Salmon, ID
Population 3,196 · Idaho
About Salmon, ID
Salmon is a small town located in Idaho with a population of 3,196 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,875 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salmon features a median home value of $198,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Salmon in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $584, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,687 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (866 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (447 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salmon shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salmon have an average one-way commute time of 12 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.3% of Salmon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salmon Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Salmon, ID
Compared to national averages, Salmon has a median household income of $40,875 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,400, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $584 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Salmon's income is 37% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 28% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Salmon, ID?
Salmon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $584/month, and short commute times averaging just 12 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,875) that falls below the national average. However, Salmon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Salmon has a population of 3,196 with a median age of 46.5 years. Compare Salmon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Salmon
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Home AFB | 3,198 | $72,411 | $0 | Compare |
| Soda Springs | 3,150 | $47,480 | $204,800 | Compare |
| Orofino | 3,254 | $57,171 | $218,900 | Compare |
| St. Maries | 3,032 | $52,468 | $205,400 | Compare |
| Victor | 3,024 | $73,664 | $591,500 | Compare |
| Homedale | 3,006 | $49,764 | $200,000 | Compare |
| Grangeville | 3,443 | $59,013 | $262,000 | Compare |
| Wendell | 2,940 | $54,850 | $209,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Salmon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salmon
What is the population of Salmon, ID?
The population of Salmon, ID is 3,196 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Salmon?
The median household income in Salmon, ID is $40,875 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salmon?
The median home value in Salmon, ID is $198,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salmon?
The median monthly rent in Salmon, ID is $584, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salmon?
The unemployment rate in Salmon, ID is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salmon, ID a good place to live?
Salmon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,196 and a median age of 46.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Salmon, ID?
16.3% of residents in Salmon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Salmon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salmon, ID: median home value is $198,400 (19% below national), median rent is $584/month, and median household income is $40,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Salmon?
The poverty rate in Salmon, ID is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Salmon, ID?
Salmon's population is 0.3% White, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.