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City Report · OR

Salem

Pop. 178,865·56th most expensive in Oregon·Rental market data updated monthly for Salem, OR
Median rent (all units)
$1,585/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.4%
Month-over-Month
-0.9%
vs US Median
-$380
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Salem · $1,585
More affordable than 70% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
76/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 13% below what Salem's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,585/mo
Expected by trend
$1,820/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Salem's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,230
1 BR
$1,294
2 BR
$1,620
3 BR
$2,252
4 BR+
$2,482
Research median
$1,620/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$19,020/yr
At $1,585/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 1.4% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-1.4% YoY, -0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Salem, OR is majority owner-occupied, 31.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
178,865
Median income
$75,487
Median age
36
Renters
44.1%
Age distribution
22.8%
25.8%
25.2%
15.8%
Under 1822.8%
18–3425.8%
35–5425.2%
55–6410.4%
65+15.8%
Gender
50.3%
49.7%
Male50.3%
Female49.7%
Race & ethnicity
66.3%
25.4%
White66.3%
Black1.7%
Hispanic25.4%
Asian3.6%
Other3%
Education (25+)
23.1%
33.7%
31.5%
No HS diploma11.7%
HS diploma23.1%
Some college33.7%
Bachelor's+31.5%
Housing tenure
55.9%
44.1%
Owner55.9%
Renter44.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Salem, OR has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,294 → $1,585
up 22.5%
Income
$62,185 → $75,487
up 21.4%
Population
174,193 → 178,865
up 2.7%
Renter share
45.1% → 44.1%
-1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
30% → 31.5%
+1.5 pts

Rent in Salem, OR has increased 22.5% since 2021, going from about $1,294 per month to roughly $1,585 today. Household income in the area moved from $62,185 to $75,487 across the same window, up 21.4% versus 2021. Headcount in the area went from 174,193 to 178,865 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.7% change. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Salem, OR look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Salem

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View Salem rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Salem on your salary?

At $1,585/mo, how Salem rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Salem rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Salem. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Salem

About renting in Salem, OR

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Salem is $1,585/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,230/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,620/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,294/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,252/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($75,487/yr), Salem ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Salem an affordable city for renters?

Salem is considered affordable for renters. At $1,585/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($75,487/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Salem falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Salem?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,585/mo in Salem. The local median household income is $75,487/yr, meaning the typical Salem household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Salem?

Rent in Salem has decreased 1.4% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Salem neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Salem are 97301 ($1,450/mo), 97302 ($1,459/mo), and 97317 ($1,592/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Salem is $1,585/mo.

How does Salem rent compare to other cities in Oregon?

Salem is one of the more affordable cities in Oregon for rent, ranking #56 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,585/mo.

What percentage of Salem residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.1% of Salem households are renters, while 55.9% are owner-occupied. Salem leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Salem rent compare to the national average?

Salem's median rent of $1,585/mo is $380 (19%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Oregon, it ranks #56 out of 65 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,585/mo, rent takes ~25% of Salem's median household income ($75,487/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Salem 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.75–9.9%
Run the Salem affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Salem, OR

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