Salem city, Virginia
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Salem city Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Salem city
Income Verdict
Salem city has a median household income of $66,716 and per capita income of $38,127 — a gap of $28,589, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,046/month and a median household income of $66,716, rent consumes approximately 18.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $66,716 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $38,127 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Salem city earns approximately 11% below the Virginia state median household income of $74,957.
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Salem city median
County median: $66,716 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-11%
vs. National Median
-11%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,560) vs. median rent ($1,046/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.