Salisbury

History is showcased by the well maintained and stunning homes of Salisbury.
History is showcased by the well maintained and stunning homes of Salisbury.
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.

Salisbury, NC Area Guide

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.

Explore the City

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.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$47,091

Average: $67,221

Education

8,104

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

17,486

Workers Employed

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

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.

Renters
52%
Non-Renters
48%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
16%
Other Education
84%

Rent Trends

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.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,139/month
743 Sq Ft
House
$1,499/month
876 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,572/month
1,012 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Salisbury, NC

Cost of Living

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

$

Getting Around

Fairly Walkable

Walkability

40 / 100

Very Drivable

Drivability

80 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

H D Isenberg Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

464 Students

Granite Quarry Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

560 Students

E Hanford Dole Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

414 Students

Hurley Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

518 Students

Carroll T Overton Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

311 Students

Charles C Erwin Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

759 Students

West Rowan Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

648 Students

Southeast Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

559 Students

Knox Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

514 Students

Rowan County Early College

Public

Grades 9-12

236 Students

East Rowan High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,032 Students

Salisbury High

Public

Grades 9-12

959 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Salisbury

Houses for Rent in Salisbury

Property Management Companies in Salisbury, NC

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 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.