Living in Salem, Oregon
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Salem · Census data 2020–2024
Salem has 178,865 residents with a median age of 36. The median household income is $75,487 (9% lower than the Oregon median), the median home value is $416,900, the median rent is $1,400/month.
Salem at a glance
- Population
- 178,865
- Median age
- 36State: 40.4
- Median household income
- $75,487State: $83,011
- Median home value
- $416,900State: $477,600
- Median rent
- $1,400/moState: $1,525
- Homeowners
- 55.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 31.5%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Salem a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 13% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 9% lower than the Oregon median; unemployment of 5.8%; a poverty rate of 14.4%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Salem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Salem the median home value is $416,900, 25% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,400 per month, which is 32.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,057 a month in housing costs.
Salem median household income
The median household income in Salem is $75,487 and the income per person is $38,066. 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Oregon: 11.9%).
Housing in Salem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 71,124
- Owner-occupied
- 55.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 44.1%
- Vacant
- 4.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1980
- Average household size
- 2.52
Salem demographics
- Population
- 178,865
- Median age
- 36
- Under 18
- 22.8%
- 65 and older
- 15.8%
- Households
- 67,629
- Foreign-born
- 12.8%
- Veterans
- 6.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Salem ›
Education in Salem
31.5% of adults 25 and older in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher (Oregon: 36.8%), and 12.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Salem
- Unemployment rate
- 5.8%State: 5.4%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 23 min
- Work from home
- 15.8%
- Drive alone
- 65.3%
- Public transit
- 1.6%
- Walk to work
- 3.3%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.3%
Salem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | 178,865 | $75,487 | $416,900 | $1,400 |
| Four Corners | 16,275 | $69,669 | $340,200 | $1,416 |
| Hayesville | 21,246 | $58,624 | $365,400 | $1,435 |
| Keizer | 39,082 | $84,813 | $434,100 | $1,424 |
| Turner | 2,792 | $101,979 | $529,500 | $1,380 |
| Aumsville | 4,230 | $90,987 | $296,400 | $1,786 |
| Independence | 10,199 | $85,375 | $378,800 | $1,665 |
| Monmouth | 11,428 | $69,170 | $413,200 | $1,114 |
| Marion | 154 | $63,859 | — | — |
More for people moving to Salem
Salem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Salem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Salem, OR?
The median household income in Salem is $75,487, 9% lower than the Oregon median of $83,011 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Salem?
The median home value in Salem is $416,900, compared with $477,600 in Oregon.
How much is rent in Salem?
The median gross rent in Salem is $1,400 per month, about 32.5% of household income.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 13% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 9% lower than the Oregon median; unemployment of 5.8%; a poverty rate of 14.4%.
What is the median age in Salem?
The median age in Salem is 36 years (Oregon: 40.4).
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute to work in Salem is 22 minutes; 15.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem is 5.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Salem?
31.5% of adults in Salem have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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