Historic downtown Salem features many buildings dating to the 1700s.
Notable Salem residents have a mural dedicated to them right in the center of town.
You'll find plenty of small retail stores in downtown Salem for everyday needs.
Explore the native species of Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refuge just minutes from Salem.
The Old Salem County Courthouse is a historical building dating back to 1735.

Salem, NJ

Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,452

Population

6,273

Renter Mix

72% Rent

A riverside town with a rich history

Walkable Mass Transit NYC

Salem, New Jersey carries more than three centuries of American history in its streets, making it one of the oldest cities in the state. Settled in 1675 by English Quakers, Salem sits along the Salem River in the southwestern corner of New Jersey, just a short drive from Wilmington, Delaware and the broader Philadelphia metro area. That proximity to larger economic centers gives residents access to big-city job markets while enjoying a slower, more grounded pace of life at home.

The city's neighborhoods range from tree-lined blocks of Federal and Victorian architecture near the historic district to more modest residential streets closer to the waterfront. Salem County's agricultural roots still shape the local identity, and the region is known for producing some of the finest tomatoes in the country. Anchored by Salem Medical Center and various county government offices, the local economy draws a range of workers who appreciate affordable, accessible housing.

Rentals in Salem lean toward single-family homes and smaller multi-unit buildings that reflect the city's historic character. Apartment communities here tend to be lower-rise and close-knit in scale, offering a departure from the high-rise density found in larger cities. For renters seeking history, affordability, and a genuine small-city feel within reach of the Northeast Corridor, Salem presents a compelling case.

Explore the City

You'll find plenty of small retail stores in downtown Salem for everyday needs.

Explore the native species of Supawna Meadows Wildlife Refuge just minutes from Salem.

The Old Salem County Courthouse is a historical building dating back to 1735.

Fort Mott State Park has a small beach along the Delaware River.

Get your steps in on the walking path that weaves through Fort Mott State Park, north of Salem.

Take a stroll through Fenwick Plaza in Salem and take in the gorgeous murals.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$34,125

Average: $45,902

Education

628

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

2,224

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

36 Years

Largest Age Group

5-14 Years

Approximately 16% of Residents

Under 20

30%

Over 65

16%

Housing Distribution

Salem has more renters than homeowners.

Renters
72%
Non-Renters
28%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
7%
Other Education
93%

Rent Trends

As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Salem, NJ is $1,452 for one bedroom, and $1,382 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Salem has increased by 1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,452/month
1,000 Sq Ft
House
$1,595/month
893 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Salem, NJ

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Limited Public Transit

Transit

20 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

100 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

Mannington Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

171 Students

Elsinboro Township School

Public

Grades K-8

117 Students

Lower Alloways Creek Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

177 Students

Salem Middle School

Public

Grades K-8

487 Students

John Fenwick Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

411 Students

Mannington Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

171 Students

Elsinboro Township School

Public

Grades K-8

117 Students

Lower Alloways Creek Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-8

177 Students

Salem Middle School

Public

Grades K-8

487 Students

Salem High School

Public

Grades 9-12

420 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Scarecrow Hollow Corn Maze
  • Fort Mott State Park
  • Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
  • Fort Delaware State Park
  • Fort DuPont

Airports

  • Philadelphia International

Top Apartments in Salem

Houses for Rent in Salem

Living in Salem

History

-

Salem stands as one of New Jersey's oldest English settlements, founded in 1675 by Quaker colonists led by John Fenwick. The city's well-preserved historic district showcases an impressive collection of Colonial and Federal architecture, with dozens of 18th and 19th-century homes lining brick sidewalks along Market Street and Broadway. The Salem Oak, estimated to be over 500 years old, remains a living landmark where Fenwick reportedly negotiated land purchases from the Lenni Lenape tribe.

History comes alive at the Salem County Historical Society, housed in a Georgian Revival building that chronicles the region's deep roots. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the Alexander Grant House and Friends Burial Ground, both dating to the late 1600s. Each October, Salem hosts Heritage Day, celebrating its Quaker heritage and colonial past with period demonstrations and tours of historic properties that reveal the community's enduring connection to its founding era.

Parks

-

Salem, NJ offers residents access to a variety of outdoor spaces along the scenic Salem River and Delaware Bay shoreline. Fort Mott State Park, just a short drive away, features sweeping views of the Delaware River, historic fortifications, picnic areas, and waterfront trails perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Killcohook National Wildlife Refuge provides protected wetlands and exceptional birdwatching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Closer to town, Salem City Park serves as a community gathering spot with open green space ideal for relaxing outdoors. The region's rich natural landscape makes it a welcoming home for renters who enjoy easy access to water, wildlife, and fresh air.

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.