Salem, OR
Population 176,666 · Oregon
About Salem, OR
Salem is a major city in Oregon with a population of 176,666 residents. The median household income is $71,900 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Salem is 35.7 years.
Housing in Salem has a median home value of $382,400 and median monthly rent of $1,323. Of the 69,993 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 37,359 owner-occupied and 29,669 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Salem is 5.3% and the poverty rate is 14.7%. 31.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.4 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Salem
What is the population of Salem, OR?
The population of Salem, OR is 176,666 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, OR is $71,900 per year.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, OR is $382,400.
What is the average rent in Salem?
The median monthly rent in Salem, OR is $1,323.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, OR is 5.3%.