Real Estate Investing in Salem, Virginia

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

1 ZIP codes • Population: 38,249 • Salem City

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Should you buy in Salem, VA? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (70/100)

Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (52/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
1 flag
  • Elevated vacancy: 8.2% vacancy may signal weakening demand.

What’s happening in Salem, VA?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Citywide average

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

6.4% 5yr CAGR

5.0/ 5

Landlord Climate

Regulatory friendliness

🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
Avg Home Value $312,358
Avg Monthly Rent $1,609
ZIP Codes 1

Investing in Salem Real Estate

Salem (Virginia) spans 1 ZIPs and roughly a sizable population. firmly the fundamentals here skew distressed, with soft rents, soft appreciation, and structural headwinds worth respecting.

The investment case for Salem is difficult to make on screen data alone. a harder case for a 3.0 rating and a cap rate of 0.0% that looks fine only until you underwrite the vacancy.

Transaction volume in Salem has thinned in a way that amplifies price discovery risk. Meanwhile, investors without local context should treat every number on the page with skepticism.

Distressed-leaning demographics in Salem — soft income growth, high rent burden, population shifts — are among the reasons the ★★★☆☆ rating sits where it does.

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Best ZIP codes in Roanoke, VA

Salem is part of this metro. Every ZIP in it, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →

Landlord Ground Truth

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Avg Home Value
$312,358
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,609
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (VA)

📉 Market Crash Risk Index

Based on Roanoke, VA metro

1/10
Low Risk
Price YoY
0/3
N/A
Rent YoY
0/2
N/A
Below List
0/3
50%
Days Pending
1/2
50 days

View all metro crash risk rankings →

❄️ Cool Market — Roanoke, VA metro
50
Days to pending
13.0%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly

🎓 Colleges & Universities in Salem

2 Colleges 2,659 Students
C
Roanoke College
4-Year Private · 1,835 students
D
American National University
4-Year For-Profit · 824 students

ZIP Codes in Salem, VA

Screen every ZIP in Salem

Filter Salem’s ZIPs by cap rate, vacancy, appreciation and 30+ more criteria, and export your shortlist to CSV — with the Investor plan ($19/mo).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Salem, VA

Is Salem, VA a smart market for rental property?

Yes - Salem, VA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $312K home prices against $1,609/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.

What kind of tenants rent in Salem, VA?

Tenant demand in Salem, VA is solid. The local workforce $1,609/mo rents across most rental classes.

Is Salem, VA better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?

The best-fit strategy in Salem, VA is careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. That approach the rent and price profile of the market.

Are there empty rentals in Salem, VA?

Vacancy risk in Salem, VA is elevated. That supports even-keeled cash flow for typical rental holds.

How expensive is real estate in Salem, VA?

Homes in Salem, VA typically sell near $312K. Prices have moved at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, which consistent long-term demand.

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