Salem City Demographics

Salem city, Salem County, NJ, has an estimated 2022 population of 4,859. The median age is 36.6 years. Gender distribution is about 46% male and 54% female. Racially, the population is 35% White, 52% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% two or more races. These demographics reflect the city’s diversity and moderate age profile.

Salem City Housing

Salem city, Salem, NJ, offers affordable housing with a median home value around $107,000 and median rent about $1,100 (2024). Homeownership rate is near 37%, lower than the national average, reflecting a strong renter presence. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to duplexes and small apartment buildings, mainly in neighborhoods like Fenwick Park and Liberty Street. Property values have remained stable, with modest annual growth near 2%. The property tax rate is high, at about 4.9%, yielding annual taxes of roughly $5,200 for median-valued homes, which impacts overall affordability for residents.

Education in Salem City

Salem City, NJ, has one public high school, Salem High School, with approximately 370 students and a graduation rate of around 82%. The city’s adult population holds about 10% bachelor’s degrees or higher, below state averages. SchoolDigger gives the district a low ranking, reflecting below-average test scores. Educational programs include AP courses and vocational training partnerships. There are 2 public schools in total, with strict safety protocols and recent facility upgrades. Nearby, Salem Community College serves adult learners with degree and certificate programs, supporting lifelong education.

Transportation in Salem City

Salem city, NJ, features a predominantly car-dependent transportation system, with about 76% of residents commuting by car and only 1% using public transit, according to recent U.S. Census data. The average commute time is approximately 22 minutes. Public transportation options are limited, primarily consisting of NJ Transit bus services. About 15% of households lack vehicle access. Major employment centers are within the city and nearby Wilmington, DE (20 miles) and Philadelphia, PA (40 miles). Transportation infrastructure includes Route 49 and local roads, providing connectivity to regional highways and industrial employers.

Salem City Healthcare

Salem City, Salem County, NJ, has one primary hospital, Salem Medical Center (licensed for around 100 beds), and several primary care clinics and specialty providers serving its approximately 5,000 residents. The city’s population is 48% Black, 39% White, and 11% Hispanic/Latino, with a median age around 35. About 13% of residents under 65 lack health insurance. Common health issues include high rates of diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Salem County’s overall uninsured rate is 8.8%, and about 18% of adults report fair or poor health, above the NJ average. Access to specialty care often requires travel to nearby cities.

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