Salem
City in Marion County, Oregon
Salem is a city in Marion County, Oregon, with 175,535 residents (2020 Census). It sits at 1,532 ft (467 m) above sea level. The nearest town is Four Corners, 2.5 miles E.
- 175,535residents (2020 Census)
- 1,532 ftelevation · 467 m
- 49.0 sq miland area · 127.0 km²
- 3,579 / sq mipopulation density
- 97301main ZIP code (3 in total)
About Salem
Salem ( , SAY-ləm) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. Founded in 1842, it is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood of West Salem is in Polk County.
The population was 175,535 at the 2020 census, and was estimated to be 180,406 in 2024, making it the second-most populous city in the state after Portland and before Eugene.
Salem is the principal city of the Salem metropolitan area that covers Marion and Polk counties and had a combined population of 433,353 at the 2020 census and was estimated to have a population of 443,416 in 2024. This area is, in turn, part of the Portland–Vancouver–Salem Combined Statistical Area.
The city is home to Willamette University, Corban University, and Chemeketa Community College. The State of Oregon is the largest public employer in the city, and Salem Health is the largest private employer. Transportation includes public transit from Cherriots (legally known as Salem Area Mass Transit District), Amtrak service, as well as limited commercial and non-commercial air travel at McNary Field. Major roads include Interstate 5, Oregon Route 99E, and Oregon Route 22, which connects West Salem across the Willamette River via the Marion Street and Center Street bridges.
Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
Salem weather: 7-day forecast
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Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).
Live webcams in Salem
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Living in Salem
- Median household income
- $75,487
- Median home value
- $416,900
- Median rent
- $1,400/mo
- Median age
- 36
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Map of Salem
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Salem Street View
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Open in Google Maps ›Salem, OR population
Salem had 175,535 residents in the 2020 Census.
| 2020 Census | 175,535 |
|---|---|
| Density | 3,579 per sq mi (1,382 per km²) |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.
Salem at a glance
| State | Oregon (OR) |
|---|---|
| County | Marion County |
| Type | City |
| Population | 175,535 (2020) |
| Land area | 49.04 sq mi (127.0 km²) |
| Water area | 0.55 sq mi (1.43 km²) |
| Elevation | 1,532 ft (467 m) |
| Coordinates | 44.9239° N, 123.0230° W |
| ZIP codes | 97301, 97302, 97310 |
| Official website | cityofsalem.net |
| Census code (GEOID) | 4164900 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.
Towns near Salem
- Four Corners2.5 mi E
- Hayesville4.5 mi NE
- Eola4.8 mi W
- Keizer5.3 mi N
- Turner6.3 mi SE
- Labish Village7.0 mi N
- Aumsville9.2 mi SE
- Brooks9.3 mi N
- Independence9.7 mi SW
- Rickreall10.4 mi W
- Monmouth11.2 mi SW
- Marion12.8 mi S
Straight-line distance between town centers.
Frequently asked questions about Salem
What county is Salem in?
Salem is in Marion County, Oregon.
What is the population of Salem, OR?
175,535 people lived in Salem at the 2020 Census.
What is the ZIP code of Salem, OR?
The main ZIP code is 97301. Other ZIP codes: 97302, 97310.
What is the elevation of Salem?
1,532 feet (467 m) above sea level.
What towns are near Salem?
Four Corners (2.5 mi), Hayesville (4.5 mi), Eola (4.8 mi), Keizer (5.3 mi), Turner (6.3 mi).
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