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Salem, OR

Frequently asked questions

Salem, OR

Salem is the capital city of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood of West Salem is in Polk County. Salem was founded in 1842, became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, and was incorporated in 1857.

Salem had a population of 175,535 at the 2020 census, making it the 3rd most populous city in the state after Portland and Eugene. Salem is the principal city of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area, a metropolitan area that covers Marion and Polk counties and had a combined population of 433,353 at the 2020 census. This area is, in turn, part of the Portland–Vancouver–Salem Combined Statistical Area.

The city is home to Willamette University, Corban University, and Chemeketa Community College. The State of Oregon is the largest public employer in the city, and Salem Health is the largest private employer. Transportation includes public transit from Cherriots (legally known as Salem Area Mass Transit District), Amtrak service, as well as limited commercial and non-commercial air travel at McNary Field. Major roads include Interstate 5, Oregon Route 99E, and Oregon Route 22, which connects West Salem across the Willamette River via the Marion Street and Center Street bridges.

Salem is located in the north-central Willamette Valley, in Marion and Polk counties. The 45th Parallel (roughly the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator) passes through Salem's city limits.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 48.45 square miles (125.48 km²), of which 47.90 square miles (124.06 km²) is land and 0.55 square miles (1.42 km²) is water.

Although the Willamette River flows through Salem, the North Santiam River watershed is Salem's primary drinking water source. Other important streams that pass through Salem are Mill Creek, the Mill Race, Pringle Creek, and Shelton Ditch. Smaller streams in the southern and southeastern parts of the city include Clark Creek, Jory Creek, Battle Creek, Croisan Creek, and Claggett Creek, while Glen Creek and Brush Creek flow through West Salem.

Elevation within the city limits ranges from about 120 to 800 feet (37 to 244 m). Salem contains the volcanic Salem Hills in the south and is sandwiched by the 1,000 ft (300 m) Eola Hills directly to the west and the 600 ft (180 m) Waldo Hills to the east. Northern and eastern Salem are less hilly. South and West Salem contain some canyons and are the hilliest areas. The coast range and the Cascades—including Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and on the clearest of days, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams in Washington—can be viewed from throughout the city.

Like most of the Willamette Valley area, Salem has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). Rain is heaviest in late fall and throughout winter, and almost all of the annual precipitation falls between October and April, with a dry season from May through September. Light snowfall occurs in winter, but major snows are rare. Mostly cloudy skies and low cloud ceilings are commonplace during the rainy season.

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Salem is served by multiple healthcare facilities, including Salem Health, a leading provider offering comprehensive medical services. Experience relaxation and stress relief through sensory deprivation float therapy at Soak Float Center. Achieve optimal spinal health and wellness with chiropractic care at Chiropractic Physicians, PC. Embrace natural medicine and personalized healthcare solutions at Salem Naturopathic Clinic. Engage in indoor rock climbing and bouldering sessions at The Rock Boxx. Rejuvenate your body and mind with therapeutic massage and wellness services at MDB Massage & Wellness. Connect with nature and learn about birds of prey at the Cascades Raptor Center.  

Top sites in Salem, OR are Willamette Heritage Center, the Oregon State Capitol, and The Witch House at Salem.

Population: 177,432 (2023). ZIP codes: 97301–97306 and 97308–97314. Area codes: 503 and 971. Elevation: 177 ft (54 m). Area:49.45 sq mi (128.08 km²).

FAQs

What is Salem, OR known for?

Salem is prominently known as the home of the Oregon State Capitol, a symbol of the state’s governance and political center. The Capitol building, with its distinctive golden pioneer statue on top, is a historic and architectural landmark in the heart of Salem. Visitors to Salem often explore the Capitol grounds, which include beautifully landscaped gardens and monuments, experiencing firsthand the political and cultural significance of this iconic structure.

Is Salem, OR expensive place to live?

Compared to Portland or Seattle, Salem is inexpensive. Portland’s cost of living is 127.7, while Seattle’s is 158.1. Oregon’s capital city falls at 104 (about four percent above the national average). Salem is a pretty affordable place to live for a modestly sized city, especially when you think about how expensive other cities on the West Coast can be. The cost of living in Salem is 104, compared to the national average index of 100. It’s lower than the state’s cost of living, which is 114.3.

When to visit Salem, OR?

Warm summer days and relatively cool nights make summer the perfect time for outdoor events, festivals, and concerts in the Salem region. Visitors travel from far and wide to attend unique events such as the World Beat Festival (June), the Salem Art Fair & Festival (July), and Fiesta Mexicana (August). Summer also offers the perfect time to enjoy water activities (think kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding) along the Willamette River Water Trail and other bodies of water in the area.

Sources

City of Salem

Wikipedia

Redfin

Pods

Travel Salem

Willamette Heritage Center

Oregon State Capitol

The Witch House at Salem

Salem Health

Soak Float Center

Salem Healing Hands Chiropractic & Massage

Salem Naturopathic Clinic

The Rock Boxx

MDB Massage & Wellness

Cascades Raptor Center. 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.