Selma, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
520
-20.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,372/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
244
-20.3% year-over-year change

Selma population

How many people live in Selma

Selma is home to 520 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Selma locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
520
-20.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
263
Female
49.4%
257
Value Percent YoY change
Male 263 50.6% -22.0%
Female 257 49.4% -18.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Selma is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.8% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 44.6% of the population, while another 5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.8%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
44.6%
45 to 64
5%
Over 65
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 134 25.8% -4.3%
15 to 24 58 11.2% 7.4%
25 to 44 232 44.6% -2.9%
45 to 64 26 5% -82.1%
Over 65 70 13.5% -7.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Selma, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 513 98.6% -20.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7 1.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 488 93.8%
Two or more races 32 6.2%

Households in Selma

A peek inside Selma households

Selma has 177 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.1% are families, while the remaining 29.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
177
-24.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
53
Family households
124
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 53 29.9% -15.9%
Family households 124 70.1% -27.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Selma

The housing landscape of Selma

Selma's housing consists of 244 units, with 87.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
244
-20.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 213 87.3%
Mobile home 31 12.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Selma

In Selma, the median construction year is 1963. About 3.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 42.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9 3.7% -35.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 104 42.6% 16.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 33 13.5% -38.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 23.8% -19.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 33 13.5% -5.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7 2.9% -58.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Selma occupancy rates

Out of the 177 occupied housing units in Selma, 97.7% are owner-occupied, while 2.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
177
-24.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4
Owner occupied
173
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4 2.3% -84.6%
Owner occupied 173 97.7% -16.4%
Unoccupied housing units
27.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Selma housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,204/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.

Education in Selma

Selma education at a glance

About 27.7% of the population in Selma went to high school, while 55% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 2.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 91 27.7% -54.7%
College diploma 181 55% 4.0%
Associate degree 37 11.2% -33.9%
Bachelor's degree 9 2.7% -35.7%
Graduate degree 11 3.3% 10.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Selma

How much people earn in Selma

The average annual household income in Selma was $41,868 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -54.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,372, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Selma
$41,868/year
-54.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Selma
$43,372/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Selma income by age

In Selma, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,063. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,063 0.0%
Above poverty level
468
Below poverty level
51
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 468 90.2% -18.5%
Below poverty level 51 9.8% -34.6%

Average renter income in Selma

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Selma, their median household income was $54,350 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$54,350
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Selma

Workforce and job types in Selma

The job market in Selma is powered by 224 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles.

Workforce demographics

Working population
224
-24.1% year-over-year change
White collar
224
Blue collar
0
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 224 100% -21.7%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
6.2%
Governmental workers
93.8%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 14 6.2% -81.6%
Governmental workers 210 93.8% 6.6%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
-52.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Selma stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Selma

How people get around in Selma

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 224 100% -21.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Selma by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97538 1,865 761 $44,099 $49,865

Explore more communities

FAQs about Selma demographics 

What is the total population of Selma?

Selma has a total population of 520 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -20.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Selma?

The gender ratio in Selma is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (263 residents)
  • 49.4% females (257 residents)

What is the median age in Selma?

The median age in Selma is 32.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Selma?

The age distribution in Selma is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.8% (134 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (58 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 44.6% (232 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 5% (26 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.5% (70 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Selma?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Selma is as follows:
  • White: 93.8% (488 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (32 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Selma are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Selma.

How many housing units are there in Selma?

There are 244 housing units in Selma, reflecting a -20.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Selma and what is the average household size?

Selma has a total of 177 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Selma?

Selma has a median household income of $43,372, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Selma?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Selma, with a workforce of 224 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 100% (224 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 0% (0 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 6.2% (14 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 93.8% (210 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025