New Bern, NC vs Salem, VA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
New Bern
73.3
#758 nationally
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 9.9). Salem leads in median household income ($68,402 vs $55,673). New Bern leads in cost of living index (95 vs 105).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | New Bern, NC | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.3 (#758) | 73.2 (#778) |
| Population | 32,226 | 25,600 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $286,045 | $312,662 |
| Median Household Income | $55,673 | $68,402 |
| Average Commute | 18 min | 18.8 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 27 |
| Crime Level | 9.9 | 7.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 105 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+20.5 | R+19.3 |
C
73.3 Score
New Bern, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$286,045
Population
32,226
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Southeast
View New Bern, NC →
C
73.2 Score
Salem, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$312,662
Population
25,600
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
27
Northeast
View Salem, VA →