Salem, NH
Origin: As early as 1736, Salem was the North Parish of Methuen, Massachusetts, or Methuen District. In 1741, when the boundary line between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was re-established, the North Parish became part of New Hampshire, and was given the name Salem, taken from nearby Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is home to Canobie Lake, the Canobie Lake Amusement Park, and Rockingham Park.
Population, Year of the First Census Taken: 1,218 residents in 1790
Population Trends: Population growth rates for Salem started high, increasing by 92 percent between 1950-1960 and by 119 percent between 1960-1970, then slowed dramatically, growing by twenty percent, seven percent, and nine percent over the next three decades. Salem's population grew by a total of 23,307 residents, the fourth largest increase, going from 4,805 in 1950 to 28,112 in 2000. The 2004 Census estimate for Salem was 29,399 residents, which ranked sixth among New Hampshire's incorporated cities and towns.
Population Density, 2004: 1,185.4 persons per square mile of land area, the sixth highest among the cities and towns. Salem contains 24.8 square miles of land area and 1.1 square miles of inland water area.
Villages and Place Names: Arlington Park, Canobie Lake, Cluffs Crossing, Cowbell Corners, Foster Corners, Hampshire Road, Millville, North Salem, Noyes Terrace, Pine Grove Park, Salem Depot, Wilson Corners, Mount Ararat
