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
Salem covers 48.9 sq mi of land at 3610 people per square mile.
About Salem, OR
Salem is a city in Oregon with a population of 176,666. It ranks #3 among cities in Oregon by population. The median age is 35.7, younger than the national median. The population is 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
The median household income in Salem is $71,900, near the US median of $74,580. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $382,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,323. The homeownership rate of 55.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Salem reflects 31.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.4 minutes each way.
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%.
180,406
Population (2024)
155,247
Population (2010)
180,406
Peak (2024)
1.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 155,247 |
| 2011 | 156,171 |
| 2012 | 157,369 |
| 2013 | 158,814 |
| 2014 | 160,675 |
| 2015 | 163,175 |
| 2016 | 166,478 |
| 2017 | 169,627 |
| 2018 | 172,646 |
| 2019 | 174,365 |
| 2020 | 175,977 |
| 2021 | 178,215 |
| 2022 | 180,167 |
| 2023 | 179,519 |
| 2024 | 180,406 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 69.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
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 & Management | 25.8% |
| Public Administration | 10.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% |
| Construction | 7.5% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Retail Trade | 3.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
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).
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Statewide data for Oregon
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Oregon
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.