Salem, VA vs Wilson, NC
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.
Salem
73.2
#778 nationally
Wilson
72.4
#899 nationally
Salem leads in crime level (7.2 vs 15.9). Salem leads in median household income ($68,402 vs $46,891). Wilson leads in walk score (31 vs 27).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Salem, VA | Wilson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#778) | 72.4 (#899) |
| Population | 25,600 | 47,833 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $312,662 | $217,005 |
| Median Household Income | $68,402 | $46,891 |
| Average Commute | 18.8 min | 21.4 min |
| Walk Score | 27 | 31 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 15.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+19.3 | Even |
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 →
C-
72.4 Score
Wilson, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$217,005
Population
47,833
Crime
High
Walk Score
31
Southeast
View Wilson, NC →