CountyScore

Salem County

New Jersey · NJ

#13 in New Jersey
48.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Salem County, New Jersey

Salem trails the national average

Salem County's composite score of 42.5 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties overall. This gap suggests the county faces headwinds compared to typical American communities, though strong housing affordability partially offsets other challenges.

Below the New Jersey baseline

Salem ranks slightly below New Jersey's state average composite score of 45.0, placing it among the lower-performing counties in the state. The county lags peers across New Jersey on overall livability metrics, suggesting limited competitive advantages within the region.

Housing remains genuinely affordable

Salem's standout strength is housing cost: a median home value of $223,000 and median rent of $1,185/month are among the lowest in New Jersey, reflected in its cost score of 63.5. This affordability makes Salem attractive for budget-conscious families seeking to own or rent without stretching household finances.

Tax burden and income gaps weigh heavily

Salem's tax score of 17.0 and income score of 34.6 are its primary weak points, with a median household income of $78,412 trailing state and national norms. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is still pending, limiting a full picture of livability.

Best for cost-conscious, lower-income households

Salem County suits families prioritizing affordable housing over higher incomes or lower taxes, and those willing to trade some economic dynamism for budget breathing room. It's a reasonable choice for retirees on fixed incomes or workers relocating for stability rather than career growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax17Cost63.5SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.6Risk23.5WaterComing Soon
🏛17
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡23.5
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 County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lake County
Illinois
48.5
Median income: $108,917
Middlesex County
New Jersey
48.4
Median income: $109,028
Cumberland County
New Jersey
48.9
Median income: $64,499
Suffolk County
New York
48.3
Median income: $128,329
Atlantic County
New Jersey
49
Median income: $76,819

Deep Dives

Salem County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Salem County

via TaxByCounty

Salem's taxes rank high nationally

Salem County's effective tax rate of 3.03% far exceeds the national median of 0.95%, placing it in the top 15% of counties nationwide for property tax burden. The median property tax here is $6,757, more than double the national median of $2,690, despite a home value below the national average.

Above average, but not the highest

At 3.03%, Salem's effective rate exceeds New Jersey's state average of 2.21% by nearly a full percentage point. Salem ranks in the upper third of the state's 21 counties for property tax rate, though median tax bills ($6,757) run below the state's $8,512 average.

Steeper than surrounding counties

Salem's 3.03% rate is the highest among its regional neighbors—Sussex County charges 2.47%, Warren County 2.52%, and Union County 2.05%. This difference means Salem homeowners pay meaningfully more in property taxes on similar-valued homes compared to adjacent areas.

A $223,000 home costs $6,757 yearly

The median Salem County home valued at $223,000 generates an annual property tax bill of $6,757. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly higher ($6,886), while those who own outright pay slightly less ($6,551).

Many Salem homeowners are overassessed

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and many Salem County homeowners pay more than they should. Homeowners can file a tax appeal to challenge their assessment—a free process that has saved neighbors thousands of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Salem County

via CostByCounty

Salem's rent burden beats the nation

Salem County residents spend 18.1% of their income on rent, well below the national strain point of roughly 30%. With a median household income of $78,412—just $3,657 above the national median—Salem offers more breathing room than most American counties.

Most affordable county in New Jersey

Salem's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among New Jersey's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 19.1% by a full percentage point. At $1,185 per month, Salem's median rent sits $392 below the statewide average.

Salem undercuts similar rural counties

Salem's $1,185 median rent is $118 cheaper than Warren County and $318 cheaper than Sussex County, both comparable rural areas in northern New Jersey. Home values also lean lower in Salem at $223,000, making it the least expensive county in this comparison group.

Housing takes 18.1% of Salem income

Renters spend roughly $1,185 monthly while homeowners pay $1,528—both modest compared to Salem's $78,412 median household income. Together, housing costs consume less than one-fifth of typical household earnings, leaving more for other expenses.

Consider Salem for budget-friendly living

If you're relocating and prioritize affordability, Salem County delivers lower rents and home values than most of New Jersey without sacrificing household income levels. Compare these figures to your current location and explore Salem's rural charm alongside its financial practicality.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Salem County

via IncomeByCounty

Salem earns above the national average

Salem County's median household income of $78,412 sits 4.9% above the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly in the middle-income band across America. This means Salem households earn more than most U.S. counties, though regional costs are notably higher than the national average.

Below New Jersey's affluent county standard

Salem's $78,412 median income ranks in the lower half among New Jersey's 21 counties, falling 22.4% below the state average of $100,891. While Salem outperforms national norms, it lags behind the state's overall prosperity, reflecting New Jersey's reputation as one of America's wealthiest states.

Salem's income reflects its regional position

Salem residents earn less than neighboring Sussex ($114,316) and Warren ($99,596) counties, but modestly more than comparable small counties nationally. This income level reflects Salem's mix of agricultural heritage, manufacturing, and emerging service sectors in southern New Jersey.

Rent is affordable; homeownership stretches budgets

At 18.1%, Salem's rent-to-income ratio is healthy—well below the 30% threshold that signals housing stress—meaning renters here have breathing room. However, the median home price of $223,000 requires careful financial planning for first-time buyers on Salem incomes.

Build financial security with modest income cushion

Salem households earning above the national average have an opportunity to build wealth faster than most Americans. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize retirement savings, explore home equity as an investment vehicle, and take advantage of lower housing costs relative to New Jersey's broader market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Salem County

via HealthByCounty

Salem's Life Expectancy Lags Nation

At 73.8 years, Salem County residents live roughly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. The county's 15.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 12%, signaling higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges.

Significantly Below New Jersey Average

Salem's 73.8-year life expectancy trails New Jersey's 78.5-year state average by 4.7 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The county's higher poor/fair health rate reflects persistent health disparities within the state.

Healthier Neighbors, Shared Challenges

Sussex County residents (78.4 years) and Warren County residents (78.3 years) live notably longer than Salem residents. Despite better provider access elsewhere, Salem's primary care availability (25 per 100K) ranks lowest among its peer counties.

Coverage Better, Care Access Tighter

Salem's 6.4% uninsured rate beats the state average of 7.5%, yet only 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents deliver daily care—half the state's accessible benchmarks. Mental health support is available at 129 providers per 100K, but gaps in primary care create real barriers to preventive health.

Strengthen Coverage Where You Live

With 6.4% of Salem residents uninsured, thousands still lack reliable healthcare. Visit nj.gov/humanservices or call 1-877-NJ-COVER to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and local health center options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Salem County

via RiskByCounty

Salem's risk sits below the national curve

Salem County scores 76.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category—well below the national average for similar counties. This favorable rating reflects generally moderate hazard exposure across most natural disaster types, though specific risks merit attention.

Salem ranks safer than most New Jersey counties

At 76.53, Salem's composite risk score falls significantly below New Jersey's state average of 90.81, making it one of the safer counties in the state. Only a handful of New Jersey counties score lower, positioning Salem in the bottom third for disaster risk statewide.

Salem's safest peers include Sussex and Warren

Among nearby counties, Sussex (77.45) and Warren (80.76) have comparable risk profiles to Salem, while Somerset (90.94) and Union (95.48) face significantly higher exposure. Salem's relatively balanced hazard distribution makes it a lower-risk zone in the region.

Watch for flooding and earthquake threats

Flooding poses Salem's most pressing hazard with a risk score of 95.80, reflecting the county's vulnerable geography near tidal and river systems. Earthquake risk also registers at 79.61, a notable concern driven by geological proximity to seismic zones affecting the Northeast.

Flood insurance is essential for Salem residents

Given Salem's exceptionally high flood risk score of 95.80, comprehensive flood insurance should be a priority regardless of FEMA flood zone designation. Homeowners should also review earthquake coverage options and maintain updated emergency preparedness plans for their families.

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.