Salem, OR

Community Overview

Named one of America's Best Places to Live by Livability.com

Oregon’s capital city is in the northwest portion of the state, one hour south of Portland and one hour north of Eugene on Interstate 5. The Willamette River flows through the city, forming a boundary between Marion and Polk counties. Salem’s approximately 150,000 residents enjoy a well-developed parks system, with amenities ranging from the family-friendly features of Riverfront Park to the more than 2,000 blooms in the city’s rose garden at Bush’s Pasture Park. Settled by missionaries in 1834, the city has many historic sites that showcase its significance in the state and region.

Population
County Population: 311,304 Marion
City Population: 147,215

Detailed Demographics Infomation

Climate
July High Temperature: 82 degrees F
January Low Temperature: 37 degrees F

The climate is mild; however, annual seasons of fall, winter and summer are discernible. On average, 70 percent of the total rainfall occurs from November through March. Only 6 percent occurs from June through August.

Schools
For public schools, Salem has the second largest school district in Oregon with an enrollment of 39,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers and counselors. The Salem/Keizer School District has 45 elementary schools, 10 middle schools and six high schools, as well as eight secondary alternative programs, two elementary charter schools, and two middle charter schools.

Salem is located within an hour of several universities, colleges and vocational schools. The region offers a complete variety of education options from small private schools to large state campuses. Salem is located in the heart of these educational opportunities.

Education Statistics

Health Care
Salem is serviced by one hospital, Salem Hospital, and over 80 general practitioners. The city has one state-run psychiatric facility for adults, Oregon State Hospital.

Neighborhoods
The city offers great residential real estate options to those interested in establishing roots in a progressive city among people with a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the spectacular natural environment that surrounds them.

Average Home Prices and Rent Payments

Business Climate
Thriving businesses abound in Salem and benefit from economic diversity. The Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR) in Salem is the lead economic development agency for Marion and Polk Counties. This private, nonprofit membership organization’s mission is to enhance and diversity the Mid-Willamette Valley area’s economy. Salem has plentiful natural resources including land available for development, such as 515 acres of developable land at Mill Creek Industrial Park.

Workforce and Labor Statistcs

Culture
Salem, Oregon's capital, is one of the state's oldest communities and its second largest city. The citizens of Salem also have a long history of commitment to community improvement and volunteerism and has been recognized nationally with two All-America City Awards, one for 1960-61 and more recently for 1982-83.

Local Attractions

Additional Resources

	Places of Worship
	Government Office and Community Connections