Salem CDP, New Mexico Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Salem CDP is a small community located in New Mexico. The total population is 834. It ranks as the 175th most populous out of 492 cities and towns in New Mexico.

Age Demographics

The median age in Salem CDP is 35.4 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 39.2 years. With 29.1% of the population under 18, Salem CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Salem CDP is $56,103. This is 10% lower than the state median of $62,125. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 47.5%. This is 162% higher than the state poverty rate of 18.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 13.0%. This is 118% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $55,300. Housing costs are 76% lower than the state median of $232,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.0x, Salem CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 78.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 69.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Salem CDP has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 98.0% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 2.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 36.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (98.0% vs 48.1%).

Education

0.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 30.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 44.7%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Salem CDP, New Mexico is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against New Mexico state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 492 Census-designated places in New Mexico. For official data, visit data.census.gov.