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Salem

#4 in Best Places to Live in Roanoke Area
  • A-
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Virginia
  • 81 reviews
    A-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A
    2. Crime & Safety
      B-
    3. Housing
      B
    4. Nightlife
      B
    5. Good for Families
      A-
    6. Diversity
      B+
    7. Jobs
      B
    8. Weather
      B
    9. Cost of Living
      B
    10. Health & Fitness
      B+
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A-
    12. Commute
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Salem is a town in Virginia with a population of 25,521. Salem is in Salem City County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Salem offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Salem there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Salem. The public schools in Salem are highly rated.
    About Salem...
    Population
    25,521

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $174,000
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $874
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Sparse Suburban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      34%
    • Own
      66%
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    Salem Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    B-
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      27
      282.7
    • Murder
      3.9
      6.1
    • Rape
      30.8
      40.7
    • Robbery
      30.8
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      111.8
      500.1
    • Theft
      1,688.4
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      138.8
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      11%
    • 10-17 years
      8%
    • 18-24 years
      13%
    • 25-34 years
      12%
    • 35-44 years
      10%
    • 45-54 years
      13%
    • 55-64 years
      14%
    • 65+ years
      18%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      10%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      17%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      31%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      31%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      10%
      13%

    Working in Salem

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $53,990
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Salem
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    Salem Reviews

    81 reviews
    All Categories
    Salem is part of a metropolitan area connected to Roanoke, VA. It is tucked in a valley surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Salem is a football and outdoor community. Salem High School has been to multiple state championships in the past several years. Most people in this town love to be outside doing a variety of activities such as hiking on the Appalachian Trail or going to any one of the local bodies of water for boating or fishing. Salem is a family community priding itself in the preservation of traditional values while seeking to modernize its industry. All with the goal of not intruding on the beautiful country side for with the area is know for.
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    I have lived in Salem for 11 years and overall my experience has been very positive. We love the small town and the convenience of having retail stores and restaurants right here. The schools have been wonderful ! I feel that my daughter is prepared for college because of the education she has received here. We feel completely safe in Salem and residents here are very friendly!
    I love Salem! Attending school at Roanoke College and living in the area has been a huge blessing. The area is a neat place to live, especially being so close to the city of Roanoke.