Salem County, New Jersey

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-22% vs. New Jersey average

$78,412

Median Household Income

$39,397

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$78,412

-22% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$39,397

+0% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

35.2%

income as % of home value

Rank in New Jersey

#18 / 21

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Salem County Compares

Salem County$78,412

New Jersey Average$100,891

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$78,412

Median Household Income

$39,397

Per Capita Income

$223,000

Median Home Value

35.2%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Salem County

Income Verdict

Salem County has a median household income of $78,412 and per capita income of $39,397 — a gap of $39,015, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $1,185/month and a median household income of $78,412, rent consumes approximately 18.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $78,412 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $39,397 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Salem County earns approximately 22.3% below the New Jersey state median household income of $100,891.

Data Story

About Household Income in Salem County, New Jersey

Salem earns above the national average

Salem County's median household income of $78,412 sits 4.9% above the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly in the middle-income band across America. This means Salem households earn more than most U.S. counties, though regional costs are notably higher than the national average.

Below New Jersey's affluent county standard

Salem's $78,412 median income ranks in the lower half among New Jersey's 21 counties, falling 22.4% below the state average of $100,891. While Salem outperforms national norms, it lags behind the state's overall prosperity, reflecting New Jersey's reputation as one of America's wealthiest states.

Salem's income reflects its regional position

Salem residents earn less than neighboring Sussex ($114,316) and Warren ($99,596) counties, but modestly more than comparable small counties nationally. This income level reflects Salem's mix of agricultural heritage, manufacturing, and emerging service sectors in southern New Jersey.

Rent is affordable; homeownership stretches budgets

At 18.1%, Salem's rent-to-income ratio is healthy—well below the 30% threshold that signals housing stress—meaning renters here have breathing room. However, the median home price of $223,000 requires careful financial planning for first-time buyers on Salem incomes.

Build financial security with modest income cushion

Salem households earning above the national average have an opportunity to build wealth faster than most Americans. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement savings, explore home equity as an investment vehicle, and take advantage of lower housing costs relative to New Jersey's broader market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Salem County, New Jersey?

The median household income in Salem County, New Jersey is $78,412, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Salem County?

The per capita income in Salem County is $39,397, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $78,412.

How does Salem County compare to the New Jersey average?

Salem County's median household income of $78,412 is lower than the New Jersey state average of $100,891. The per capita income is $39,397, compared to the state average of $52,255.

What is the per capita income in Salem County, New Jersey?

The per capita income in Salem County, New Jersey is $39,397, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Salem County a low-income area in New Jersey?

Salem County's median household income of $78,412 is below the New Jersey average of $100,891. The per capita income of $39,397 is also lower than the state average of $52,255. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Salem County rank for income in New Jersey?

Salem County ranks #18 out of 21 counties in New Jersey by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $78,412 and per capita income of $39,397, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.