RANK #310 / 996 · POP 64,840 · NJ
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.5%
Salem County, New Jersey, distinguishes itself with its preserved rural character and Quaker heritage, evident in towns like Woodstown with its classic Main Street feel. Located in South Jersey, it serves as the westernmost county, bordered by the Delaware River and connected to Delaware via the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Philadelphia is approximately an hour away, making it a consideration for commuters. The community offers a quieter pace of life, with extensive farmlands and natural scenery, including six rivers and over 34,000 acres of marshland. Outdoor recreation opportunities include birding at Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and hiking at Fort Mott and Parvin State Parks.
Life in Salem County often appeals to those seeking affordability, open spaces, and a small-town environment. Many residents own their homes, and the county's public schools are generally above average. Commute times are shorter than the state average, and while some residents commute to nearby cities like Philadelphia, the county also attracts remote workers. The local economy is supported by sectors such as agriculture, with a long history of farming, and manufacturing, including glass companies. Recent economic developments also show investment in energy and infrastructure.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
New Jersey Wind Port (Phase 1 & 2)
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
|
$637M | Under Construction |
|
Orchard 230kV Battery Project
Undisclosed
|
$415M | Planned |
|
Nichomus Run Solar Project
Enel Green Power
|
$150M | In Development |
|
Carneys Point Logistics Park (707,400 sq ft)
EQT
|
$70M | Planned |
|
Fenwick Creek Solar Project
AES Corporation
|
$38M | Planned |
|
Salem & Hope Creek Nuclear Plant License Extensions
PSEG Nuclear LLC
|
— | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Salem County has a Boom Town Index score of 69/100, ranking #310 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -2.8% and a median household income of $73,378, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Salem County is $208,200 with median rent at $1,165/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3524, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: -2.8%. Home values changed +1.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.2% of Salem County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.