University (254 degrees).

    In 2024, the median property value in Salem city, VA was $258,600, and the homeownership rate was 62.8%.

    Most people in Salem city, VA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 19 minutes. The average car ownership in Salem city, VA was 2 cars per household.

    Salem city, VA borders Roanoke County, VA and Roanoke city, VA.

    United StatesVirginiaRoanoke, VA

    Population & Diversity

    Salem city, VA is home to a population of 25.6k people, from which 97.1% are citizens. As of 2024, 4.48% of Salem city, VA residents were born outside of the country (1.15k people).

    In 2024, there were 9.42 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (20.9k people) in Salem city, VA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 2.22k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 596 Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    97.1%
    2024 Citizenship
    97.4%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 97.1% of Salem city, VA residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Salem city, VA was 97.4%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Salem city, VA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Salem city, VA
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      20.9k ± 140
    2. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
      2.22k ± 168
    3. Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
      596 ± 199
    4.79%
    Hispanic Population
    1.23k people

    In 2024, there were 9.42 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (20.9k people) in Salem city, VA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 2.22k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 596 Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    4.79% of the people in Salem city, VA are hispanic (1.23k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Salem city, VA as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Virginia.
    Most Common Origin
    1. El Salvador
      108,778 ± 8,047 people
    2. India
      98,440 ± 7,659 people
    3. Mexico
      58,677 ± 5,927 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Virginia was El Salvador, the natal country of 108,778 Virginia residents, followed by India with 98,440 and Mexico with 58,677.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    4.48%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    1.15k people
    4.24%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    1.08k people

    As of 2024, 4.48% of Salem city, VA residents (1.15k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Salem city, VA was 4.24%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Salem city, VA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      377 ± 113
    2. Gulf War (1990s)
      253 ± 107
    3. Gulf War (2001-)
      239 ± 87

    Salem city, VA has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.49 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Salem city, VA.

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    Health

    95.7% of the population of Salem city, VA has health coverage, with 54.3% on employee plans, 12.6% on Medicaid, 14.7% on Medicare, 11.9% on non-group plans, and 2.23% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Salem County, VA see 725 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (725 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 709 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 114 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 47.4% were men and 52.6% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    725 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Salem County, VA

    Primary care physicians in Salem County, VA see an average of 725 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (725 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Salem County, VA in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 22% under 18 years, 23.2% between 18 and 34 years, 36.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 18.2% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 47.4% were men and 52.6% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    4.32%
    Uninsured
    54.3%
    Employer Coverage
    12.6%
    Medicaid
    14.7%
    Medicare
    11.9%
    Non-Group
    2.23%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Salem city, VA declined by 20.7% from 5.45% to 4.32%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Salem city, VA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Health Indicators

    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 5.71 in Salem city, VA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Salem city, VA.

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    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 35.2% in Salem city, VA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Salem city, VA.

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    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 5.53% in Salem city, VA.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Salem city, VA.

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    Economy

    The economy of Salem city, VA employs 12.3k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Salem city, VA were Health Care & Social Assistance (2,387 people), Retail Trade (1,601 people), and Educational Services (1,530 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($146,591), Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($99,056), and Health Care & Social Assistance ($61,599).

    Employment

    Occupations

    12.3k
    2024 Value
    ± 843
    −1.13%
    1 Year decline
    ± 9.69%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Salem city, VA declined at a rate of −1.13%, from 12.4k employees to 12.3k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Salem city, VA, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,526 people), Sales & Related Occupations (1,376 people), and Management Occupations (1,214 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Salem city, VA.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Virginia.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Virginia (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    12.3k
    2024 Value
    ± 843
    −1.13%
    1 Year decline
    ± 9.69%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Salem city, VA declined at a rate of −1.13%, from 12.4k employees to 12.3k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Salem city, VA, are Health Care & Social Assistance (2,387 people), Retail Trade (1,601 people), and Educational Services (1,530 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Salem city, VA, though some of these residents may live in Salem city, VA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $46,137
    Median earning men ± $4,087
    $37,940
    Median earning women ± $5,212

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($69,091), Manufacturing ($67,813), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($61,466).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Construction ($95,565), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($52,679), and Educational Services, & Health Care & Social Assistance ($52,533).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Virginia.
    Y-Axis
    2.48%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 4.1M people employed in Virginia. This represents a 2.48% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 10.8%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Virginia.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 83
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    2. 59
      Retail Trade
    3. 45
      Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $399k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. $181k
      Manufacturing
    3. $142k
      Wholesale Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Virginia went to Kamala Harris with 51.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (46.1%), followed by Other (0.905%).

    Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are the senators currently representing the state of Virginia. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Virginia is currently represented by 11 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Salem city, VA. Showing the available data for Virginia.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Kamala Harris (51.8%)
      Democratic Party
    2. Donald J. Trump (46.1%)
      Republican Party
    3. Other (0.905%)
      Other Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Virginia went to Kamala Harris with 51.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (46.1%), followed by Other (0.905%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Virginia for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Virginia

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Virginia.
    Mark Warner
    Senator from Virginia2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2009
    Tim Kaine
    Senator from Virginia1
    Assumed office on January 3, 2013

    Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are the senators currently representing Virginia.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Virginia over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Salem city, VA awarded 724 degrees. The student population of Salem city, VA in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 1,076 male students and 1,498 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Salem city, VA are White (504 and 71.1%), Black or African American (96 and 13.5%), Asian (42 and 5.92%), and Hispanic or Latino (33 and 4.65%).

    The largest universities in Salem city, VA by number of degrees awarded are Roanoke College (470 and 64.9%), Roanoke College (470 and 64.9%), and American National University (254 and 35.1%).

    The most popular majors in Salem City, VA are General Business Administration & Management (158 and 21.8%), Paralegal (41 and 5.66%), and General Psychology (39 and 5.39%).

    The median tuition cost for private four year colleges is $36,040.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Salem city, VA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 83.1%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 9.74%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 2,574 (41.8% men and 58.2% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 2,574 students enrolled in Salem city, VA, 41.8% men and 58.2% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 1,637 records, of which 59.4% were women and 40.6% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. General Business Administration & Management
      82 degrees awarded
    2. General Psychology
      39 degrees awarded
    3. General Biological Sciences
      30 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Salem City, VA was General Business Administration & Management with 82 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Salem City, VA according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1. Roanoke College
      470 degrees awarded
    2. Roanoke College
      470 degrees awarded
    3. American National University
      254 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Roanoke College with 470 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 269 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Salem city, VA, which is 0.591 times less than the 455 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 504 degrees mean that there were 5.25 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 96 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($36,040) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($2,028) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($1,000) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Salem city, VA was $258,600 in 2024, which is 0.777 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $244,800 to $258,600, a 5.64% increase. The homeownership rate in Salem city, VA is 62.8%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Salem city, VA have an average commute time of 19 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Salem city, VA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 13% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Salem city, VA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator grew 1.69%.

    Housing

    Property

    $258,600
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$12,481
    $6,441
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$573

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Salem city, VA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $2k - $3k range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Salem city, VA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    62.8%
    Homeownership
    2024
    69.1%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 62.8% of the housing units in Salem city, VA were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 63.5%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Salem city, VA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $66,725
    Median Household Income
    ± $6,350
    10.3k
    Number of Households
    ± 741

    In 2024, the median household income of the 10.3k households in Salem city, VA grew to $66,725 from the previous year's value of $66,716.

    The following chart displays the households in Salem city, VA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Salem city, VA is from Virginia.
    0.47
    2024 Wage GINI in Virginia
    0.472
    2023 Wage GINI in Virginia

    In 2024, the income inequality in Virginia was 0.47 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.376% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Virginia was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Virginia in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Virginia across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (76.7%)
    2. Worked At Home (10.8%)
    3. Carpooled (6.93%)

    In 2024, 76.7% of workers in Salem city, VA drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (10.8%) and those who carpooled to work (6.93%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    19 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Salem city, VA have a shorter commute time (19 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.9% of the workforce in Salem city, VA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Salem city, VA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Salem city, VA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Salem city, VA have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 13% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Salem city, VA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator grew 1.69%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    10.2% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Salem city, VA (2.39k out of 23.3k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Females 25 - 34 and then Females 55 - 64.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Salem city, VA is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 12.9% of the children was living in poverty in Salem city, VA. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 2.2%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

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    Security

    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 106 in Salem city, VA. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator declined 18.2% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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