Salem City, a town in New Jersey, has been officially named the poorest town in the state. Recent reports reveal that the financial struggles faced by residents in Salem are far more severe than in other parts of New Jersey.
This article explores the reasons behind Salem’s poor economic standing and what the statistics tell us about the town’s financial difficulties.
Income Levels in Salem City
One of the most notable factors contributing to Salem’s title as the poorest town in New Jersey is its household income. The typical household in Salem earns just $26,667 a year. This is far below the state’s average household income, which stands at $89,703.
This huge gap shows how much lower the income levels are in Salem compared to other parts of New Jersey, where residents earn nearly three times more.
High Dependency on Food Assistance
Another significant issue in Salem is the number of households that rely on food assistance. Around 35.2% of households in Salem receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
This percentage is much higher than the state average of 8.4%. The need for food assistance in Salem reflects the financial difficulties many residents face just to meet basic needs like food and groceries.
Housing Struggles in Salem City
Housing is another area where Salem City faces major challenges. The median home value in Salem is only $59,100, which is incredibly low compared to New Jersey’s overall median home value of $355,700.
This shows that the town’s real estate market is struggling and that many people in Salem can’t afford to buy homes at the same price levels found in other parts of the state.
Economic Disparities in New Jersey
Salem’s financial troubles highlight the larger issue of economic inequality in New Jersey. While the state is known for its wealth and high median income, towns like Salem show that not all areas share in that prosperity. This economic divide brings attention to the need for more support for towns facing financial struggles and poverty.
In conclusion, Salem City has earned its place as the poorest town in New Jersey due to its low household income, high reliance on food assistance, and low home values.
These issues reflect the tough economic situation many residents face and underscore the economic disparities present in the state. More needs to be done to support areas like Salem to help residents improve their financial stability and quality of life.
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/25/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-new-jersey/
[2] https://nj1015.com/new-report-says-this-is-the-poorest-town-in-new-jersey/
[3] https://www.nj.com/data/2018/01/35_poorest_towns_in_nj.html
