Cost of Living in Salem, OR
Population: 176,666 • 2026 Data
$71,900
Median Household Income
-7% vs national
$1,323
Median Monthly Rent
-2% vs national
$382,400
Median Home Value
+13% vs national
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Salem
The median home value in Salem, OR is $382,400. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,323, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,440.
Rent-to-income ratio: 22.1%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Salem, OR is $71,900. The unemployment rate stands at 5.2%, with a labor force of 86,525 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.