Living in Salem, OR
Salem is the 147th-largest city in the US, home to about 182,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Oregon. It has grown 3.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (103.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 181,779+3.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $416,9005.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,400/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $75,487median, per year
- Price level
- 103.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 48° / 84°lows 36° / 55°
- Average commute
- 22 min16% work from home
- State income tax
- 9.9%top rate, graduated
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County: Marion County, Polk County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 161 ft
Metro area: Salem, OR
Cost of living in Salem
The median home in Salem is worth $416,900 and the median household earns $75,487 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,400 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Salem, OR metro area at 103.6, with housing at 110.3 and goods at 105.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $77,700 here. Oregon taxes wages at a top rate of 9.9%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Oregon is 0%.
What would my salary be worth in Salem?
Salem weather
Average highs run from 48°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 36°F. It gets 40 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 1 inches of snow. The most comfortable months are May to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Salem
People and work
The median resident is 36.0 years old, and 32% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 16% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 36.0241st youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 32%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,71448.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%3% walk, 1% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.8%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 14.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1980median year
Who moves to Salem, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Seattle (King County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Seattle (King County) and Medford (Jackson County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Marion County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: earthquake, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
-0.2% in a year
Up 28% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Salem, OR area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
80% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Salem, OR area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Salem
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Oregon State University 29 miles
- Chemeketa Community College 3 miles
- Linn-Benton Community College 25 miles
- Clackamas Community College 34 miles
- Western Oregon University 13 miles
- George Fox University 25 miles
- Willamette University in Salem
- Linfield University 20 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Salem
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| McNary Field Airport SLE | 2 mi | 28,119 |
| Portland International Airport PDX | 49 mi | 8,639,088 |
| Eugene Airport EUG | 58 mi | 824,952 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Salem
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemeketa Community College | 3 mi | 6,610 | $5,855 | n/a |
| Western Oregon University | 13 mi | 3,103 | $17,140 | 44% |
| George Fox University | 25 mi | 2,699 | $31,648 | 69% |
| Linfield University | 20 mi | 1,621 | $24,882 | 62% |
| Willamette University | in town | 1,592 | $25,908 | 71% |
| Corban University | 5 mi | 678 | $32,913 | 61% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Salem
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 3, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 18 and the first frost comes around November 1.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Salem Mcnary Field, OR, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Salem.
Wildfire smoke in Salem
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Salem on about 66 days a year, including about 22 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Salem
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 67,629 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Salem
Downtown Salem is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem-Keizer School District 24J | Pre-K to 12 | 37,982 | 65 | 19.6 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Silver Falls School District 4J (3,652 students), Central School District 13J (3,054 students), Dallas School District 2 (2,956 students), Cascade School District 5 (2,736 students), Gervais School District 1 (1,249 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Salem's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Salem's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Bellingham, WA66% matchCompare
- Rialto, CA65% matchCompare
- Asheville, NC64% matchCompare
- Cranston, RI56% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Salem
- Mount Hood Skibowl 65 miles
- Summit Ski Area 67 miles
- Snow Bunny 67 miles
- Hoodoo 67 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Salem
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Salem?
Cons
- Data Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.9%, among the highest in the country.
Salem report card from locals
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Salem through locals' eyes
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Cities near Salem
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverton, OR | 39 mi | 97,842 | $569,800 | 105.4 | Compare |
| Hillsboro, OR | 41 mi | 111,126 | $521,100 | 105.4 | Compare |
| Portland, OR | 43 mi | 635,109 | $581,500 | 105.4 | Compare |
| Gresham, OR | 49 mi | 111,513 | $458,700 | 105.4 | Compare |
| Vancouver, WA | 52 mi | 199,698 | $462,400 | 105.4 | Compare |
| Eugene, OR | 61 mi | 178,618 | $460,400 | 101.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Salem with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show 6 comfortable months a year, short commutes. Compare Salem side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Salem?
The Census Bureau estimates Salem had 181,779 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 175,516 in April 2020 (+3.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Salem?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $77,700 in the Salem area. The median household here earns $75,487.
When is the best time to visit Salem?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 48°F for daytime highs.
What county is Salem in?
Most of Salem (88% of its land) is in Marion County. Smaller parts lie in Polk County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Salem in?
Salem is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Salem?
About 161 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Oregon have a state income tax?
Yes. Oregon has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 9.9% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Salem. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Salem, OR metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Salem Mcnary Field, OR station; snowfall from Silverton, OR. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.