Salem is a historic city in southwestern New Jersey and the county seat of Salem County. It sits about 25 miles southwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and 40 miles south of Philadelphia. The city is known for its colonial history, historic courthouse, nearby Salem River, and location among the farmland and wetlands of the Delaware River region.
Location Map of Salem, Salem County, New Jersey
About Map: The map shows the location of Salem in Salem County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey.
Salem Map, New Jersey
About Salem Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Salem in Salem County, New Jersey. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Salem Located?
Salem is a city located in Salem County, New Jersey, the United States. It lies in southwestern New Jersey near the Salem River and Delaware Bay, about 25 miles southwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and roughly 40 miles south of Philadelphia. Pennsville is around 10 miles northwest, while Woodstown is about 10 miles northeast. Salem is positioned near 39.571° North latitude and 75.467° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,296 residents. The city covers about 2.89 square miles, or 7.49 square kilometers. Salem was settled in the late 17th century and incorporated in 1695, making it one of New Jersey's oldest communities. It became the county seat of Salem County and developed as a center for farming, trade, government, and transportation. A unique feature of Salem is its concentration of colonial-era history, including the historic Salem County Courthouse and other buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The city is also close to the Salem River, tidal wetlands, farms, and the Delaware River. Nearby attractions include the Salem County Historical Society, Salem County Courthouse, Fort Mott State Park, and Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The surrounding region is known for fertile farmland, marshes, waterways, and bird habitat. New Jersey Route 45 and nearby US-40 provide road connections to Wilmington, Philadelphia, Bridgeton, and other communities in southwestern New Jersey.
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Salem City Facts
| City | Salem |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Salem County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southwestern New Jersey and Delaware River Region |
| Incorporated | 1695 |
| Founded | 1675 |
| Total Area | 2.89 sq mi (7.49 sq km) |
| Land Area | 2.76 sq mi (7.15 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.13 sq mi (0.34 sq km) |
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,200 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,296 |
| Population Density | 1,918 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 08079 |
| Area Code | 856 |
| Major Highways | NJ-45, US-40, and NJ-49 nearby |
| Public Transit | NJ Transit and Salem County transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Salem County Courthouse, Salem County Historical Society, Fort Mott State Park, and Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofsalemnj.gov/ |
Distance from Salem, NJ to Nearby Cities
- Pennsville, NJ – 10 miles (16 km)
- Woodstown, NJ – 10 miles (16 km)
- Carneys Point, NJ – 10 miles (16 km)
- Wilmington, DE – 25 miles (40 km)
- Bridgeton, NJ – 25 miles (40 km)
- New Castle, DE – 25 miles (40 km)
- Millville, NJ – 30 miles (48 km)
- Vineland, NJ – 35 miles (56 km)
- Glassboro, NJ – 30 miles (48 km)
- Philadelphia, PA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Camden, NJ – 40 miles (64 km)
- Atlantic City, NJ – 65 miles (105 km)
- Cherry Hill, NJ – 45 miles (72 km)
- Atlantic City, NJ – 65 miles (105 km)
- Trenton, NJ – 75 miles (121 km)
- Baltimore, MD – 90 miles (145 km)
- Harrisburg, PA – 120 miles (193 km)
- New York City, NY – 120 miles (193 km)
Top Attractions in Salem
- Salem County Courthouse – A historic courthouse dating to the 18th century and one of the city's most important colonial landmarks.
- Salem County Historical Society – A local historical organization preserving artifacts, documents, photographs, and stories from Salem County.
- Historic Salem City – The city contains historic homes, churches, commercial buildings, and civic structures reflecting its long colonial and early American history.
- Fort Mott State Park – A Delaware River park with historic coastal defenses, walking paths, picnic areas, and views across the river toward Delaware.
- Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge – A protected wetland area north of Salem offering birdwatching, wildlife observation, fishing, and scenic views.
- Salem River – A tidal waterway running through the region and connecting the community with the Delaware River estuary.
- Fenwick Creek – A local waterway surrounded by wetlands and rural landscapes that supports wildlife and natural habitats.
- Finn's Point National Cemetery – A historic cemetery near Pennsville containing graves from the Civil War era and other periods of American military history.
- Alloway Creek Watershed – A nearby rural and wetland landscape offering opportunities for wildlife observation, fishing, and scenic exploration.
Airports Near Salem, NJ
- Salem Airpark (16N) – 5 miles
- Wilmington Airport (ILG) – 25 miles
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – 40 miles
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) – 65 miles
- Millville Municipal Airport (MIV) – 35 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Salem city website and local government records.
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