Salem, Oregon

📍 👥 Pop. 175,754 🏠 ZIP 97301
59
/100
ReloCompare™
Median Income
$67,540
per household/year
Home Value
$349,500
median
Rent
$1,224
per month
Unemployment
5.2%
vs 3.7% national
Air Quality
68
Moderate
Internet
N/A
Mbps max • No fiber

📋 Living in Salem, OR — Overview

Mild Summers

Salem, Oregon scores 59.5/100 on ReloCompare™, with notable strengths and some areas that may give relocators pause. With 175,754 residents, it's a mid-size city that balances urban amenities with a more manageable pace of life. With a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, housing affordability is a concern — buyers may need dual incomes or significant savings. The area has seen 9 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate natural risk.

📉 Unemployment above national average — research your industry before relocating

Score Breakdown

💰 Affordability
65
Home Value: $349,500
Rent: $1,224/mo
Electricity: ¢/kWh
💼 Job Market
35
Unemployment: 5.2%
Median Income: $67,540
Job Growth: % YoY
🌡️ Climate
50
Summer High: °F
Winter Low: °F
Sunny Days: /year
🌿 Environment
70
Air Quality: AQI 68 (Moderate)
Toxic Sites: 0 in area
Water: No violations ✓
🌐 Infrastructure
50
Internet: N/A Mbps
Fiber: Not available
Solar: kWh/m²/day
⚠️ Natural Risks
95
Disasters (20yr): 9
Flood Zone: None
Earthquake: Low
⚠️ Safety Analysis: Salem has experienced 9 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate risk. Homeowners insurance typically remains reasonable at this level.
🌿 Environment Analysis: Salem has moderate air quality (AQI: 68). Most residents won't notice issues, but sensitive individuals may want to check daily readings during peak seasons.
💰 Affordability Analysis: Housing affordability is a challenge in Salem, where the price-to-income ratio reaches 5.2x. With 22% of median income going to rent, dual-income households or higher-paying careers may be necessary for comfortable living.
📊 See Full City Rankings →

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🎯 What Makes Salem Stand Out

Salem's strongest attributes are safety and environment, where it outperforms many comparable cities. Areas where Salem faces challenges include job market — factors to weigh against its strengths when making your decision. Overall, Salem may be the best fit for safety-conscious retirees.


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