Salem ZIP Codes — Washington County, NY

There is one unique ZIP code in Salem, New York and it is 12865. Area code: 518/838.

ZIP codes

72.27

sq mi land

0.34

sq mi water

518/838

area code

Salem, NY ZIP code map

About Salem, NY

Salem, NY is a charming small town located in Washington County, nestled in the beautiful landscapes of upstate New York. This picturesque community is known for its historical significance and rural charm, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. Visitors and residents alike appreciate the town's rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere.

Location & geography

Salem is strategically located in the northeastern part of New York, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. It is approximately 20 miles northeast of the city of Glens Falls and about 30 miles west of the state capital, Albany. The town spans a land area of 72.27 square miles, complemented by a water area of 0.34 square miles, showcasing a mix of rolling hills and serene waterways.

Community & economy

The character of Salem is defined by its tight-knit community and a blend of agricultural and small business industries. Residents enjoy a tranquil daily life, often participating in local events and supporting the area’s farmers' markets, artisans, and small shops. This vibrant town embodies the spirit of rural New York, where neighbors know each other and community events play a significant role in social life.

Transportation

Salem is conveniently accessible via New York State Route 22, providing connections to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest airport is the Albany International Airport, located about 30 miles south of Salem, offering commercial flights for longer trips. Public transit options are limited, emphasizing the town's quaint, rural appeal.

History

Founded in the late 18th century, Salem has a rich history tied to agriculture and early American settlement. Key industries have included farming, textiles, and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to the town's economy over the years. Notable events in Salem's history include the establishment of the local grange and various community gatherings that celebrate its agricultural roots.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Salem is its close-knit community, which has maintained many traditional values and practices throughout the years. Additionally, the area is known for its scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking and fishing.

ZIP codes for Salem, NY (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
12865	Salem	Washington	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,448

Population

43.9

Median age

$65,500

Median household income

$33,375

Per capita income

$156,200

Median home value

$1,000

Median monthly rent

79.9%

Home ownership

16.1%

Poverty rate

10.6%

Unemployment

1,481

Housing units

28.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

102

Under 5

100

5–9

10–14

15–19

109

20–24

108

296

25–34

293

123

35–44

121

254

45–54

250

126

55–59

124

132

60–64

131

214

65–74

211

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	615	17.8%
18 and over	2,833	82.2%
65 and over	672	19.5%
Median age	43.9 years

Race & ethnicity

White 90.6%

Two or more races 3.2%

Black or African American 2.8%

Hispanic or Latino 1.8%

Other race 1.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.5%

Group	Count	%
White	3,180	90.6%
Two or more races	111	3.2%
Black or African American	99	2.8%
Hispanic or Latino	63	1.8%
Other race	41	1.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	17	0.5%

Household income

Under $10k 5.7%

$10k–$15k 2.8%

$15k–$25k 9.9%

$25k–$35k 8.2%

$35k–$50k 7.8%

$50k–$75k 23.3%

$75k–$100k 13.7%

$100k–$150k 18.0%

$150k–$200k 5.2%

$200k+ 5.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	5.7%
$10k–$15k	2.8%
$15k–$25k	9.9%
$25k–$35k	8.2%
$35k–$50k	7.8%
$50k–$75k	23.3%
$75k–$100k	13.7%
$100k–$150k	18.0%
$150k–$200k	5.2%
$200k+	5.4%
Median income	$65,500

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 8.1%

$50k–$100k 19.4%

$100k–$150k 20.2%

$150k–$200k 20.8%

$200k–$300k 16.6%

$300k–$500k 6.1%

$500k–$1M 5.4%

$1M+ 3.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$156,200
Median rent / month	$1,000
Owner occupied	79.9%
Renter occupied	20.1%
Vacant	22.3%
Single-family detached	82.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.2%
Mobile homes	8.7%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.46

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	1.4%
2000–2009	7.1%
1990–1999	16.0%
1980–1989	7.7%
1970–1979	8.8%
1960–1969	5.4%
1950–1959	2.8%
1940–1949	1.2%
1939 or earlier	49.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.6%
1 bedroom	9.0%
2 bedrooms	24.4%
3 bedrooms	41.8%
4 bedrooms	14.8%
5+ bedrooms	9.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.7%
1 vehicle	38.4%
2 vehicles	36.1%
3 or more	21.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	4.8%
Electricity	9.9%
Propane / LP gas	14.4%
Fuel oil	53.3%
Wood	15.0%
Solar	0.4%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	710	52.1%
Cohabiting couple	115	8.4%
Male householder, no spouse	215	15.8%
Female householder, no spouse	324	23.8%
Households with children under 18	291	21.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	484	35.5%
Average household size	2.50

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	33.5%	33.7%
Married	52.4%	47.9%
Separated	0.3%	3.2%
Widowed	2.9%	8.2%
Divorced	10.9%	7.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.5%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 30.9%

Some college, no degree 18.4%

Associate's degree 13.1%

Bachelor's degree 14.2%

Graduate / professional 14.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.1%
Bachelor's or higher	28.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	93	16.7%
Kindergarten	18	3.2%
Elementary school	229	41.2%
High school	114	20.5%
College / grad school	102	18.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 27.3%

Manufacturing 12.8%

Finance & real estate 9.9%

Retail trade 9.3%

Other services 7.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.3%

Public administration 5.5%

Agriculture & mining 5.1%

Professional & management 5.0%

Construction 4.5%

Transportation & utilities 3.3%

Information 1.5%

Wholesale trade 0.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.7%
Service	22.5%
Sales & office	21.5%
Natural resources & construction	11.0%
Production & transportation	11.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	73.0%
Government	14.3%
Self-employed	12.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.3%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	77.9%
Carpool	5.5%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	1.6%
Other means	3.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	31.3

Poverty

All people 16.1%

Under 18 years 19.0%

18 and over 15.4%

Married-couple families 11.7%

Female-led households 13.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	38.3%
Retirement income	25.3%
Supplemental Security	7.2%
Cash public assistance	2.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	32.8%
High cholesterol	33.6%
Heart disease	7.1%
Stroke	3.3%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	27.7%
Kidney disease	3.2%
Pulmonary disease	8.1%
Cancer	7.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.8%
No physical activity	24.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.5%
Fair or poor health	13.6%
Poor mental health	14.4%
Poor physical health	10.8%
No health insurance	11.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.5%
Visited dentist	64.7%
Cholesterol screening	91.1%
Teeth loss	14.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	176	6.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	18.2%
Under 18	11.4%
18–64 years	17.2%
65 and over	27.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.9%
Public insurance	50.0%
Uninsured under 19	1.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,246	94.1%
Spanish	24	0.7%
Other Indo-European	14	0.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	10	0.3%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,371	97.8%
Born in same state	3,336	96.8%
Born in different state	2,478	71.9%
Foreign born	35	1.0%
Naturalized citizen	77	2.2%
Not a US citizen	48	62.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	816	23.7%
Arab	686	19.9%
French	421	12.2%
English	125	3.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	28	0.8%
Irish	14	0.4%
Polish	6	0.2%
Norwegian	3	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.6%
Internet access	91.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Salem, NY have?

Salem, NY has one ZIP code: 12865. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.