Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, OR
Thinking of moving to Salem, OR? With a population nearing 178,000, Salem offers affordable living, with median home prices around $385,000 and average rents of $1,380. Residents enjoy a mild climate with over 40 inches of annual rainfall and nearly half the days sunny. Commutes average 24 minutes, and the city boasts major hospitals, public schools, and two colleges. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, Salem stands out for its reasonable cost of living, vibrant community, and access to education and healthcare.
Demographics - Salem, OR
Salem is home to nearly 178,000 residents, with a median age of 36.8 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is diverse, with nearly 70% identifying as White and 18% of the population speaking a language other than English at home, creating a multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
177,694
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.7%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
3.3%
Others:
25.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salem, OR?
Salem’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $385,000 and average rent around $1,380. Residents benefit from moderate utility costs and Oregon’s progressive state tax rates, making the city an affordable choice for families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,045
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.5
Grocery:
99.8
Housing:
106.7
Utilities:
91.2
Transportation:
98.4
Health Care:
106.5
Miscellaneous:
102.6
Crime
Is Salem, OR a safe place to live?
Salem experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with about 3,620 property crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 27 chance annually. Violent crime is less common, with a rate of 375 incidents per 100,000 residents, but it’s important to stay vigilant in some neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
375
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,620
Crime Index:
3,995
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 267
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Salem, OR year-round?
Salem enjoys a mild, Pacific Northwest climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers; average summer highs reach 82°F. The city receives just over 40 inches of rain each year and sees sunshine about 46% of the time, offering a pleasant balance for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Salem’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $62,020 and a family income of $72,300, with about 16% of residents living below the poverty line. Commutes average just under 24 minutes, and most adults have at least a high school diploma, contributing to a stable and connected community.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$62,020
Family Income:
$72,300
Per Capita Income:
$29,870
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
25.1%
Education
How are the schools in Salem, OR?
Salem offers a robust educational landscape, featuring quality public schools like South Salem and West Salem High, as well as higher education opportunities at Willamette University and Chemeketa Community College. Over 88% of adults have completed high school, supporting a well-educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
South Salem High School
Street:
1910 Church St SE
Phone:
503-399-3252
Students:
2,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
23:1
Name:
West Salem High School
Street:
1776 Titan Dr NW
Phone:
503-399-5533
Students:
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Private Schools
Name:
Blanchet Catholic School
Street:
4373 Market St NE
Phone:
503-391-2639
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Willamette University
City:
Salem
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,800
Name:
Chemeketa Community College
City:
Salem
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through major facilities like Salem Hospital, with 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare infrastructure provides comprehensive emergency and general medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Salem Hospital
Address:
890 Oak St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone:
(503) 561-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Legacy Silverton Medical Center
Address:
342 Fairview St, Silverton, OR 97381
Phone:
(503) 873-1500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salem, OR?
With a median home price of $385,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,380, Salem’s housing market offers a mix of affordability and growth, as home values appreciated by 2.9% last year. Over half of the city’s homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a stable residential base.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Salem residents can access Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services locally at 925 Commercial St SE, with comprehensive driver licensing and vehicle registration support available both in-person and online.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
925 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Phone:
503-945-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.