NH Town Guide

Find Your Perfect New Hampshire Town

Salem

Rockingham CountyMerrimack ValleyPopulation: 30,089

Overview

Salem sits at New Hampshire's southern border, offering residents the unique advantage of no state income or sales tax while providing easy access to Massachusetts employment centers. Located in Rockingham County along I-93 and Route 28, Salem has developed into a major retail destination, with the Mall at Rockingham Park and numerous shopping centers attracting visitors from across the region. This commercial development provides both tax revenue and local employment opportunities. The town's residential areas offer a range of housing options, from established neighborhoods with mature trees to newer developments. Salem's school system serves about 5,000 students, and the town provides excellent recreational facilities including multiple parks, athletic fields, and the popular Canobie Lake Park amusement park. The town's location makes it particularly attractive to Massachusetts commuters seeking New Hampshire's tax advantages. Salem balances its commercial success with efforts to maintain community character and quality of life. The town offers a mix of suburban convenience and New England charm, with easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. For families and professionals seeking affordability, good schools, and convenient location, Salem provides a practical choice in southern New Hampshire's competitive housing market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No sales tax
  • Shopping centers
  • Good schools
  • MA commute

Cons

  • Traffic
  • Commercial sprawl
  • High property taxes

Climate & Environment

Summer Avg High
80.9°F
Winter Avg High
38.5°F
Annual Snowfall
43.9 in
Annual Rainfall
50.5 in
Sunny Days/Year
265
Data source: Open-Meteo / ERA5Updated 7/4/2026

Transportation & Commute

Commute to Major Cities

Boston
34 mi
~44 min drive
Manchester
22 mi
~31 min drive
Portsmouth
36 mi
~48 min drive
Concord
38 mi
~49 min drive
Data source: OpenRouteService / OpenStreetMapUpdated 7/3/2026

Economy & Demographics

💰Income

Median Household Income
$101,856
Per Capita Income
$52,109
Median Family Income
$123,971

🏠Housing Costs

Median Home Value
$406,600
Median Rent
$1,379/mo
Homeownership Rate
77.16%

💼Employment

Unemployment Rate
2.8%
In Labor Force
18,652
Work From Home
0.91%

🎓Education

Bachelor's Degree or Higher
23.26%
Total with Degree
5,329

🚗Commute

Work From Home
0.91%

👥Demographics

Median Age
44.2 years
Avg Household Size
2.46 people
Data source: Census ACS 2022 (5-Year)Census Data Year: 2022Updated 7/3/2026

Compare Salem with Other Towns

See how Salem stacks up against other NH communities.