Salem city
Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Salem city in numbers, start here: home internet speed is in the top 3% of American counties (309 Mbps), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (5.9%), and high-school completion is in the top 13% of American counties (94%). Within Virginia it ranks 8th of 133 counties for home internet speed.

Where you are

You live in Salem city, Virginia. 25,372 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -88).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $68,402 a year, higher than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $63,388. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 69% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Virginia takes 5.4% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,676 a year.

Home

The median home costs $295K, pricier than 68% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,019 a month. Property tax is 0.96% of home value, roughly $2,219 a year on that median home, higher than 57% of American counties. 64% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 68% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 24 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.5 years, shorter than 65% of American counties. There are 281 active physicians in the county, about 110.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 5.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.34 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 87% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 13 points. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 56% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 16 out of 100, safer than 84% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 309 Mbps down, faster than 97% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.