Employment
Salem’s premiere source of employment is the government, as expected in the state’s capital. Approximately 28 percent of Salem residents are employed in some level of government, be it federal, state, local or Indian tribal. During the legislative session every other year the town is bustling with politicians, which brings the city an economic boost through heavier gas purchases, restaurant usage and more. Manufacturing and retail trade comprise about 23 percent of the area’s workforce. Salem is one of the largest centers of food processing in the nation. Other notable industries include agriculture and education. The median income for a Salem household is $38,881 and $46,409 for a family. Males have a median income of $34,746 versus $26,789 for females. Salem’s per capita income is $19, 141. Fifteen percent of the population and 10.5 percent of families are below the poverty line. Of the total population below the poverty line, 20.2 percent is under the age of 18 and 7.1 percent is 65 years and older.
Fun Facts
City population: 135,000
Metro population: 2.4 million
Size: 40.8 square miles
Average temperature (January): 46.9 (max) / 37.0 (min) F
Average temperature (July): 81.6 (max) / 50.7 (min) F