Neighborhood Snapshot
Is Salem, VA (Catawba) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Salem, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1
Medium0
Low2
Other0
0 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape0
Child involved0
Assault0
Other0
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a male subject across from the Sweet Springs Market entrance throwing and setting off fireworks, with an apparent question about whether he has a permit. | Sweet Springs, WV 24941 | Fire & Arson |
| Jun 13, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a single vehicle traffic accident on or near Red Brush Lane. | Red Brush Rd, New Castle, VA 24127 | Traffic |
| Jun 3, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible single vehicle crash with airbag deployment on or near Potts Mountain, close to Paint Bank Road in the New Castle area. One patient is mentioned, and the call appears to involve a suspicious or unclear situation with the vehicle. | Paint Bank Rd, New Castle, VA 24127 | Traffic |
Median Home Price
$201,796
Average Rent
$1,780
Vacancy Rate
17.6%
Overview of Catawba
Catawba is a remote neighborhood in Salem, Virginia, characterized by affordable housing and a strong sense of community.
The median home price is $201,796, making it more affordable than most neighborhoods in Virginia and the U.S.
Families with school-aged children are well represented here, supported by good public schools and a high rate of home ownership.
Affordable HousingFamily-FriendlyRemote Neighborhood
Quick Facts
| Family-Friendly Rank | Top 11.2% in Virginia |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Catawba's housing stock primarily consists of medium to large single-family homes and mobile homes, with a majority owner occupancy.
| Owner Occupied Rate | Majority |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Medium to large single-family homes and mobile homes |
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1970 and 1999, some between 1940 and 1969 |
| Vacancy Rate | 17.6% |
What buyers will notice right away
Most homes were built between 1970 and 1999, indicating a mature housing stock.
The vacancy rate is relatively high at 17.6%, which may indicate some prolonged vacancies in the area.
Families and Lifestyle
Catawba is recognized for its family-friendly environment, supported by good schools and a strong community of families with children.
Good quality public schools contribute to a supportive environment for families.
High home ownership in predominantly single-family homes fosters community stability.
A high proportion of families with school-aged children encourages social connections.
Community-Oriented — Families here value education and community support, reflected in local school strength and parental involvement.
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Family-Friendly Rank | Top 11.2% in Virginia |
Demographics and Occupations
| Executive, Management, and Professional Occupations | 41.9% |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing and Laborer Occupations | 30.6% |
| Sales and Service Occupations | 20.0% |
| Clerical, Assistant, and Tech Support Occupations | 7.5% |
| Income Rank | Higher than 54.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| English Spoken | 99.4% of households |
| Italian Spoken | 2.4% of households |
| English Ancestry | 24.8% |
| German Ancestry | 13.5% |
| Irish Ancestry | 12.5% |
| Italian Ancestry | 2.4% |
| Welsh Ancestry | 2.2% |
Commute Patterns
Most residents in Catawba drive alone to work, with a commute time shorter than average for most Americans.
Catawba's commute profile reflects a car-dependent community with relatively short travel times.
High Solo Driving — Over 90% of commuters drive alone, indicating reliance on personal vehicles.
Short Commute Times — Most residents spend between 15 and 30 minutes commuting, which is shorter than average.
| Drive Alone Rate | 90.7% |
|---|---|
| Main Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes (43.8% of commuters) |
Homes for sale near 24131
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$1,799,000
4 bd | 4 ba | 2,806 sqft
24131 Termini San Luis Pass Rd
Galveston, TX, 77554
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Catawba?
The median home price in Catawba is $201,796.
How family-friendly is Catawba?
Catawba ranks among the top 11.2% of family-friendly neighborhoods in Virginia, with good schools and a high rate of home ownership.
What are the common commute methods in Catawba?
About 90.7% of residents drive alone to work, which is higher than most U.S. neighborhoods.
What languages are commonly spoken in Catawba?
English is spoken by 99.4% of households, with some Italian speakers at 2.4%.