CITY · 1990 CENSUS

Salem

Massachusetts · 38,091 residents · 8.294 sq mi

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The short version

Salem has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $32,645. Population has declined 6% since 2000. Median home value is $161,900.

At a glance

Wealthier

above the US median

US median: $30,130

Mid-age

median age 33.4

US median: 33.0

More educated

25% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 20%

Stable housing

home values roughly flat, inflation adjusted

US median home: $93,722

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

38,091

−6%vs 2000

vs 40,407 in 2000

1990 – 2025

Population density

4,593 / sq mi

−6%vs 2000

vs 4,872 / sq mi in 2000

US average: 221

Median age

33.4

−8%vs 2000

vs 36.4 in 2000

US average: 33.0

Population, 1990 – 2024

202445K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$32,645

−2%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $44,033 in 2000

US average: $30,130

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$16,155

−32%vs 2000

vs $23,857 in 2000

US average: $14,340

Poverty rate

11.7%

+2.0 ptsvs 2000

vs 9.7% in 2000

US average: 13.2%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$161,900

+13%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $188,300 in 2000

US average: $93,722

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$608

+14%inflation adjusted, since 2000

vs $705 in 2000

US average: $450

Owner-occupied

46.0%

−3.1 ptsvs 2000

vs 49.1% in 2000

54.0% rent

Afford Score

5.0

+16%vs 2000

vs 4.3 in 2000

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Salem on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000

White, non-Hispanic82.4%(33,277)

Black2.4%(966)

Hispanic / Latino11.2%(4,541)

Asian2%(797)

Other0%

Diversity Score34.9%(14,092)

1990

White, non-Hispanic93.1%(35,481)

Black2.7%(1,017)

Hispanic / Latino6.1%(2,330)

Asian1%(378)

Other3.2%(1,215)

Diversity Score28.1%(10,691)

Diversity Score

−20%vs 2000

vs 35 in 2000

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

24.5%

−6.6 ptsvs 2000

vs 31.1% in 2000

US average: 20.3%

High school or higher

78.2%

−7.0 ptsvs 2000

vs 85.2% in 2000

US average: 75.2%

Graduate degree

8.5%

−1.8 ptsvs 2000

vs 10.2% in 2000

US average: 7.1%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

21.5 min

+4%vs 2000

vs 20.6 min in 2000

US average: 21.9

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Salem

Head to head

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SALEM VS

Swampscott

Income$134,386+312%

Home value$771,100+376%

Population15,277−66%

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SALEM VS

Marblehead

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Home value$943,900+483%

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SALEM VS

Lynn

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SALEM VS

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Home value$596,200+268%

Population55,953+23%

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Frequently asked

How many people live in Salem, Massachusetts?

Salem, Massachusetts has about 38,091 residents according to the 1990 Census.

What is the median household income in Salem, Massachusetts?

The typical household in Salem, Massachusetts earns about $32,645 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Salem, Massachusetts expensive?

In Salem, Massachusetts, the median home is worth about $161,900, and the typical rent is about $608 a month.

How educated are people in Salem, Massachusetts?

About 24.5% of adults age 25 and over in Salem, Massachusetts hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Salem, Massachusetts?

About 11.7% of people in Salem, Massachusetts live below the federal poverty line.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →