Salem city, Virginia

Income Data

-11% vs. Virginia average
$66,716
Median Household Income
$38,127
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$66,716
-11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$38,127
-3% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#68 / 133
by median household income

How Salem city Compares

Salem city$66,716
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$66,716
Median Household Income
$38,127
Per Capita Income
$244,800
Median Home Value
27.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Salem city, Virginia

Salem city near national income levels

Salem city's median household income of $66,716 trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,039, representing about 89% of national earnings. The city's per capita income of $38,127 closely approaches the national average, reflecting fairly typical individual earning patterns.

Below Virginia's state average

Salem city's median household income of $66,716 falls below Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $8,241, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The per capita income of $38,127 nearly matches the state's $39,155 average, indicating fairly typical individual earnings.

Upper-middle range locally

Salem city's $66,716 median income outearns Roanoke city ($52,671) by $14,045 and Rockbridge County ($63,975) by $2,741, but trails Roanoke County ($82,931) and Rockingham County ($78,468). The city represents moderate prosperity in the region.

Housing costs stay manageable

Salem city's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicates housing is affordable, consuming less than one-fifth of typical household earnings. The median home value of $244,800 equals about 3.7 years of gross household income—reasonable for families with modest savings.

Build wealth through steady planning

Salem city households earning $66,716 annually have meaningful capacity to build long-term wealth by taking advantage of affordable housing and focusing on consistent savings. Start with employer retirement benefits and tax-advantaged accounts, then gradually expand your investment portfolio as income and savings accumulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Salem city, Virginia?
The median household income in Salem city, Virginia is $66,716, 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 city?
The per capita income in Salem city is $38,127, 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 $66,716.
How does Salem city compare to the Virginia average?
Salem city's median household income of $66,716 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $38,127, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Salem city, Virginia?
The per capita income in Salem city, Virginia is $38,127, 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 city a low-income area in Virginia?
Salem city's median household income of $66,716 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $38,127 is also lower than the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Salem city rank for income in Virginia?
Salem city ranks #68 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $66,716 and per capita income of $38,127, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $66,716 per year

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vs. State Average

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.