OregonPop. 178,865Mid-size cities
Is Salem a Good Place to Live? Salem, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Salem ranks #890 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #160 of 205).
Salem by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Salem's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Salem?
Salem's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,400/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $435,095, 12% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Salem | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.6#889 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $435,095#705 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,581/mo#401 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $416,900#826 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,400/mo#643 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.3%#711 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Salem housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Salem is in the Salem, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Salem safe?
Salem recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #752 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #149 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salem Police Department. Property crime runs 2,365 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Salem | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 424#752 of 1,085 | 311 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,365#822 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Salem?
The median household in Salem earns $75,487, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Salem | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $75,487#691 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.4%#822 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Salem?
The median resident of Salem is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #732 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 31.5%#732 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Salem's schools and health?
Salem's 48 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 21.1 students per teacher and $16,685 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 11.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Salem | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 21.1#979 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,685#434 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.7%#732 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11.6%#838 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 30,134 students are enrolled in Salem's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Salem?
The average commute in Salem is 22 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 1.6% of workers take transit and 15.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Salem scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.1°F and winters 42.5°F, with 40.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Salem | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.3% | 65.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.3% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 1.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 15.8% | 17.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.4 | 35.8 | 6.1 |
| Feb | 52.1 | 35.9 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 38.3 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 61.6 | 41 | 3.1 |
| May | 69 | 46.3 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 74.6 | 50.8 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 83.5 | 55.1 | 0.3 |
| Aug | 83.6 | 54.8 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 77.5 | 50.6 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 64.8 | 43.9 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 53.6 | 39 | 6 |
| Dec | 47.4 | 35.1 | 7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salem Airport (Mcnary Field).
| Measure | Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 54.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Salem Airport (Mcnary Field).
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Salem?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Salem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#806 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Marion County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marion County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.097% | 97% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0022% | 54% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.053% | 14% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Salem compare with similar-size cities?
Salem is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #162 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 178,865.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #890 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 | 22 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 min |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #376 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 | 27.2 min |
| Cary, NCPop. 179,306 | #41 | 71.2 | $134,905 | $1,738/mo | 75 | 22.5 min |
| Elk Grove, CAPop. 179,155 | #244 | 63.3 | $125,924 | $2,262/mo | 161 | 30.8 min |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #791 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 | 27 min |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #528 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 | 30.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Salem compare with the rest of Oregon?
Salem ranks #17 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 11% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Salem's score calculated?
Salem scores 51.9 out of 100, #890 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Salem. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Salem's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
62.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Salem. Similar-size median 53.8.
40.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Salem's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
44.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Salem's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
61.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Salem. Similar-size median 51.2.
46.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Salem. Similar-size median 42.1.
44.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Salem. Similar-size median 50.1.
57.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Salem's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
54.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Salem's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Salem has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Salem
Is Salem, OR a good place to live?
Salem ranks #890 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #17 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (81%, #160 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Salem?
Salem's cost of living index is 103.6, 4% above the US level of 100 and #889 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,400/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $435,095, 12% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Salem?
Salem recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #752 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #149 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Salem Police Department. Property crime runs 2,365 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household in Salem earns $75,487, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Salem?
Median rent in Salem is $1,400/mo (Census), #643 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,581/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Salem?
The typical home value in Salem is $435,095, up 0.4% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $416,900.
How are the public schools in Salem?
Salem's 48 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 21.1 students per teacher and $16,685 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Salem?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Salem?
Salem averages 54.1°F over the year, 67.1°F in summer and 42.5°F in winter, with 40.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Salem walkable?
Salem scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Salem at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Salem?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Salem?
Salem has 178,865 residents. The median resident of Salem is 36 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 31.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #732 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Salem compare with the rest of Oregon?
Salem ranks #17 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 11% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Salem?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Salem's population of 178,865 are Paradise, NV (#1205 overall), Newport News, VA (#880 overall), Shreveport, LA (#1273 overall), Aurora, IL (#376 overall), and Cary, NC (#41 overall). Salem is #890.