Oregon / Marion County

Moving to Salem, OR

Thinking of making a move to Salem, OR? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salem, OR

Considering a move to Salem, OR? This welcoming community of 175,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $470,000 and average rents near $1,620. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Salem's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Salem, OR

Salem has a population of 175,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 2% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 20% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
175,000
Density
4,100 per sq mi
Median Age
36.7
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
20.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
69.0%
Black
2.1%
Asian
4.7%
Others
24.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Salem, OR?

The cost of living in Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.8. Median home values are around $470,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,620. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$470,000
Gross Rent
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
112.8
Grocery
110.5
Housing
121.0
Utilities
105.8
Transportation
112.6
Health Care
102.4
Miscellaneous
106.9

Crime

Is Salem, OR a safe place to live?

Salem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 390 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Oregon.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
390
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,950
Crime Index
3,340
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Salem, OR year-round?

Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 35°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
35°F
Max
48°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $73,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.3%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,500
Household Income
$73,500
Family Income
$84,000
Per Capita Income
$33,000
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
14.3%
Non English Speakers
18.8%
Rent
$1,620
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
7.8%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.4%
Bachelors or More
29.7%

Education

How are the schools in Salem, OR?

Salem offers quality education options, with public schools like South Salem High School and West Salem High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Willamette University and Chemeketa Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
South Salem High School
Street
1910 Church St SE
Phone
503-399-3255
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0
Name
West Salem High School
Street
1776 Titan Dr NW
Phone
503-399-5533
Students
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
20.5

Private Schools

Name
Oregon Episcopal School - Salem Campus
Street
1300 Mission St SE
Phone
503-399-3181
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Willamette University
City
Salem
State
OR
Distance
1 mile
Students
2,100
Name
Chemeketa Community College
City
Salem
State
OR
Distance
3 miles
Students
25,000

Healthcare

Salem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Salem Hospital and Oregon State Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Salem Hospital
Address
890 Oak St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone
(503) 561-5200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Oregon State Hospital
Address
2600 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone
(503) 945-2800
Type
Behavioral Health
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Salem, OR?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $470,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate
58.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Salem handle vehicle services through the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, conveniently located in Salem. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Oregon
Department
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Phone
1-503-945-5000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Salem, OR

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Salem, review the core fields on this page: population 175,000, median home value $470,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,620, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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