Salem, Oregon
Salem: The capital of Oregon.
About
Salem is a city located in the county of Marion in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its population at the 2010 census was 154,637 and a population density of 1,216 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 175,891 inhabitants.
The city was created 184 years ago in 1841.
Salem is the capital and second-largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. Salem was founded in 1842 and has served as the capital of Oregon since 1851.
Early History
The area where Salem now sits was originally home to the Kalapuya Native Americans who had inhabited the valley for over 10,000 years before Europeans arrived. The origin of the city's name Salem is somewhat disputed but is most likely derived from the Hebrew word "Shalom" meaning peace.
In 1842, the Methodist Mission established the town of Salem which served as a trading post and layover for settlers heading to the Oregon Territory. Salem was incorporated as a city in 1857 and selected as the state capital in 1864.
Salem as the Capital
After Salem was named capital, the city began to develop rapidly. The Oregon State Capitol building was constructed in 1938 and remains the primary government building today. Salem also became home to Willamette University, the oldest university in the western United States, which was established in 1842.
As the capital, Salem is the center of governance for the state. Both the state legislature and the governor's office are located in Salem along with the Oregon Supreme Court. Numerous state agencies and departments are headquartered in office buildings throughout the city.
Tourism and Recreation
Today, Salem is also known as a hub for agriculture, education, and tourism. Some points of interest include:
- The Oregon State Fair held annually in Salem
- Riverfront Park which runs along the Willamette River
- The Oregon State Capitol State Park
- Minto-Brown Island Park, the largest city park in Salem
Salem provides residents and visitors with a small city feel while also serving as the center of state government and politics in Oregon. With historic architecture, parks, and a university campus, Salem has much to offer visitors and residents.
Quick Facts about Salem
| Population | 175,891 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Oregon (United States) |
| County | Marion County |
| Postal code | 97317, 97301–97312, 97314 |
| Area | 127.22 km2 |
| Official name | Salem |
| Latitude & Longitude | 44.9429,-123.0351 |
| Altitude | 1,532 feet / 467 meters |
| Capital city | Salem is capital of Marion County, Oregon |
| Establishment | January 01, 1842 (184 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone, UTC−07:00, UTC−08:00 |
| Local time | 16:14:24 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 1,383 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 12.08% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 47℉ Light Rain Likely 7-days weather |
Geography
Salem is located at 44°56'34"N 123°2'6"W (44.9429000, -123.0351000).
Salem map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Salem
Official Website- Kawagoe
- Simferopol (1986 )
Demographics
The population of Salem increased by 12.08% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 154,637 | - | census |
| 2011 | 156,171 | 0.98% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 157,369 | 0.76% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 158,814 | 0.91% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 160,675 | 1.16% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 163,175 | 1.53% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 166,478 | 1.98% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 169,627 | 1.86% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 172,646 | 1.75% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 174,365 | 0.99% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 175,891 | 0.87% | estimation process |
Where to Eat in Salem
1The Grand Hotel in Salem
201 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035407800 | Website available
Where to Stay in Salem
1Motel 6 Salem, OR
1401 Hawthorne Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15033718024 | Website available
2Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear
1600 Motor Ct NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15039678153 | Website available
3Motel 6 Salem, OR - Expo Center
3195 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035852900 | Website available
4Howard Johnson by Wyndham Salem
2250 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States View details
Phone: +15039678461 | Website available
5Phoenix Inn Suites Salem
4370 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States View details
Phone: +15035889220 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Salem
1City of Salem Utility Billing
1410 20th St SE, Salem, OR 97302, United States View details
Phone: +15035886099 | Website available
2Salem Municipal Court
555 Liberty St SE UNIT 215, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886146 | Website available
3City of Salem Public Works
555 Liberty St SE UNIT 325, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886211 | Website available
4Salem City Hall
555 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886255 | Website available
5Oregon Department of Agriculture
635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15039864550 | Website available
6City of Salem
555 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Website available
7Salem City Council
555 Liberty St SE #240, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886255 | Website available
8Salem Building & Safety Division
555 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886256 | Website available
9Salem Fire Department - Headquarters
370 Trade St SE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886245 | Website available
10Salem Police Department
333 Division St NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States View details
Phone: +15035886123 | Website available
People born in Salem (138)
People born in Salem, including movie actress & model Carmella Bing, alpine skier Debbie Armstrong, fantasy writer Patricia A. McKillip, .
More notable people
- Cathy McMorris Rodgers (U.S. Representative from Washington) she was born in 22/05/1969
- Randall Woodfield (American serial killer and rapist) he was born in 26/12/1950
- Jim Pepper (Kaw-Muscogee Creek jazz musician) he was born in 18/06/1941
- Linda Friday (American movie actress) she was born in 14/07/1971
- Kate Nauta (American model, actress, singer.) she was born in 29/04/1982
- John Zerzan (American anarchist and primitivist philosopher and author) he was born in 01/01/1943
- Justin Kirk (American actor) he was born in 28/05/1969
- Zollie Volchok (American basketball executive) he was born in 22/09/1916
- Alfred Carlton Gilbert (American athlete, inventor, and businessman) he was born in 15/02/1884
- Theodore Thurston Geer (American politician (1851-1924)) he was born in 12/03/1851
- Jed Lowrie (American baseball player) he was born in 17/04/1984
- David Qualey (American composer) he was born in 30/12/1947
- Edith Brown Weiss (American jurist) she was born in 19/02/1942
- George Andrews (American mathematician) he was born in 04/12/1938
- Samuel Colt (Americanmovie actor) he was born in 06/12/1973
- Patrick Carman (American writer) he was born in 27/02/1966
- Kat Bjelland (American musician) she was born in 09/12/1963
- Porter Peter Lowry (U.S. botanist and curator) he was born in 27/10/1956
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Salem, OR. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 491242 | Johnny Matthew's Hairdressing Training School | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| 210401 | Willamette University | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| 208433 | College of Hair Design Careers | Salem (OR) | 97301-1952 |
| 209694 | Phagans School of Beauty | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| 208390 | Chemeketa Community College | Salem (OR) | 97305 |
Nearby Transit Stations (15)
Rail and bus stations connected to Salem, OR. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLM | Salem station | 500 13th Street SE | RAIL |
| WBN | Woodburn, OR | 2900 Tom Tennant Drive | BUS |
| ALY | Albany station | 110 10th Ave SW | RAIL |
| CVI | Corvallis, Oregon | 153 NW 4th Avenue | BUS |
| ORC | Oregon City station | 1757 Washington Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Salem.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Pringle Park Post Office | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| West Salem Post Office | Salem (OR) | 97304 |
| Hollywood Post Office | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| Salem Post Office | Salem (OR) | 97301 |
| Vista Post Office | Salem (OR) | 97302 |
Other places with the same name (24)
- Salem, Massachusetts The capital of Massachusetts. with a population of 43,581 people.
- Salem, New Hampshire town in New Hampshire, United States with a population of 30,641 people.
- Salem, Virginia City in Page County, Virginia, United States with a population of 25,340 people.
- Salem, Utah city in Utah County, Utah, United States with a population of 8,866 people.
- Salem, Illinois city in Illinois with a population of 6,952 people.
- Salem, Michigan township in Washtenaw County, Michigan with a population of 6,464 people.
- Salem, Pennsylvania township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania with a population of 6,367 people.
- Salem, Indiana city in Washington Township, Washington County, Indiana, United States with a population of 6,236 people.
- Salem, Indiana city in Washington Township, Washington County, Indiana, United States with a population of 6,217 people.
- Salem, Missouri city in Missouri, United States with a population of 4,874 people.
- Salem, New Jersey city in Salem County, New Jersey, USA with a population of 4,713 people.
- Salem, Connecticut town in New London County, Connecticut, United States with a population of 4,083 people.
- Salem, New York city in Washington Township, Washington County, Indiana, United States with a population of 2,607 people.
- Salem, North Carolina township in Burke County, North Carolina with a population of 2,218 people.
- Salem, Arkansas city in Arkansas, United States with a population of 1,655 people.
- Salem, West Virginia city in West Virginia with a population of 1,511 people.
- Salem, Ohio city in Ohio with a population of 956 people.
- Salem, Kentucky city in Kentucky, United States with a population of 717 people.
- Salem, Wisconsin civil town in Kenosha County, Wisconsin with a population of 529 people.
- Salem, Iowa city in Iowa, United States with a population of 380 people.
- Salem, Kansas city (possibly historical) with a population of 305 people.
- Salem, South Carolina town in South Carolina, United States with a population of 153 people.
- Salem, South Dakota city in South Dakota, United States of America with a population of 153 people.
- Salem, Nebraska village in Nebraska, United States with a population of 103 people.
Other cities in Marion County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Marion County , OR. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Keizer | 39,593 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Woodburn | 26,175 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Hayesville | 19,936 | City in Keokuk County, Iowa, United States of America |
| Four Corners | 15,947 | Region of the United States consisting of the southwestern corner of Colorado, northwestern corner of New Mexico, northeastern corner of Arizona and southeastern corner of Utah |
| Silverton | 10,617 | Historic district in the United States |
| Stayton | 8,256 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Aumsville | 4,202 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Mount Angel | 3,650 | Mountain in Oregon, United States of America |
| Hubbard | 3,595 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Jefferson | 3,386 | City in Marion County, Texas, USA |
| Sublimity | 2,784 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Gervais | 2,774 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Turner | 2,130 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Donald | 1,064 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Aurora | 1,039 | City in Oregon, USA |
| Gates | 515 | City in Oregon, USA |
Distance to Other Cities
Salem distances to largest Oregon cities