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Population Review

Salem, Oregon Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Salem, Oregon is 176,666 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Oregon. The median household income is $71,900, the median home value is $382,400, and the median age is 35.7.

The population has grown 16.2% since 2010 (155,247 → 180,406).

176,666

Population

3610

People / sq mi

$71,900

Median Income

$382,400

Median Home Value

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Salem covers 48.9 sq mi of land at 3610 people per square mile.

About Salem, OR

Salem is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 37.1% of the population. Salem is a city in Oregon with a population of 176,666. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Oregon in the country, at #3 by population.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $71,900 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $382,400, with typical rent around $1,323.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 31.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.

The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Salem, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.

Salem city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Salem city had a population of 155,247 in 2010 and 180,406 in 2024, a 16.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 180,406 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.08%.

2024 · 180K20102024
Salem city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

180,406

Population (2024)

155,247

Population (2010)

180,406

Peak (2024)

1.08%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010155,247
2011156,171
2012157,369
2013158,814
2014160,675
2015163,175
2016166,478
2017169,627
2018172,646
2019174,365
2020175,977
2021178,215
2022180,167
2023179,519
2024180,406

Race & Ethnicity

White69.8%
Black or African American1.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.2%
Two or More Races0.1%

Economy & Income

$71,900

Median Household Income

$36,477

Per Capita Income

10.8%

Poverty Rate

3.2%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$382,400

Median Home Value

$1,323

Median Rent

55.7%

Owner-Occupied

Education

88.7%

High School+

31.4%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.8%

Drive Alone

68.4%

Public Transit

14.0%

Work From Home

22.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

37.1%

Foreign Born

77.8%

Non-English at Home

6.4%

Veterans

15.4%

With Disability

92.6%

Health Insurance

96.3%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management25.8%
Public Administration10.1%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate9.5%
Education, Health Care & Social Services8.7%
Manufacturing7.8%
Construction7.5%
Information5.6%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.6%
Retail Trade3.5%
Agriculture & Mining2.8%
Transportation & Warehousing0.9%

Largest cities in Oregon

Largest counties in Oregon

Part of Oregon

Metro areas in Oregon

City rankings

Common questions about Salem, OR

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem, Oregon has a population of 176,666 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Oregon.

The median household income in Salem, Oregon is $71,900, with 10.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Salem, Oregon is $382,400, with median monthly rent at $1,323 and a homeownership rate of 55.7%.

The median age in Salem, Oregon is 35.7 years. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

The population has grown 16.2% since 2010 (155,247 → 180,406).

Where to stay in Salem

Visiting or relocating to Salem, OR? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.