Salem city, VA Property Tax: $2,232/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Salem city is 0.91% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $244,800, that works out to about $2,228 per year, or $186 per month. Salem city is located in western Virginia, and is home to approximately 25,477 residents.
About Salem city
Salem city covers approximately 14.5 square miles in Virginia. The county is home to about 25,477 residents living in roughly 11,096 housing units, of which 58.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $66,716, and the median home was built in 1971.
Salem city borders Roanoke County, Roanoke city — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Virginia
Property taxes in Virginia are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Virginia offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Salem city Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Salem city vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem city, VA | 0.91% | $244,800 | $2,228 |
| Virginia state average | 0.67% | — | $1,640* |
| Roanoke County | 0.88% | $267,300 | $2,340 |
| Roanoke city | 1.01% | $180,500 | $1,828 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Salem city's median home value of $244,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Salem city's property tax rate compare to the rest of Virginia?
At 0.91%, Salem city is higher than the Virginia state average of 0.67%. On a home at the county median of $244,800, that means about $2,228 per year — versus $1,640 at the state average rate, a difference of $588 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Salem city is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Salem city?
For a home at the county median value of $244,800, the annual property tax in Salem city is approximately $2,228 — or about $186 per month. For a home worth $367,200, expect around $3,342 per year. For a $489,600 home, approximately $4,455 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Salem city property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Salem city are handled by the Salem city Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Salem city?
Virginia counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.91% shown here. Contact the Salem city Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File