Salem population
Salem, Oregon had an estimated 181,779 residents on July 1, 2025, the 152nd-largest city in the US. That is up 17.6% since the 2010 Census and up 32.4% since 2000.
- Population, July 2025
- 181,779+3.6% since April 2020
- People per sq mile
- 3,71448.9 sq mi of land
- Median age
- 36.015.8% are 65 or older
- Households with kids
- 31.8%with anyone under 18
Population by year, 2000 to 2025
| Year | Population | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 181,779 | +1,300 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2024 | 180,479 | +935 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2023 | 179,544 | +484 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2022 | 179,060 | +780 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2021 | 178,280 | +2,764 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2020 | 175,516 | +1,387 | April 2020 estimates base |
| 2019 | 174,129 | +1,510 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2018 | 172,619 | +2,889 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2017 | 169,730 | +3,173 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2016 | 166,557 | +3,366 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2015 | 163,191 | +2,505 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2014 | 160,686 | +1,880 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2013 | 158,806 | +1,464 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2012 | 157,342 | +1,193 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2011 | 156,149 | +1,512 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2010 | 154,637 | +983 | 2010 Census (April 1) |
| 2009 | 153,654 | +1,813 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2008 | 151,841 | +1,479 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2007 | 150,362 | +2,227 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2006 | 148,135 | +2,124 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2005 | 146,011 | +1,392 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2004 | 144,619 | +1,338 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2003 | 143,281 | +1,553 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2002 | 141,728 | +2,420 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2001 | 139,308 | +2,017 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2000 | 137,291 | April 2000 estimates base |
Year-to-year changes across 2010 and 2020 mix census counts with estimates, so small jumps at those years are partly method changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Salem in 2025?
The Census Bureau estimates Salem had 181,779 residents on July 1, 2025, making it the 152nd-largest city in the US.
Is Salem growing?
Yes. Salem has grown 17.6% since the 2010 Census (154,637 people), and grown 3.6% since 2020.
What was the population of Salem in 2000?
About 137,291 (the Census Bureau's April 2000 estimates base). By the 2010 Census it was 154,637.
How dense is Salem?
Salem has about 3,714 people per square mile of land (48.9 square miles).
More about Salem
See cost of living, jobs and commutes in Salem, Salem weather by month, or every Salem ZIP code. For the biggest cities in the country, see the largest US cities.