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Salem, Oregon

city · Marion County (primary) , Polk County

At a glance

178,865
Population
$416,900
Median home value (all homes)
37% above U.S. median
$440,726
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,400/mo
Median rent
4% above U.S. median
$75,487
Median household income
4% below U.S. median
22 min
Average commute
92.3%
Homes with broadband
22.95%
Locations with fiber available
5.8%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 115 — 15% above the national average. how it's computed

Housing55% above
Goods & services3% above
Utilities7% below
Taxes10% below
Insurance32% below
Commute cost10% above
For business: Oregon is CBII band 3/5 · time to build band 3/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Nearest 4-year college1 mi
Nearest community college4 mi
Nearest technical college0 mi
High school graduates88.3%
College graduates31.5%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

region Strategic Economic Development Corporation
SED COR is a regional economic development organization serving Oregon's Willamette Valley, helping local businesses expand, create jobs, and invest in the region through partnerships and programs.
state Business Oregon
Business Oregon is the state's economic development agency. The Business Oregon Commission oversees the agency's activities to ensure a coherent, integrated approach to economic development and a continuous policy direction that can transcend changes in executive and legislative leadership.
state Marion County Economic Development
Marion County's Economic Development page lists programs such as Business Retention & Expansion (SEDCOR), Chamber & Small Business Support, City Support, Detroit Marinas, Emergent Economic Opportunity Program (EEOP), Opal Creek Promise, Tourism Support, and Youth Employment Program. It describes current projects including expanding rural broadband connectivity, supporting traded-sector businesses, and promoting tourism and workforce development in Marion County, Oregon.
State sales taxNone
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateNo

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