CountyScore

Salem city

Virginia · VA

#77 in Virginia
70.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Salem city, Virginia

Salem city exceeds national median

Salem city's composite score of 67.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the 85th percentile nationally. The city outperforms roughly four out of five counties across the country.

Slightly below Virginia average

Salem city scores 67.9, falling just below Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle-upper range of Virginia areas. Its performance is respectable though it lags some state neighbors.

Tax and moderate affordability present

Salem city offers a tax score of 76.6 with an effective rate of 0.912%, providing reasonable relief to residents. The cost score of 71.6 with median rent of $1,046 per month and median home values of $244,800 provides moderate housing balance.

Income growth shows constraint

The income score of 26.9 reflects a median household income of $66,716, which is middle-range but offers limited long-term wealth building compared to stronger performers. Data on safety, health, schools, and environment remain unavailable.

Good fit for moderate-income professionals

Salem city suits working families and professionals seeking urban amenities with reasonable tax burden and moderate living costs. It works well for those prioritizing balanced community living over exceptional income potential or ultra-low expenses.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.6Cost71.6SafetyComing SoonHealth74SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.9Risk81.4WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Salem city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $51,493
Lauderdale County
Alabama
70.5
Median income: $59,082
Holmes County
Florida
70.5
Median income: $48,236
Fayette County
Indiana
70.5
Median income: $56,659
Smith County
Kansas
70.5
Median income: $57,024

Deep Dives

Salem city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Salem city

via TaxByCounty

Salem city taxes above national median

At 0.912%, Salem city's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the top 20% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,232 sits below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the city's above-average rate applied to moderately valued homes.

Higher than typical Virginia jurisdiction

Salem city's 0.912% effective rate ranks well above Virginia's state average of 0.671%, placing it among the state's higher-taxed jurisdictions. The city's tax burden is 36% higher than the typical Virginia county.

Steeper taxes than nearby rural areas

Salem city's 0.912% rate significantly exceeds nearby Roanoke County (0.875%), Rockbridge County (0.600%), and Russell County (0.538%). Among Virginia cities, Salem falls between Richmond city (0.864%) and Roanoke city (1.013%).

Over $2,200 annually for median home

On a median home valued at $244,800, Salem city homeowners pay approximately $2,232 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly less at $2,184, while homeowners without mortgages pay $2,322.

Assessment appeal could reduce burden

With property taxes exceeding $2,200 annually, Salem city homeowners should verify their valuations are fair. Overassessed properties represent hundreds of potential annual savings through a formal appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Salem city

via CostByCounty

Salem balances affordability and urban character

Salem city's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% is virtually on par with Virginia's state average of 18.6%, while its median household income of $66,716 sits comfortably near state levels. This smaller city delivers moderate affordability alongside genuine urban amenities.

At-average affordability for Virginia markets

Salem city's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio closely tracks Virginia's state average of 18.6%, making it a representative example of typical Virginia housing cost burdens. The median rent of $1,046 is 8% below the state median of $1,140, offering modest rental savings.

Moderate pricing in regional context

Salem city's $1,046 median rent sits between Roanoke city ($964) and Roanoke County ($1,148), positioning it as a middle option in the southwestern corridor. Home values of $244,800 are below Roanoke County ($267,300) but above Roanoke city ($180,500), reflecting its status as a moderate-sized urban center.

Renters and owners face different burdens

Renters pay $1,046 monthly while homeowners face a higher $1,168 monthly cost from a median income of $66,716. The 18.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps rents manageable, though prospective homebuyers may face tighter affordability depending on their specific financing situation.

Sweet spot for urban comfort and value

Salem city offers reliable affordability at near-state-average levels, paired with genuine downtown character and regional connectivity—ideal for relocators seeking urban flavor without premium pricing. The 18.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests sustainable long-term housing costs for most households.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Salem city

via IncomeByCounty

Salem city near national income levels

Salem city's median household income of $66,716 trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,039, representing about 89% of national earnings. The city's per capita income of $38,127 closely approaches the national average, reflecting fairly typical individual earning patterns.

Below Virginia's state average

Salem city's median household income of $66,716 falls below Virginia's state average of $74,957 by $8,241, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The per capita income of $38,127 nearly matches the state's $39,155 average, indicating fairly typical individual earnings.

Upper-middle range locally

Salem city's $66,716 median income outearns Roanoke city ($52,671) by $14,045 and Rockbridge County ($63,975) by $2,741, but trails Roanoke County ($82,931) and Rockingham County ($78,468). The city represents moderate prosperity in the region.

Housing costs stay manageable

Salem city's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicates housing is affordable, consuming less than one-fifth of typical household earnings. The median home value of $244,800 equals about 3.7 years of gross household income—reasonable for families with modest savings.

Build wealth through steady planning

Salem city households earning $66,716 annually have meaningful capacity to build long-term wealth by taking advantage of affordable housing and focusing on consistent savings. Start with employer retirement benefits and tax-advantaged accounts, then gradually expand your investment portfolio as income and savings accumulate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Salem city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national average

At 73.2 years, Salem city residents live nearly three years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though only 14.9% report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates nationally. This suggests shorter lifespan despite relatively good self-reported wellness.

Lower life expectancy, strong wellness

Salem city's 73.2-year life expectancy trails Virginia's 75.1-year average by 1.9 years, yet its 14.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best. The disconnect points to specific mortality drivers beyond chronic disease burden.

Mixed health profile versus peers

Salem city outperforms Roanoke city in life expectancy (73.2 vs. 70.2 years) but significantly lags Roanoke County (77.5 years), reflecting a mid-range urban position. Its excellent self-reported health contrasts with life expectancy challenges.

Exceptional healthcare access

Salem city boasts 138 primary care providers and 879 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Virginia's highest densities—with just 5.5% uninsured. Despite robust healthcare infrastructure, the city's life expectancy gap warrants urgent investigation.

Leverage excellent coverage rates

Salem city's 94.5% insured rate provides a strong foundation, but ensuring all residents have coverage unlocks preventive and mental health care that might address underlying life expectancy challenges. Visit vacciness.gov to confirm your coverage and access Salem's abundant health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Salem city

via RiskByCounty

Salem city enjoys minimal disaster risk exposure

Salem city's composite risk score of 18.64 sits well below the national median, earning a "Very Low" rating across virtually all hazard categories. This small Appalachian city benefits from geographic protection and distance from major hazard zones.

Among Virginia's safest jurisdictions

Salem city's score of 18.64 ranks it among the lowest-risk areas in Virginia, substantially below the state average of 33.27. Only a few Virginia counties match this level of natural disaster resilience.

Safest area in the southwestern region

Salem city's 18.64 score edges out nearby Rockbridge County (33.30) and Russell County (36.55), standing as the safest jurisdiction in its region. Roanoke city (72.87) faces four times the composite risk, demonstrating Salem's protective geography.

Hurricane exposure is your only modest concern

Hurricane risk of 57.70 is Salem city's highest hazard score, surprising for a mountain city but reflecting statewide coastal influence. All other hazards—earthquake (49.05), flood (44.78), tornado (12.63), and wildfire (1.37)—pose minimal threat.

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection

Salem city residents can rely on standard homeowners policies for most natural disasters, though those in flood-prone areas should verify coverage and elevation. Your composite risk of 18.64 is the state's lowest, making Salem one of Virginia's safest communities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.