Salem, OR
Population 176,666 · Oregon
About Salem, OR
Salem is a major city located in Oregon with a population of 176,666 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,900 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Salem features a median home value of $382,400, which is 56% above the national median of $244,900. This places Salem in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,323, 14% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 69,993 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (37,359 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (29,669 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Salem shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Salem have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.4% of Salem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 20.0% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Salem Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Salem, OR
Compared to national averages, Salem has a median household income of $71,900 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $382,400, which is 56% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,323 is 14% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Salem's income is 6% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 0% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Salem, OR?
Salem offers short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,900) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $382,400. However, as a major city, Salem provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Salem has a population of 176,666 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Salem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Salem
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene | 177,520 | $63,836 | $435,400 | Compare |
| Gresham | 112,818 | $73,608 | $440,000 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 107,050 | $103,207 | $483,400 | Compare |
| Bend | 101,472 | $88,792 | $646,800 | Compare |
| Beaverton | 97,502 | $94,279 | $543,100 | Compare |
| Medford | 85,794 | $70,497 | $387,000 | Compare |
| Springfield | 61,642 | $67,211 | $323,800 | Compare |
| Corvallis | 60,424 | $63,807 | $480,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Salem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, OR?
The population of Salem, OR is 176,666 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, OR is $71,900 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, OR is $382,400, which is 56% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, OR is $1,323, which is 14% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, OR is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live?
Salem offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 176,666 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Salem, OR?
31.4% of residents in Salem 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 Salem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Salem, OR: median home value is $382,400 (56% above national), median rent is $1,323/month, and median household income is $71,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, OR is 14.7%, 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 Salem, OR?
Salem's population is 20.0% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.