Is Salem, AL 36874 a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The Salem housing market right now

In the three months ending August 31, 2026, 20% of homes in Salem, AL 36874 sold above their list price, the typical home went under contract in 44 days and there were 3.7 months of supply. Under four months of supply means sellers have the edge: expect competition for well-priced homes. That’s based on 46 home sales.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, the share selling over asking fell from 30%, homes sold faster (71 days then) and the median sale price fell 4% to $389,831. Overall, Salem is about as competitive as it was a year ago.

Within Lee County, homes here sell faster than in 67% of the county’s ZIP codes, and sell less often over asking than in 67%. On our competition score, Salem ranks #33 of 249 AL ZIP codes with enough sales (score 52 out of 100).

Nearby, buyers who want less competition could look at Opelika 36801 (12% sold over asking) or Opelika 36804 (16% sold over asking), while Phenix City 36870 (29% sold over asking) and Smiths Station 36877 (27% sold over asking) are even more competitive.