Salem city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Salem city, West Virginia has a total population of 1,812, the 84th largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $43,690, which is 25% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x.
Salem city Quick Facts
How Salem city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 18 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Salem city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Salem city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McMechen city | 1,735 | $42,863 | $89,500 | 14.5% | 26.7% |
| Belington town | 1,843 | $47,361 | $95,200 | 11.7% | 25.2% |
| Romney city | 1,714 | $39,118 | $150,000 | 14.7% | 33.0% |
| Mannington city | 1,679 | $48,750 | $92,100 | 17.7% | 14.2% |
| West Liberty town | 1,568 | $43,333 | $120,000 | 38.3% | 39.1% |
Population Overview
Salem city is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 1,812. It ranks as the 84th most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Salem city is 32.4 years. This is 24% lower than the state median of 42.7 years. Only 13.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Salem city is $43,690. This is 25% lower than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 44% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%. This is about average than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.2%. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $77,200. Housing costs are 50% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Salem city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Salem city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.7% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.4%.
Education
18.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Salem city, West Virginia 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 West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 430 Census-designated places in West Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salem city, West Virginia?
Salem city, West Virginia has a population of 1,812 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Salem city, WV?
The median household income in Salem city is $43,690, which is 44% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Salem city, WV?
The poverty rate in Salem city is 16.6%. This means approximately 251 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Salem city, West Virginia?
Salem city's population is 93.7% White, 2.4% Black, 2.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Salem city, WV?
The median home value in Salem city is $77,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x.
How educated is Salem city, West Virginia?
18.2% of adults (25+) in Salem city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.