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Salem, Massachusetts

city · Essex County

At a glance

44,795
Population
$542,800
Median home value (all homes)
79% above U.S. median
$614,321
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,836/mo
Median rent
36% above U.S. median
$85,153
Median household income
8% above U.S. median
28.5 min
Average commute
90.4%
Homes with broadband
3.53%
Locations with fiber available
5.1%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 128 — 28% above the national average. how it's computed

Housing97% above
Goods & services2% above
Utilities1% above
Taxes7% below
Insurance5% above
Commute cost6% above
For business: Massachusetts is CBII band 3/5 · time to build band 3/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Colleges in town:
Salem State University Graduate degrees
Nearest 4-year college1 mi
Nearest community college6 mi
Nearest technical college11 mi
High school graduates91.9%
College graduates47.8%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Salem Economic Development
The City of Salem's Planning & Community Development Department is focused on ongoing business development and retention to support Salem's commercial growth.
city Salem Partnership Economic Development
The Salem Partnership works on long-range economic development initiatives for Salem and the region, focusing on courts, ports and transportation, and also participates in quality of life initiatives to make Salem a better place to live and work.
state MassDevelopment
MassDevelopment provides financing, real estate, and community development solutions to grow businesses, create opportunity, and energize cities and towns across Massachusetts. It aims to revitalize communities, expand housing, and create jobs.
state Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development
MassEcon is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to the economic growth of Massachusetts. MassEcon's mission is to promote and champion Massachusetts as the best place to start, grow and locate a business.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateNo

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