Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 16% of Residents
Under 20
24%
Over 65
19%
Avg Rent
$1,129
Population
37,184
Renter Mix
52% Rent
Salisbury, North Carolina, is a small city with a rich history and a community of Southern charm. Located in Rowan County, it's conveniently situated off Interstate 85, making it easily accessible from larger cities like Charlotte and Greensboro.
Cultural attractions play a big role in Salisbury’s identity. Lee Street theatre hosts a range of performances that showcase local talent, while events like the Salisbury Farmers Market and seasonal festivals bring the community together to celebrate arts, crafts, and local cuisine. The Bell Tower Green park, a vibrant gathering space in the heart of the city, is another highlight, offering locals and visitors a place to relax and enjoy concerts or public events.
Salisbury is also proud of its strong connection to arts and education, thanks in part to institutions like Livingstone College and Catawba College, which contribute to the city’s energy and intellectual life. Its proximity to larger cities like Charlotte while maintaining a slower-paced, small-town vibe adds to its appeal. Salisbury stands out as a unique destination in North Carolina.
Salisbury Community Park is a massive spawling area with athletic fields and trails.
Visitors stroll along the small locally owned business storefronts of Salisbury's Main Street.
History is showcased by the well maintained and stunning homes of Salisbury.
Median Household Income
$47,091
Average: $67,221
Education
8,104
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
17,486
Workers Employed
Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 16% of Residents
Under 20
24%
Over 65
19%
Housing Distribution
Salisbury has more renters than homeowners.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Salisbury, NC is $857 for a studio, $1,139 for one bedroom, $1,227 for two bedrooms, and $1,454 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Salisbury has decreased by -1.5% in the past year.
The cost of living in Salisbury, NC is 8.2% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Salisbury is 23.8% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $857 - $1,454. You can expect to pay 3.1% less for groceries, 5.5% more for utilities, and 3.1% less for transportation.
Compare Cities
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Salisbury, NC is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Very Drivable
Drivability
Somewhat Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
464 Students
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560 Students
E Hanford Dole Elementary School
Public
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414 Students
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311 Students
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Public
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648 Students
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514 Students
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236 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,032 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
959 Students
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© 2026. All rights reserved.
† 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 February 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.