Salem ZIP Codes — Salem County, VA

There is one unique ZIP code in Salem, Virginia and it is 24153. Area code: 540.

ZIP codes

101.22

sq mi land

0.32

sq mi water

540

area code

Salem, VA ZIP code map

About Salem, VA

Salem, Virginia, is a vibrant city located in Salem County, showcasing a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Known for its rich history and friendly community, Salem offers residents and visitors a unique glimpse into Virginia's past while providing contemporary comforts. With a singular ZIP code of 24153, the city is an integral part of the Roanoke Valley.

Location & geography

Salem is nestled in the western part of Virginia, near the Appalachian Mountains, and it is approximately 10 miles northeast of Roanoke, making it easily accessible for commuters. The land area of Salem covers 101.22 square miles, with a small water area of 0.32 square miles, giving it a diverse landscape that includes both urban and natural features. The terrain features rolling hills and sprawling parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Salem is warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of community among its residents. The city’s industries primarily revolve around education, healthcare, and retail, contributing to a stable local economy. Daily life in Salem includes various community events, recreational activities, and a focus on family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to live.

Transportation

Salem is well-connected through major highways, including Interstate 81, which provides easy access to nearby cities and attractions. The nearest airport is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, located approximately 15 miles from Salem, offering both domestic and limited international flights. Public transit options also serve the area, promoting convenient mobility for residents.

History

Salem was founded in the early 18th century and has roots that reflect the early settlement patterns of Virginia. Initially, agriculture constituted the key industry, but as the city developed, it transitioned towards manufacturing and education, bolstered by the establishment of institutions like Roanoke College. Notable events in Salem include the annual Salem Fair, which showcases local culture and community spirit.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Salem is that it is home to the Salem Red Sox, a Minor League Baseball team, which has become a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike. Additionally, Salem has been recognized for its remarkable parks and green spaces, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

ZIP codes for Salem, VA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
24153	Salem	Salem	View map

Demographics & statistics

38,386

Population

42.5

Median age

$73,136

Median household income

$38,867

Per capita income

$232,500

Median home value

$1,063

Median monthly rent

71.3%

Home ownership

9.5%

Poverty rate

3.5%

Unemployment

12,098

Housing units

30.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

715

Under 5

739

843

5–9

871

1,239

10–14

1,280

1,426

15–19

1,473

1,330

20–24

1,373

1,987

25–34

2,052

2,387

35–44

2,466

2,429

45–54

2,509

1,267

55–59

1,308

1,349

60–64

1,393

2,229

65–74

2,303

1,080

75–84

1,116

601

85+

621

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	7,045	18.4%
18 and over	31,341	81.6%
65 and over	7,950	20.7%
Median age	42.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 84.4%

Black or African American 6%

Hispanic or Latino 3%

Two or more races 2.9%

Other race 1.7%

Asian 1.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.2%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	33,422	84.4%
Black or African American	2,386	6%
Hispanic or Latino	1,194	3%
Two or more races	1,156	2.9%
Other race	676	1.7%
Asian	621	1.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	63	0.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	62	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 5.0%

$10k–$15k 2.7%

$15k–$25k 7.0%

$25k–$35k 8.5%

$35k–$50k 11.1%

$50k–$75k 16.6%

$75k–$100k 13.9%

$100k–$150k 18.6%

$150k–$200k 8.7%

$200k+ 8.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	5.0%
$10k–$15k	2.7%
$15k–$25k	7.0%
$25k–$35k	8.5%
$35k–$50k	11.1%
$50k–$75k	16.6%
$75k–$100k	13.9%
$100k–$150k	18.6%
$150k–$200k	8.7%
$200k+	8.0%
Median income	$73,136

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.4%

$50k–$100k 5.5%

$100k–$150k 11.4%

$150k–$200k 16.6%

$200k–$300k 33.7%

$300k–$500k 23.8%

$500k–$1M 5.6%

$1M+ 1.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$232,500
Median rent / month	$1,063
Owner occupied	71.3%
Renter occupied	28.7%
Vacant	8.2%
Single-family detached	77.9%
Large apartment buildings	3.6%
Mobile homes	1.9%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.47

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.3%
2010–2019	4.2%
2000–2009	9.0%
1990–1999	9.0%
1980–1989	12.4%
1970–1979	19.3%
1960–1969	14.3%
1950–1959	13.5%
1940–1949	6.4%
1939 or earlier	11.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	7.3%
2 bedrooms	25.3%
3 bedrooms	39.8%
4 bedrooms	21.6%
5+ bedrooms	4.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.7%
1 vehicle	30.8%
2 vehicles	35.6%
3 or more	27.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	44.6%
Electricity	43.8%
Propane / LP gas	3.3%
Fuel oil	5.5%
Wood	1.6%
Solar	0.1%
No fuel used	0.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	6,926	45.9%
Cohabiting couple	1,178	7.8%
Male householder, no spouse	3,089	20.5%
Female householder, no spouse	3,899	25.8%
Households with children under 18	4,127	27.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	5,343	35.4%
Average household size	2.30

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.0%	28.9%
Married	46.9%	45.4%
Separated	1.5%	1.3%
Widowed	3.9%	11.7%
Divorced	13.7%	12.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 4.3%

HS graduate 29.9%

Some college, no degree 21.6%

Associate's degree 11.4%

Bachelor's degree 18.6%

Graduate / professional 12.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.6%
Bachelor's or higher	30.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	451	5.0%
Kindergarten	169	1.9%
Elementary school	3,430	37.9%
High school	1,770	19.5%
College / grad school	3,239	35.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 30.2%

Manufacturing 11.2%

Retail trade 9.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.3%

Professional & management 7.1%

Finance & real estate 6.3%

Transportation & utilities 6.1%

Construction 5.8%

Other services 4.9%

Public administration 4.3%

Wholesale trade 3.9%

Information 1.1%

Agriculture & mining 0.3%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	40.8%
Service	17.7%
Sales & office	20.6%
Natural resources & construction	6.7%
Production & transportation	14.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	81.1%
Government	15.8%
Self-employed	2.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.1%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.2%
Carpool	5.9%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	4.7%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	20.2

Poverty

All people 9.5%

Under 18 years 9.9%

18 and over 9.4%

Married-couple families 2.1%

Female-led households 11.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	36.4%
Retirement income	25.5%
Supplemental Security	5.3%
Cash public assistance	2.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.4%
High cholesterol	34.4%
Heart disease	6.4%
Stroke	3.0%
Asthma	9.4%
Arthritis	27.2%
Kidney disease	2.8%
Pulmonary disease	6.9%
Cancer	7.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.2%
No physical activity	21.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.4%
Fair or poor health	13.7%
Poor mental health	13.7%
Poor physical health	9.6%
No health insurance	11.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.4%
Visited dentist	69.5%
Cholesterol screening	90.7%
Teeth loss	10.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	2,294	7.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	13.2%
Under 18	3.8%
18–64 years	11.0%
65 and over	29.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	76.2%
Public insurance	32.7%
Uninsured under 19	4.6%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	36,932	96.2%
Spanish	376	1.0%
Other Indo-European	213	0.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	128	0.3%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	37,004	96.4%
Born in same state	36,699	95.6%
Born in different state	25,077	65.3%
Foreign born	305	0.8%
Naturalized citizen	1,382	3.6%
Not a US citizen	700	50.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	5,310	13.8%
Arab	4,700	12.2%
Italian	3,069	8%
English	267	0.7%
Polish	210	0.5%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	103	0.3%
German	68	0.2%
Norwegian	54	0.1%
Dutch	50	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.3%
Internet access	92.7%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Salem, VA have?

Salem, VA has one ZIP code: 24153. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.