Greater Salem, Willamette Valley, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
213,586
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,383/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
80,470
1.5% year-over-year change

Greater Salem population

How many people live in Greater Salem

Greater Salem is home to 213,586 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Greater Salem locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
213,586
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
106,641
Female
50.1%
106,945
Value Percent YoY change
Male 106,641 49.9% 0.5%
Female 106,945 50.1% 0.1%
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 Greater Salem is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.6% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
26.6%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
16.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 41,496 19.4% -2.0%
15 to 24 28,327 13.3% 0.8%
25 to 44 56,893 26.6% 1.0%
45 to 64 50,750 23.8% 0.4%
Over 65 36,120 16.9% 1.3%
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 Greater Salem, 84.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 2.5% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 1.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 11.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.8%
Non-citizens
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 181,032 84.8% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,615 6.8% 2.2%
Non-citizens 17,939 8.4% 3.4%
Racial breakdown
White
66.6%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.3%
Two or more races
16%
Other
11.4%
Value Percent
White 142,326 66.6%
Black or African American 2,060 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2,657 1.2%
Asian 5,401 2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 2,717 1.3%
Two or more races 34,158 16%
Other 24,267 11.4%

Households in Greater Salem

A peek inside Greater Salem households

Greater Salem has 77,376 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.7% are families, while the remaining 31.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
77,376
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
24,253
Family households
53,123
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 24,253 31.3% 6.6%
Family households 53,123 68.7% -0.9%
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 Greater Salem

The housing landscape of Greater Salem

Greater Salem's housing consists of 80,470 units, with 64.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
80,470
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 52,078 64.7%
1 unit, attached 3,145 3.9%
2 units 1,952 2.4%
3 or 4 units 3,856 4.8%
5 to 9 units 4,153 5.2%
10 to 19 units 4,073 5.1%
20 to 49 units 1,773 2.2%
50 or more units 2,993 3.7%
Mobile home 6,204 7.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 242 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
1,990
66.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Salem

In Greater Salem, the median construction year is 1981. About 4.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,713 4.6% -2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,333 2.9% -2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,407 5.5% -0.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,814 9.7% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 17,687 22% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,348 10.4% 2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 13,839 17.2% -6.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12,765 15.9% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7,574 9.4% 10.3%
Built in 2020 or later 1,990 2.5% 66.7%
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.

Greater Salem occupancy rates

Out of the 77,376 occupied housing units in Greater Salem, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
77,376
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
26,629
Owner occupied
50,747
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 26,629 34.4% 1.4%
Owner occupied 50,747 65.6% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
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.

Greater Salem housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Salem come to a median of $1,530 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,453.

Median housing costs per month
$1,530/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.
Median gross rent in Greater Salem
$1,453/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Greater Salem

Greater Salem education at a glance

About 33.8% of the population in Greater Salem went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 16.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10,239 6.3% -3.9%
High school diploma 54,840 33.8% 2.1%
College diploma 39,987 24.6% -1.6%
Associate degree 15,335 9.4% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 27,497 16.9% 2.0%
Graduate degree 14,472 8.9% 3.5%
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 Greater Salem

How much people earn in Greater Salem

The average annual household income in Greater Salem was $113,423 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,383, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Salem
$113,423/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Salem
$89,383/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Greater Salem income by age

In Greater Salem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,205. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $107,097 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $72,544, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,108 in earnings. Overall, 88.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $72,544 18.0%
25 - 44 $98,205 8.3%
45 - 64 $107,097 5.1%
Over 65 $61,108 0.8%
Above poverty level
183,630
Below poverty level
24,633
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 183,630 88.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 24,633 11.8% 1.0%

Employment in Greater Salem

Workforce and job types in Greater Salem

73.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 17.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
73,901
Blue collar
26,233
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 73,901 73.8% 1.3%
Blue collar 26,233 26.2% 0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
17.7%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9,773 9.8% 2.3%
Private companies 65,352 65.3% 1.3%
Governmental workers 17,730 17.7% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 7,280 7.3% 1.9%

Transportation in Greater Salem

How people get around in Greater Salem

In Greater Salem, the average commute time is 96 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
96 min
-27.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 80,551 96.1% -0.3%
Taxicab 189 0.2% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 1,027 1.2% -6.1%
Motorcycle 190 0.2% -11.6%
Bicycle 332 0.4% -26.4%
Walk 1,532 1.8% 7.0%
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 Greater Salem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97302 40,799 17,196 $85,833 $114,512
97303 40,659 15,351 $84,871 $100,854
97304 34,879 13,781 $98,031 $123,651
97305 45,083 15,039 $66,326 $80,469
97032 5,044 1,770 $101,250 $116,472
97071 33,123 11,258 $70,938 $96,366
97137 989 385 $106,488 $133,811
97002 6,358 2,389 $70,137 $102,016
97020 1,133 401 $80,729 $95,756
97026 3,959 1,182 $90,461 $114,224

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FAQs about Greater Salem demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Salem?

Greater Salem has a total population of 213,586 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Salem?

The gender ratio in Greater Salem is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (106,641 residents)
  • 50.1% females (106,945 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Salem?

The median age in Greater Salem is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Salem?

The age distribution in Greater Salem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (41,496 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (28,327 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.6% (56,893 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (50,750 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.9% (36,120 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Salem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Salem is as follows:
  • White: 66.6% (142,326 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (2,060 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (2,657 residents)
  • Asian: 2.5% (5,401 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.3% (2,717 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16% (34,158 residents)
  • Other: 11.4% (24,267 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.8% of the population in Greater Salem.

How many housing units are there in Greater Salem?

There are 80,470 housing units in Greater Salem, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Greater Salem has a total of 77,376 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Salem?

Greater Salem has a median household income of $89,383, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Salem?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.8% (73,901 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.2% (26,233 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (9,773 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (65,352 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.7% (17,730 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (7,280 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