Salem, OR Census Data
The 3rd largest city in Oregon by population · 13 cities ranked
Salem is the 3rd largest city in Oregon by population and ranks 9th of 13 for median household income. With 176,666 residents, its poverty rate of 14.7% ranks among the higher rates in Oregon. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
176,666
50.5% male · 49.5% female
Median Age
35.7
3.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$71,900
$6,638 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
31.4%
3.6% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.7%
Poverty Rate
14.7%
2.3% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.4%
Broadband Access
96.3%
6.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$382,400
Median rent: $1,323 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Labor force participation: 57.9%
Per Capita Income
$39,788
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.4%
Disability rate: 15.4%
How Salem Compares to Other Oregon Cities
Rankings among all 13 Oregon cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 13 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Salem, OR Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Salem, OR?
The population of Salem, OR is 176,666 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.7 years.
What is the median household income in Salem?
The median household income in Salem, OR is $71,900, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,788.
What is the poverty rate in Salem?
The poverty rate in Salem, OR is 14.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Salem residents have a college degree?
31.4% of adults (25+) in Salem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.7% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Salem?
The median home value in Salem, OR is $382,400. Median rent is $1,323 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Salem?
Salem's population is 69.8% White, 1.6% Black, 23.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Salem rank among Oregon cities?
Salem is the 3rd largest city in Oregon by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 13 ranked Oregon cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Salem?
The unemployment rate in Salem, OR is 5.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.9%. Per capita income is $39,788.
Cities Similar to Salem
Other Oregon cities with comparable population and income levels.