Salem city, Oregon Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Salem city, Oregon has a total population of 176,666, the 3rd largest city in Oregon, with a median household income of $71,900, which is 11% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Salem city is the 3rd largest city in Oregon with a population of 176,666.
Salem city Quick Facts
How Salem city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Salem city Rankings in Oregon
Explore Oregon Rankings
Cities Similar to Salem city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene city | 177,520 | $63,836 | $435,400 | 44.2% | 18.2% |
| Gresham city | 112,818 | $73,608 | $440,000 | 23.6% | 12.7% |
| Bend city | 101,472 | $88,792 | $646,800 | 51.1% | 9.5% |
| Hillsboro city | 107,050 | $103,207 | $483,400 | 42.0% | 8.2% |
| Beaverton city | 97,502 | $94,279 | $543,100 | 49.3% | 9.9% |
Population Overview
Salem city is a major urban center located in Oregon. The total population is 176,666. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 419 cities and towns in Oregon.
Age Demographics
The median age in Salem city is 35.7 years. This is 11% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Salem city is $71,900. This is 11% lower than the state median of $80,426. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%. This is 23% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $382,400. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $454,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x. 55.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 63.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Salem city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 63.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (23.4% vs 14.3%).
Education
31.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 36.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Salem city, Oregon is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Oregon state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 419 Census-designated places in Oregon. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salem city, Oregon?
Salem city, Oregon has a population of 176,666 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Salem city, OR?
The median household income in Salem city is $71,900, which is 8% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Salem city, OR?
The poverty rate in Salem city is 14.7%. This means approximately 24,772 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Salem city, Oregon?
Salem city's population is 63.9% White, 1.4% Black, 23.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Salem city, OR?
The median home value in Salem city is $382,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x.
How educated is Salem city, Oregon?
31.4% of adults (25+) in Salem city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.