Salem, Oregon#Neighborhood associations

File:SalemOregon1876.gif

The Native Americans who inhabited the central Willamette Valley at first European contact, the Kalapuya, called the area Chim-i-ki-ti, which is thought to mean "meeting or resting place" in the Central Kalapuya language (Santiam). When the Methodist Mission moved to the area, they called the new establishment Chemeketa; although it was more widely known as the Mill, because of its situation on Mill Creek.{{cite book

|last=McArthur

|first=Lewis A.

|author-link=Lewis A. McArthur

|author2=Lewis L. McArthur

|title=Oregon Geographic Names

|title-link=Oregon Geographic Names

|orig-year=1928

|edition=Seventh

|page=839

|year=2003

|publisher=Oregon Historical Society Press

|location=Portland, Oregon

|isbn=0-87595-277-1

|author2-link=Lewis L. McArthur

}} When the Oregon Institute was established, the community became known as the institute.

When the institute was dissolved, the trustees decided to lay out a town site on the Institute lands. Some possible sources for the name "Salem" include William H. Willson, who in 1850 and 1851 filed the plans for the main part of the city, and suggested adopting an Anglicized version of the Biblical Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם, Shalom", meaning "peace" (used also as a greeting).{{cite web | title = How Salem Got its Name | publisher = Salem Public Library, Salem, Oregon | url = http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/salem_name.htm | access-date = March 25, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180409092113/http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/salem_name.htm | archive-date = April 9, 2018 | url-status = live }} The Reverend David Leslie, President of the town's Trustees, also wanted a Biblical name, and suggested using the last five letters of "Jerusalem". Or, the town may be named after Salem, Massachusetts, where Leslie was educated. There were many names suggested, and even after the change to Salem, some people, such as Asahel Bush (editor of the Oregon Statesman), believed the name should be changed back to Chemeketa.{{Cite web|url=http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/salem_name.htm|title=Salem (Oregon) Online History - Salem's Name|website=www.salemhistory.net|access-date=December 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811051202/http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/salem_name.htm|archive-date=August 11, 2007|url-status=live}} The Vern Miller Civic Center, which houses the city offices and library, has a public space dedicated as the Peace Plaza in recognition of the names by which the city has been known.

The first people of European descent arrived in the area as early as 1812; they were animal trappers and food gatherers for the fur trading companies in Astoria, Oregon.

The first permanent American settlement in the area was the Jason Lee Methodist mission (1840) located in the area north of Salem known as Wheatland.{{Cite web|url=http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/brief_history.htm|title=Salem (Oregon) Online History - Brief History|website=www.salemhistory.net|access-date=December 8, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928031339/http://www.salemhistory.net/brief_history/brief_history.htm|archive-date=September 28, 2007|url-status=live}} In 1842, the missionaries established the Oregon Institute (the forerunner of Willamette University) in the area that was to become the site of Salem. In 1844, the mission was dissolved and the town site established.

In 1851, Salem became the territorial capital after it was moved from Oregon City. The capital was moved briefly to Corvallis in 1855, but was moved back to Salem permanently that same year. Salem incorporated as a city in 1857, and with the coming of statehood in 1859, it became the state capital.

File:1935 Capitol Fire.png

Oregon has had three capitol buildings in Salem. A two-story state house, which had been occupied for only two months, burned to the ground in December 1855. Oregon's second capitol building was completed in 1876 on the site of the original. The Greek Revival-style building was based in part on the U.S. Capitol building. The building received its distinctive copper dome in 1893. On April 25, 1935, this building was also destroyed by fire. The third and current Oregon State Capitol was completed on the same site in 1938. It faces north instead of west like its predecessor, and is recognizable by its distinctive pioneer statue atop the capitol dome that is plated with gold-leaf and officially named the Oregon Pioneer.

File:1867 Oregon State Fair.png

Agriculture has always been important to Salem, and the city has historically recognized and celebrated it in a number of ways. In 1861, Salem was chosen as the permanent site of the Oregon State Fair by the Oregon State Agricultural Association.Heine, Steven Robert [https://books.google.com/books?id=UY1bWuRoaswC&pg=PA130&dq=The+Oregon+State+Fair+Images+of+America&sig=0R6dJjCQh4mFCGyGqCB0XFTcpgs#PPP1, M1 The Oregon State Fair Images of America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120071331/https://books.google.com/books?id=UY1bWuRoaswC&pg=PA130&dq=The+Oregon+State+Fair+Images+of+America&sig=0R6dJjCQh4mFCGyGqCB0XFTcpgs#PPP1, |date=January 20, 2016 }} Arcadia Publishing August 20, 2007 Salem is nicknamed the "Cherry City", because of the past importance of the local cherry-growing industry.{{cite web |url=http://www.salemhistory.net/commerce/cherries.htm |title=The Cherry City |access-date=August 5, 2007 |author=Lucas, Bill |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811051110/http://www.salemhistory.net/commerce/cherries.htm |archive-date=August 11, 2007 |url-status=live }} The first cherry festival in Salem was held in 1903 and was an annual event, with parades and the election of a cherry queen, until sometime after World War I. The event was briefly revived as the Salem Cherryland Festival for several years in the late 1940s.{{cite web |url=http://www.salemhistory.net/culture/cherry_festival.htm |title=Salem's Cherry Festival |access-date=August 5, 2007 |author=Hermann, Shirley |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928031427/http://www.salemhistory.net/culture/cherry_festival.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

Salem is located in the north-central Willamette Valley, in Marion and Polk counties. The 45th Parallel (roughly the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator) passes through Salem's city limits.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|48.45|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|47.90|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.55|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=December 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 }}

Although the Willamette River flows through Salem, the North Santiam River watershed is Salem's primary drinking water source. Other important streams that pass through Salem are Mill Creek, the Mill Race, Pringle Creek, and Shelton Ditch.{{cite web |url=http://www.salemhistory.net/natural_history/salems_creeks.htm |title=The Creeks of Salem |publisher=Salem Online History |access-date=January 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213041930/http://www.salemhistory.net/natural_history/salems_creeks.htm |archive-date=December 13, 2007 |url-status=live }} Smaller streams in the southern and southeastern parts of the city include Clark Creek, Jory Creek, Battle Creek, Croisan Creek, and Claggett Creek, while Glen Creek and Brush Creek flow through West Salem.

Elevation within the city limits ranges from about {{convert|120|to|800|ft|m}}. Salem contains the volcanic Salem Hills in the south and is sandwiched by the {{convert|1000|ft|m|abbr=on}} Eola Hills directly to the west and the {{convert|600|ft|m|abbr=on}} Waldo Hills to the east. Northern and eastern Salem are less hilly. South and West Salem contain some canyons and are the hilliest areas. The coast range and the Cascades—including Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and on the clearest of days, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams in Washington—can be viewed from throughout the city.

File:Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Salem Area, OR(ThreadEx).svg

Like most of the Willamette Valley area, Salem has a mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). Rain is heaviest in late fall and throughout winter, and almost all of the annual precipitation falls between October and April, with a dry season from May through September. Light snowfall occurs in winter, but major snows are rare. Mostly cloudy skies and low cloud ceilings are commonplace during the rainy season.

Salem's mean annual temperature is {{convert|54.1|°F|1}};{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=pqr |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date = February 21, 2012 }} its annual precipitation is {{convert|40.08|in|mm|0}}, with an average {{convert|3.5|in|cm|1}} of snow included. However, over a quarter of years receive no snowfall. The state capital is about {{convert|47|mi|0|abbr=on}} south of Portland, but actually has a lower average temperature than that of Portland ({{convert|54.4|°F|1|disp=or}}), due in part to the lower daily minima.

All-time extremes in Salem range from {{convert|117|to|-12|F|C}}. The coldest afternoon of the year usually falls to {{convert|32|F|C}} on the freezing point, whereas the coldest recorded maximum temperature was {{convert|16|F|C}} in three separate months and years. The warmest night on record was {{convert|74|F|C}} in July 2006 and the warmest annual night averages {{convert|64|F|C}}.

{{Weather box

|collapsed =

|location = Salem, Oregon (McNary Field), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present

|single line = y

|Jan record high F = 68

|Feb record high F = 72

|Mar record high F = 80

|Apr record high F = 93

|May record high F = 100

|Jun record high F = 117

|Jul record high F = 108

|Aug record high F = 108

|Sep record high F = 104

|Oct record high F = 93

|Nov record high F = 74

|Dec record high F = 72

|year record high F = 117

|Jan avg record high F = 59.4

|Feb avg record high F = 61.9

|Mar avg record high F = 70.3

|Apr avg record high F = 77.6

|May avg record high F = 87.3

|Jun avg record high F = 93.8

|Jul avg record high F = 100.1

|Aug avg record high F = 100.4

|Sep avg record high F = 92.6

|Oct avg record high F = 77.8

|Nov avg record high F = 64.1

|Dec avg record high F = 59.0

|year avg record high F = 103.2

|Jan high F = 48.4

|Feb high F = 52.1

|Mar high F = 56.8

|Apr high F = 61.6

|May high F = 69.0

|Jun high F = 74.6

|Jul high F = 83.5

|Aug high F = 83.6

|Sep high F = 77.5

|Oct high F = 64.8

|Nov high F = 53.6

|Dec high F = 47.4

|year high F = 64.4

|Jan mean F = 42.1

|Feb mean F = 44.0

|Mar mean F = 47.5

|Apr mean F = 51.3

|May mean F = 57.7

|Jun mean F = 62.7

|Jul mean F = 69.3

|Aug mean F = 69.2

|Sep mean F = 64.0

|Oct mean F = 54.3

|Nov mean F = 46.3

|Dec mean F = 41.3

|year mean F = 54.1

|Jan low F = 35.8

|Feb low F = 35.9

|Mar low F = 38.3

|Apr low F = 41.0

|May low F = 46.3

|Jun low F = 50.8

|Jul low F = 55.1

|Aug low F = 54.8

|Sep low F = 50.6

|Oct low F = 43.9

|Nov low F = 39.0

|Dec low F = 35.1

|year low F = 43.9

|Jan avg record low F = 23.9

|Feb avg record low F = 24.1

|Mar avg record low F = 27.7

|Apr avg record low F = 31.1

|May avg record low F = 35.2

|Jun avg record low F = 41.5

|Jul avg record low F = 47.0

|Aug avg record low F = 46.7

|Sep avg record low F = 41.0

|Oct avg record low F = 32.1

|Nov avg record low F = 26.3

|Dec avg record low F = 21.8

|year avg record low F = 17.7

|Jan record low F = −10

|Feb record low F = −4

|Mar record low F = 12

|Apr record low F = 23

|May record low F = 25

|Jun record low F = 32

|Jul record low F = 35

|Aug record low F = 30

|Sep record low F = 26

|Oct record low F = 19

|Nov record low F = 9

|Dec record low F = −12

|year record low F = −12

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 6.08

|Feb precipitation inch = 4.54

|Mar precipitation inch = 4.35

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.12

|May precipitation inch = 2.25

|Jun precipitation inch = 1.25

|Jul precipitation inch = 0.25

|Aug precipitation inch = 0.39

|Sep precipitation inch = 1.46

|Oct precipitation inch = 3.47

|Nov precipitation inch = 5.95

|Dec precipitation inch = 6.97

|year precipitation inch = 40.08

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 18.2

|Feb precipitation days = 15.9

|Mar precipitation days = 17.5

|Apr precipitation days = 15.7

|May precipitation days = 11.6

|Jun precipitation days = 8.0

|Jul precipitation days = 2.3

|Aug precipitation days = 3.2

|Sep precipitation days = 6.4

|Oct precipitation days = 12.5

|Nov precipitation days = 17.7

|Dec precipitation days = 18.9

|year precipitation days = 147.9

|Jan sun = 77.6

|Feb sun = 117.9

|Mar sun = 200.3

|Apr sun = 238.1

|May sun = 281.7

|Jun sun = 295.2

|Jul sun = 350.3

|Aug sun = 318.8

|Sep sun = 253.1

|Oct sun = 171.0

|Nov sun = 86.2

|Dec sun = 73.5

|Jan humidity = 82.9

|Feb humidity = 81.5

|Mar humidity = 77.3

|Apr humidity = 73.6

|May humidity = 71.1

|Jun humidity = 67.8

|Jul humidity = 63.0

|Aug humidity = 64.3

|Sep humidity = 69.4

|Oct humidity = 79.5

|Nov humidity = 84.8

|Dec humidity = 84.9

|year humidity = 75.0

|Jan dew point C = 1.3

|Feb dew point C = 2.7

|Mar dew point C = 3.4

|Apr dew point C = 4.6

|May dew point C = 7.1

|Jun dew point C = 9.6

|Jul dew point C = 10.8

|Aug dew point C = 11.1

|Sep dew point C = 9.4

|Oct dew point C = 7.2

|Nov dew point C = 4.7

|Dec dew point C = 2.0

|source 1 = NOAA (sun, dew points and relative humidity 1961–1990){{cite web

|title = NOAA Online Weather Data

|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=pqr

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = December 7, 2021}}

{{cite web

|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00024232&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Salem McNary FLD, OR

|access-date = February 17, 2023

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230705022201/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USW00024232&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL

|archive-date = 2023-07-05

}}

{{cite web

|url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72694.TXT

|title = WMO Climate Normals for SALEM, OR 1961–1990

|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

|access-date = July 5, 2023

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230705015210/ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/US/GROUP4/72694.TXT

|archive-date = 2023-07-05}}

}}

{{Graph:Weather monthly history

| table=ncei.noaa.gov/weather/Salem, Oregon.tab

| title=Salem monthly weather statistics

}}

{{US Census population

|1860= 902

|1870= 2139

|1880= 2538

|1890= 3422

|1900= 4258

|1910= 14094

|1920= 17679

|1930= 26266

|1940= 30908

|1950= 43140

|1960= 49142

|1970= 68296

|1980= 89233

|1990= 107786

|2000= 136924

|2010= 154637

|2020= 175535

|estyear=2022

|estimate=180013

|estref=

|footnote=Sources:{{cite web|title=2010 Census profiles: Oregon cities alphabetically R-S|url=http://www.pdx.edu/sites/www.pdx.edu.prc/files/media_assets/2010_PL94_cities_R-S_updated.pdf|publisher=Portland State University Population Research Center|access-date=May 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022125223/http://www.pdx.edu/sites/www.pdx.edu.prc/files/media_assets/2010_PL94_cities_R-S_updated.pdf|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}}Moffatt, Riley. Population History of Western U.S. Cities & Towns, 1850–1990. Lanham: Scarecrow, 1996, 215.{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:41&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=Oct 12, 2022}}

}}

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 175,535 people, and 64,426 households in the city. The population density was 3,596.8 people per square mile. The racial make up of the city was 75.3% White, 1.4% African American, 1.0% Native American, 3.3% Asian, 1.8% Pacific Islander, and 10.2% two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 22.4% of the population.

24.2% of the population were under 18, and 6.2% were under 5. People over 65 made up 14.6% of the population. The gender make up was 49% female and 51% male.

The median household income was $62,185, and the per capita income was $31,610. 14.7% of the population were under the poverty line.

As of the census{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 21, 2012}} of 2010, there were 154,637 people, 57,290 households, and 36,261 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|3228.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 61,276 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1279.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 79.0% White, 1.5% African American, 1.5% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.9% Pacific Islander, 10.1% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.3% of the population.

There were 57,290 households, of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.7% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.15.

The median age in the city was 34.5 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.6% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 12% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

As of the census of 2000, there were 136,924 people, 50,676 households, and 32,331 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|2,994.0|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people}}. There were 53,817 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,176.8|/mi2|/km2}}. The racial makeup of the city was 83.1% White, 1.3% African American, 1.5% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 7.9% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.6% of the population. Non-Hispanic Whites were 70.7% of the population in 2010,{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/41/4164900.html |title=Salem (city), Oregon |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915124933/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/41/4164900.html |archive-date=September 15, 2013 |df=mdy-all }} compared to 88.6% in 1990.{{cite web|title=Oregon – Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |access-date=May 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012 }}

There were 50,676 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,881, and the median income for a family was $46,409. Males had a median income of $34,746 versus $26,789 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,141. About 10.5% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

File:Salem City Hall Courtyard, Salem, Oregon.jpg, which is a complex of buildings, including a branch of the public library, a fire station, city hall, and the police department (until 2020.)]]

Salem is governed using the council–manager government model.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalem.net/CityCouncil/Pages/default.aspx |title=City of Salem City Government homepage |access-date=September 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012131145/http://cityofsalem.net/CityCouncil/Pages/default.aspx |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The city council consists of eight members who are elected from single member wards. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.

The current mayor is Julie Hoy, who took office in 2025.{{cite web |date=January 10, 2025 |title=Salem Swears in Three New City Councilors, New Mayor at January 13 Meeting |url=https://www.cityofsalem.net/Home/Components/News/News/1442/15 |website=City of Salem, Oregon |publisher=City of Salem, Oregon |access-date=January 14, 2025}}

The following are Salem's city councilors:{{Cite web|title=Contact a City Councilor|url=https://www.cityofsalem.net/government/city-council-mayor/about-city-council/contact-a-city-councilor|access-date=2023-02-12|website=www.cityofsalem.net|language=en-US}}

• Ward 1: Virginia Stapleton
• Ward 2: Linda Nishioka
• Ward 3: Trevor Phillips
• Ward 4: Deanna Gwyn
• Ward 5: Jose Gonzalez
• Ward 6: Julie Hoy
• Ward 7: Vanessa Nordyke
• Ward 8: Micki Varney

File:Old First National Bank Building Salem Oregon.JPG

State government is Salem's largest employer, but the city also serves as a hub for the area farming communities and is a major agricultural food processing center.{{cite web |url=http://www.oregonlink.com/about_salem.html |title=About Salem, Oregon |access-date=August 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621191212/http://www.oregonlink.com/about_salem.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007 |url-status=live }} It lies along the I-5 corridor and is within an hour's drive of Oregon's largest city, Portland.

Salem is the home of Kettle Foods, Inc., a maker of potato chips since 1982. Kettle employs 700 in Salem and at a plant in Bowthorpe, England. NORPAC Foods, Inc., is a large food processor in Salem and elsewhere in Marion County. Its brands include Flav-R-Pac and West-Pac frozen fruits and vegetables, and Santiam canned vegetables. Oregon Fruit Products, Inc., has been canning blackberries, marionberries and other fruits in Salem since 1935, with Oregon as its brand name.

In a bid to diversify its economic base, Salem attracted a number of computer-related manufacturing plants in the 1990s. In November 2003, the Sumitomo Mitsubishi Silicon Group (SUMCO), one of these arrivals, announced it would be closing its two silicon wafer plants at the end of 2004, eliminating 620 jobs, and moving production to other plants.{{cite news |title=Statement from SUMCO on the closure |newspaper=Statesman Journal |date=November 13, 2003 |url=http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=70734 |access-date=March 30, 2007 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20040103095246/http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article.cfm?i=70734 |archive-date = January 3, 2004}}

Salem is the headquarters of the Oregon Department of Corrections and home to four state correctional facilities, including the Oregon State Penitentiary, Oregon's only maximum-security prison.

Numerous projects are underway to increase the supply of housing in the downtown core. These projects will provide upscale, low- and high-rise condominium and office space.

According to Salem's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 2022 fiscal year,{{Cite web |url=https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/18500/638107980194370000|title=City of Salem CAFR |access-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704065435/https://www.cityofsalem.net/home/showpublisheddocument/18500/638107980194370000 |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |df=mdy-all }} the top employers in the area are:

File:Aerial Salem 1900.png

Salem has 17 recognized neighborhood associations, which are independent groups that receive administrative support from the city.{{cite web |title=Salem Neighborhood Associations |url=https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/neighborhoods/neighborhood-associations |access-date= |website=cityofsalem.net |publisher=}}

File:Teen male skater in Salem Oregon park jump.jpg

The nonprofit group Salem Community Markets (SCM) operates several farmers' markets in Salem. The largest and most well-known of these is the Salem Saturday Market, which is located north of the Capitol, runs from May to October, and focuses on local products, including art, baked goods, produce, live plants, meat, and other items.{{Cite web|url=https://www.salemcommunitymarkets.com/|title=Salem Saturday Market|website=SSM|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927151538/https://www.salemcommunitymarkets.com/|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}} Other SCM-run markets include a Monday Market (hosted from May to September at the Salem Hospital), a Wednesday Farmers' Market hosted on campus at Chemeketa Community College, a Thursday Market in West Salem,{{Cite web |title=ALL MARKETS |url=https://www.salemcommunitymarkets.com/all-markets.html |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=SSM |language=en}} and a Holiday Gift Market in December. There is also an indoor Saturday Public Market which is open all year.

The annual World Beat Festival, held in June, is sponsored by the nonprofit Salem Multicultural Institute.{{Cite web|url=https://www.salemmulticultural.org/festival/world-beat-festival|title=World Beat Festival|website=www.salemmulticultural.org|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927151538/https://www.salemmulticultural.org/festival/world-beat-festival|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}} The event lasts for two days and is held at the Riverfront Park. It features international crafts, music, dance, food, and folklore from every continent, and in recent years has held a Dragon Boat race similar to the ones held during the nearby Rose Festival in Portland.{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1704817341.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+26%2C+2008&author=Elida+S+Perez&pub=Statesman+Journal&desc=Pacific+Islands+shine+at+World+Beat&pqatl=google|title=Pacific Islands shine at World Beat|newspaper=Statesman Journal|date=June 26, 2008|page=W8|last=Perez|first=Elida S.|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316102239/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1704817341.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+26%2C+2008&author=Elida+S+Perez&pub=Statesman+Journal&desc=Pacific+Islands+shine+at+World+Beat&pqatl=google|archive-date=March 16, 2013|url-status=dead}}

The Salem Art Association sponsors the annual Salem Art Fair and Festival, which takes place at Bush's Pasture Park during the summer.{{Cite web|url=https://salemart.org/|title=Salem Art Association|website=Salem Art Association|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927151536/https://salemart.org/|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}} Its displays, interactive exhibits, food, and performances attract thousands of visitors each year.{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1702350361.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+17%2C+2008&author=&pub=Statesman+Journal&desc=Art+fair+is+a+party+for+Salem+and+its+friends&pqatl=google|title=Art fair is a party for Salem and its friends|date=July 17, 2008|page=C5|newspaper=Statesman Journal|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316102230/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1702350361.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+17%2C+2008&author=&pub=Statesman+Journal&desc=Art+fair+is+a+party+for+Salem+and+its+friends&pqatl=google|archive-date=March 16, 2013|url-status=dead}}

The Bite of Salem, held in July at the Riverfront Park, is an event similar to others such as the Bite of Oregon in Portland. The event consists of a weekend of local restaurants in Salem offering samples of their menus to patrons in a festival atmosphere, with live entertainment and benefiting local charities. In the summer, Chef's Nite Out is a wine and food benefit held for Marion-Polk Food Share.{{cite web|url=http://www.marionpolkfoodshare.org/Events/ChefsNiteOut/tabid/545/Default.aspx |publisher=Marion-Pold Food Share |title=Chef's Nite Out |access-date=November 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210053854/http://www.marionpolkfoodshare.org/Events/ChefsNiteOut/tabid/545/Default.aspx |archive-date=December 10, 2011 }} Oregon Wine & Food Festival takes place at that state's fairgrounds in January.

The largest event in Salem is the Oregon State Fair at the end of August through Labor Day. Located in the Oregon State Fairgrounds in North Salem, the fair offers exhibits, competitions and carnival rides. Other events such as concerts, horse shows and rodeos take place at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center throughout the year.{{Cite web |url=http://www.oregonstatefair.org/ |title=Oregon State Fair |access-date=December 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825130556/http://www.oregonstatefair.org/ |archive-date=August 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

The Mid-Valley Video Festival offers local, national and international independent films in theaters throughout the city.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mvvfest.org/ |title=Mid-Valley Video Festival |access-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080111063352/http://www.mvvfest.org/ |archive-date=January 11, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

The Salem Film Festival has included feature films that were Oregon premieres.{{Cite web|url=http://salemfilmfestival.com/2013/index.html|title=SALEM FILM FESTIVAL 2013|website=salemfilmfestival.com|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506033248/http://salemfilmfestival.com/2013/index.html|archive-date=May 6, 2019|url-status=live}}

The Salem Repertory Theatre presents shows at the Reed Opera House.{{Cite web |url=http://www.salemrep.org/ |title=Salem Repertory Theatre |access-date=August 1, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406210722/http://www.salemrep.org/ |archive-date=April 6, 2009 |url-status=dead }} The Pentacle Theatre, which features plays and musicals, is located in West Salem.{{Cite web|url=https://pentacletheatre.org/|title=Home|website=Pentacle Theatre|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927151537/https://pentacletheatre.org/|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}} The Elsinore Theatre is a historic landmark featuring recitals, concerts, films, and plays. It has the largest working pipe organ on the west coast, a remnant of its days as a showcase for silent films, in the early days of cinema. Grand Theater is newly renovated and is the home of Enlightened Theatrics, a professional theatre company and hosts the Salem Progressive Film Series on the third Tuesday nine months of the year.

Salem Capital Pride, Salem's yearly Gay Pride Event, is held in early August.{{cite web |url=http://www.capitolpride.org/ |title=Capitol Pride of Salem, Oregon |publisher=Capitolpride.org |access-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606222856/http://www.capitolpride.org/ |archive-date=June 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}

The personal house and garden of landscape architects Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver, known as Gaiety Hollow, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Their firm Lord & Schryver designed the gardens of Historic Deepwood Estate.

File:Oregon Capitol 2.jpg]]

File:Salem Oregon downtown.JPG

In addition to the Oregon State Capitol and adjacent Willson Park, Salem's downtown contains the Willamette Heritage Center, Hallie Ford Museum of Art, the Elsinore Theatre, Riverfront Park, the Willamette River, some of the oldest buildings in Oregon, as well as shopping and restaurants. The A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village interactive children's museum and Prewitt-Allen Archaeological Museum are both also located in Salem.{{cite news|title= Museum is well-kept secret|last=Tamaribuchi|first=Tara|date=September 1, 1999|work=Statesman Journal|page=4C}}

The two leading candidates for the tallest building in Salem are Salem First United Methodist Church and the Capitol Center.{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Eunice |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1720366691.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+15%2C+2007&author=EUNICE+KIM&pub=Statesman+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Landmark+building%27s+80th+birthday+is+reason+to+party |title=Landmark building's 80th birthday is reason to party |newspaper=Statesman Journal |date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=March 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316102416/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/statesmanjournal/access/1720366691.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+15%2C+2007&author=EUNICE+KIM&pub=Statesman+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Landmark+building%27s+80th+birthday+is+reason+to+party |archive-date=March 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }} A private survey commissioned by a local publication holds that the church is the tallest.{{cite web |url=http://www.salemoregon.com/tallestbuilding/facts/buildingscompared.html |title=The Answer: Salem Oregon's Tallest Building |publisher=Salemoregon.com |access-date=March 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606045147/http://www.salemoregon.com/tallestbuilding/facts/buildingscompared.html |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |url-status=live }} The tall white spire of the 1878 church rises at the intersection of Church and State Streets across from the Capitol grounds. The Capitol Center (originally the First National Bank Building, then the Livesley Building) was built in 1927 by former Salem mayor Thomas A. Livesley, a prominent Salem-area businessman and civic leader. At that time of its completion, it was the tallest commercial building in the state.

In 1988, Livesley's family home was purchased through private donations and was donated to the state. It now serves as the official residence of the Governor and family. Now known as Mahonia Hall, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1990.

The Oregon Symphony, based in Portland, presents approximately ten classical and pops concerts each year in Salem. The Salem Chamber Orchestra includes professional area musicians as well as students.{{cite web |url=http://www.salemchamberorchestra.org/ |title=Home – Salem Chamber Orchestra | Salem, OR |publisher=Salem Chamber Orchestra |date=April 23, 2015 |access-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606020642/http://www.salemchamberorchestra.org/ |archive-date=June 6, 2015 |url-status=live }} The Salem Armory Auditorium has hosted touring bands including Korn and Phish.

The Salem Concert Band is a community band made up of professional and amateur musicians that performs several classical and pops concerts annually.{{Cite web|url=https://www.salemsymphonicwinds.org/|title=Season 2019-2020|first=Brian|last=Wilson|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927151541/https://www.salemsymphonicwinds.org/|archive-date=September 27, 2019|url-status=live}}

Because Salem is the state capital, it has a multitude of government agencies, departments, and boards housed in buildings with architectural designs ranging from the early 20th century to examples of state-of-the-art civil building design.

The historic Reed Opera House in downtown Salem has a number of local shops and dining establishments, as well as an art gallery.

Salem has been awarded "Tree City USA" status by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 30 consecutive years for its dedication to urban forestry.{{cite web |url=http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Oregon |title=2010 Tree Cities USA Communities in Oregon |access-date=November 27, 2011 |publisher=National Arbor Day Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221202922/http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/treecities.cfm?chosenstate=Oregon |archive-date=December 21, 2011 |url-status=live }} Salem was the first city in Oregon to receive the award.{{cite web |url=http://www.oregonlink.com/treecity.html |title=Salem, Oregon-Tree City USA |access-date=August 5, 2007 |date=March 25, 1977 |publisher=City of Salem |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808051423/http://oregonlink.com/treecity.html |archive-date=August 8, 2007 |url-status=live }} In keeping with the city's "Cherry City" theme, flowering cherry trees have been planted along many Salem streets as well as on the Capitol Mall across from the Capitol.

The Salem Public Library's main branch is located just south of downtown. A branch library is located in West Salem (Polk County). The Library participates in the Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service, so Salem Public Library cards are also valid in the member libraries in Yamhill, Polk, Marion, and parts of Linn County. In addition to the Salem Public Library, the Mark O. Hatfield Library at Willamette University is open to the public as well, although the hours are limited.

The film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was filmed at the Oregon State Hospital.

Salem and its environs have a multitude of wineries and vineyards that are open to the public.{{cite web|url=http://www.oregonwine.org/Explore_Wine_Regions/Willamette_Valley/Willamette_Valley/ |title=Explore wine regions in Oregon: Willamette Valley |publisher=Oregon Wine |access-date=November 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203125416/http://oregonwine.org/Explore_Wine_Regions/Willamette_Valley/Willamette_Valley/ |archive-date=December 3, 2011 }}

{{More citations needed section|date=August 2011}}

Salem has one daily newspaper, the Gannett-owned Statesman Journal. The Capital Press, a weekly agricultural newspaper, is published in the city and is distributed throughout the West Coast. The monthly Salem Business Journal covers business and government.{{Cite web|url=http://www.salembusinessjournal.com/ |title=Salem Business Journal Home Page|website=Salem Business Journal |access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129121501/http://salembusinessjournal.com/|archive-date=November 29, 2010|url-status=usurped}} Salem Magazine, published quarterly, both in physical and digital (online) issues, focuses upon its people; its unique culture; and its downtown and surrounding neighborhood communities.{{Cite web |url=https://www.salemmagazine.com/|title=Salem Magazine | Arts, Entertainment, Lifestyle and Home Living|website=Salem Magazine |access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717174704/https://www.salemmagazine.com/|archive-date=July 17, 2019|url-status=usurped}}

Northwest Television operates three television stations that have Salem transmitters: KWVT-LD, KSLM, and KPWC, which serve an area from Longview, Washington, to Eugene, Oregon. Two stations are licensed to Salem but operate out of Portland: KPXG-TV and KRCW.

As of 2012, seven radio stations broadcast from Salem, including three commercial AM stations, three non-commercial FM stations, and a community radio station. KBZY was a popular Top 40 station from its sign-on in 1957 through the 1960s and 1970s. Today, KBZY has an oldies format; it continues to use live and local personalities. KBZY is affiliated with the ABC Radio Network. KYKN carries syndicated conservative talk hosts. KZGD is a Spanish language sports talk station. KSLM features conservative talk programming. KAIS is a non-commercial station licensed to Educational Media Foundation with a Contemporary Christian format. KMUZ, established in 2012, is a non-commercial community radio station carrying locally produced content in a variety format.

Salem is part of the Portland Arbitron survey area for radio stations, and most of the Portland stations can be received in Salem, including powerful AM stations news/talk KEX, CBS Sports Radio affiliate KXTG, and Fox Sports Radio affiliate KPOJ. Stations to the south in Corvallis and Albany are also easily heard in Salem.

NPR programming is carried by Oregon Public Broadcasting, which can be heard on KOPB-FM from Portland, and KOAC from Corvallis.

File:Salem Riverfront Park entrance - Oregon.JPG

Salem's Public Works Department, Parks Operations Division, is responsible for a park system encompassing {{convert|2,338|acre|ha}} with {{convert|29.53|mi|km}} of trails, 46 parks, and another 55 open and undeveloped areas.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/parks/parks_introduction.htm |title=Introduction to Salem's Park Division |access-date=December 11, 2007 |publisher=City of Salem |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080507133129/http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/parks/parks_introduction.htm |archive-date = May 7, 2008}}

Minto-Brown Island Park is the largest at {{convert|1200|acre|ha}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/Parks/ParkTour/Pages/Minto-Brown%20Island%20Park.aspx |title=Minto Brown Island Park |access-date=August 5, 2007 |publisher=City of Salem |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618175704/http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/Parks/ParkTour/Pages/Minto-Brown%20Island%20Park.aspx |archive-date=June 18, 2009 |url-status=live }} In 2018, the Peter Courtney pedestrian and bicycle bridge was completed, connecting Minto-Brown with the {{convert|23|acre|ha|adj=on}} Riverfront Park, located across the Willamette River adjacent to downtown.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-06 |title=Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge / Jiri Strasky + DOWL |url=https://www.archdaily.com/994373/peter-courtney-minto-island-bicycle-and-pedestrian-bridge-jiri-strasky-plus-dowl |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=ArchDaily |language=en-US}} Riverfront Park is also home to the Salem Carousel.

Bush's Pasture Park, a {{convert|90.5|acre|ha|adj=on}} urban park a few blocks south of downtown Salem, features natural groves of native Oregon White Oak trees, the historic Bush House, a rose garden, and adjacent Deepwood Estates.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/parks/bush_park.htm |title=Bushs Pasture Park |access-date=August 5, 2007 |publisher=City of Salem |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070819234807/http://www.cityofsalem.net/export/departments/parks/bush_park.htm |archive-date = August 19, 2007}}

Other city parks include {{convert|101|acre|ha|adj=on}} Cascade Gateway Park and Marion Square Park, which is located downtown next to Marion Street Bridge and has a skatepark and basketball court.{{cite web |url= http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/Parks/ParkTour/Pages/Marion%20Square%20Park.aspx |title= Marion Square Park |publisher= City of Salem |access-date= November 16, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100705110504/http://www.cityofsalem.net/Residents/Parks/ParkTour/Pages/Marion%20Square%20Park.aspx |archive-date= July 5, 2010 |url-status= live }} The skatepark also allows bicycles. Marion Square Park was laid out by city founder William H. Willson, and is the next oldest municipal park in Salem after Willson Park at the Oregon State Capitol.

Across the Willamette River in West Salem is the {{convert|114|acre|ha|adj=on}} Wallace Marine Park, which includes a boat ramp and floating boat dock allowing easy access to the river for water sports. The NRHP-listed Union Street Railroad Bridge, repurposed as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, connects Wallace Marine Park and West Salem to Riverfront Park and downtown Salem.

Salem is also home to one of the smallest city parks in the world, Waldo Park, which consists of a single Sequoia tree.{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/parks/waldo_park.htm |title=Waldo Park |access-date=August 5, 2007 |publisher=City of Salem |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010540/http://www.cityofsalem.net/departments/parks/waldo_park.htm |archive-date = September 28, 2007}}

The capitol grounds, which are maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, cover three city blocks and include Willson and Capitol parks.

Other large parks located in the Salem area include the {{convert|1680|acre|ha|adj=on}} Willamette Mission State Park north of the city, and Silver Falls State Park east of Salem. Both of these parks have extensive hiking, biking, and horse trails.

Salem's central location provides access to a wide variety of recreational activities in a variety of climates and geographies year round. The Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean are to the west. The Santiam Canyon area, the Western Cascades and the High Cascades are to the east. Portland and its environs are to the north, while Eugene and its environs are to the south.

Salem also has two disc golf courses. A nine-hole course located in the woods of Woodmansee Park (located behind Judson Middle School), and a more open style 18-hole course located throughout Cascade Gateway Park. They are both free and open to the public.

File:WillametteUniversityStream.jpg and stream on the campus of Willamette University]]

Salem's public elementary and secondary schools are part of the Salem-Keizer School District, which includes almost all of the city limits.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st41_or/schooldistrict_maps/c41047_marion/DC20SD_C41047.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720204934/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st41_or/schooldistrict_maps/c41047_marion/DC20SD_C41047.pdf |archive-date=2022-07-20 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Marion County, OR|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2022-07-20}}{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st41_or/schooldistrict_maps/c41053_polk/DC20SD_C41053.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720205556/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st41_or/schooldistrict_maps/c41053_polk/DC20SD_C41053.pdf |archive-date=2022-07-20 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Polk County, OR|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2022-07-20}} The Salem-Keizer district has approximately 39,000 students and is the second largest public school district in the state.{{Cite web |url=http://www.salkeiz.k12.or.us/ |title=Salem-Keizer Public Schools |access-date=December 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014003938/http://salkeiz.k12.or.us/ |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |url-status=live }} A small section of Salem in Marion County is assigned to Cascade School District 5.

The city also has many private elementary and secondary schools such as Blanchet Catholic School and Salem Academy Christian. One school, Willamette Academy, is part of an outreach program run by Willamette University that is designed to expose under-represented students to the rewards of an academic life at an early age (7th–12th grade).[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3839/is_200310/ai_n9329676/pg_4 Affirmative Action and Democratic Vistas: After the Supreme Court Michigan Cases] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628062314/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3839/is_200310/ai_n9329676/pg_4 |date=June 28, 2014 }}

Salem is also home to several public boarding schools, the Chemawa Indian School (a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-affiliated Native American high school), and the Oregon School for the Deaf. Oregon School for the Blind was formerly in the city and closed in 2009.{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/final_legislative_vote_is_deci.html|title=Vote closes Oregon School for the Blind|last=Hammond|first=Betsy|date=June 10, 2009|work=The Oregonian|access-date=10 March 2010}}

Post secondary schools include Chemeketa Community College, Corban University, Tokyo International University of America, and Willamette University, the oldest university in the American west.Gatke, Robert Moulton. 1943. Chronicles of Willamette, the pioneer university of the West. Portland, Or: Binfords & Mort. Portland State University, Eastern Oregon University, Western Oregon University and Oregon State University provide classes and a handful of undergraduate degrees at Chemeketa Community College.

All of Marion County and all of Polk County are within the Chemeketa community college district.{{cite web|url=https://www.clatsopcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/02-2-OR-CC-color-map.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001051322/https://www.clatsopcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/02-2-OR-CC-color-map.pdf |archive-date=2020-10-01 |url-status=live|title=Oregon Community Colleges and Community College Districts|publisher=Oregon Department of Community Colleges & Workforce Development|access-date=2022-07-17}}

File:Cherriots Gillig and Blue Bird buses in old and new paint schemes at Downtown TC in 2018.jpg in 2018]]

File:Salem, Oregon Amtrak stop.png

Cherriots, an independent government agency, provides fixed-route bus service, rideshare matching, and paratransit/lift services for the disabled, within the urban growth boundary. They also operate Cherriots Regional, previously known as Chemeketa Area Regional Transportation System (CARTS), which provides bus service that connects Salem to destinations as far north as Wilsonville, as far west as Dallas, and to the east to Silverton and up the Santiam Canyon to Mill City. Cherriots, in cooperation with Wilsonville's SMART, provides routes between downtown Salem and Wilsonville. From Wilsonville, WES Commuter Rail connects to TriMet routes in Beaverton, including MAX Light Rail.

Greyhound Lines provides north–south service and connecting carrier service to Bend, Oregon, from the Salem Amtrak station.

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, leases the Salem Depot from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The Coast Starlight provides daily north–south service to cities between Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington. Amtrak Cascades trains, operating as far north as Vancouver, British Columbia and as far south as Eugene, Oregon, serve Salem several times daily in both directions.

HUT Airport Shuttle provides transportation to Portland International Airport. HUT also serves Corvallis with a second stop at Oregon State University, Albany, and Woodburn. Mountain Express provides transportation between Salem and Bend.[http://bendportland.com Mountain Express] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703214625/http://www.bendportland.com/ |date=July 3, 2008 }}

McNary Field (Salem-Willamette Valley Airport) is owned and operated by the City of Salem. It serves primarily general aviation and the Oregon National Guard – Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF). Delta Connection offered commercial air service with two daily flights to Salt Lake City, Utah, from July 2007. However, citing fuel costs versus a load factor of less than 85 percent, the service was discontinued in October 2008. The city plans to go forward with airport improvements that were announced when service was commenced, including a longer runway and an expanded terminal building.{{cite news|url=http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july112008/salem_flights_7-11-08.php|title=Delta will suspend Salem flights in October|last=King|first=Tim|work=Salem-News.com|date=July 11, 2008|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104113525/http://www.salem-news.com/articles/july112008/salem_flights_7-11-08.php|archive-date=November 4, 2008|url-status=live}} Avelo Airlines began service to Burbank, CA and Las Vegas, NV in early October 2023.

The city is served by the following highways:

• Interstate 5
• Oregon Route 99E
• Oregon Route 99E Business is a spur of the above, serving the downtown area
• Oregon Route 22
• Oregon Route 221
• Oregon Route 51
• Oregon Route 213

Salem Hospital Regional Health Services, one of the largest of Oregon's 57 acute care hospitals, is a 454-bed acute care medical facility. It is a not-for-profit organization, and is also the city's largest private employer.{{cite web|url=http://www.salemhealth.org/#!about.facts|title=Salem Hospital fast facts|publisher=Salem Health|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124032429/http://www.salemhealth.org/#!about.facts|archive-date=November 24, 2011|url-status=live}}

• Ryan Allen, football player for the Tennessee Titans{{Cite web |last=Poehler |first=Bill |date=February 1, 2017 |title=Ryan Allen made his own path to the Super Bowl |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/sports/high-school/2017/01/30/ryan-allen-made-his-own-path-super-bowl/97105926/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}
• George Andrews, mathematician{{Cite journal|title=Biography of George E. Andrews|first=R.|last=Nuzzo|date=March 21, 2005|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|volume=102|issue=13|pages=4663–4665|doi=10.1073/pnas.0501311102|pmid=15781855|pmc=555700|doi-access=free}}
• Carlos Anguiano, soccer player{{Cite news |last=Staver |first=Corey |title=Area soccer players headed to Europe |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/sports/2014/05/18/area-soccer-players-headed-europe/9243635/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}
• Debbie Armstrong, gold medalist in skiing at the 1984 Winter Olympics
• Ryan Bailey, Olympic sprinter{{Cite web |date=2012-08-13 |orig-date=August 13, 2012 |title=Olympian Ryan Bailey describes turbulent past |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/olympian-ryan-bailey-describes-turbulent-past/283-73144241 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=kgw.com |language=en-US}}
• Cal Barnes, actor, director, screenwriter, film producer, novelist, and playwright{{Cite news |last=Lynn |first=Capi |title=Salem native seeks Oregon investors for film he wrote, directed and starred in |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/08/17/salem-native-pitches-film-oregon-investors-astrid-experience-cal-barnes/3290562001/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}
• Lute Barnes, baseball player{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnelu01.shtml|title=Baseball Reference|publisher=Lute Barnes |access-date=2010-12-14}}
• Kat Bjelland, lead singer of the punk rock band Babes in Toyland"Babes in Toyland: Making and Selling of a Rock and Roll" Band by Neal Karlen. Publisher: Crown; 1st edition (August 2, 1994). {{ISBN|0812920589}}
• Jerome Brudos, serial killer{{cite web|title=Jerome Brudos|url=http://www.biography.com/people/jerome-brudos-403432|publisher=A+E Television Networks, LLC.|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131100021/http://www.biography.com/people/jerome-brudos-403432|archive-date=January 31, 2014|url-status=live}}
• Gus Envela Jr., Olympic sprinter{{Cite web|url=https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/envela_gus_jr_1968_/#.WTWyl8bMwyk|title=Gus Envela Jr. (1968–)|website=oregonencyclopedia.org|language=en|access-date=June 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521050952/https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/envela_gus_jr_1968_/#.WTWyl8bMwyk|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=live}}
• John Fahey, musician, author and founder of Takoma records{{cite web|title=John Fahey|url=http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/fahey_john_1939_2001_/|publisher=Oregon Encyclopedia|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521001402/http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/fahey_john_1939_2001_/|archive-date=May 21, 2014|url-status=live}}
• Pat Fitzsimons, PGA Tour golfer{{cite web|title=Pat Fitzsimons|url=https://www.bendbulletin.com/slideshows/1517591-151/former-local-pro-recalls-pga-days|publisher=Bend Bulletin|access-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232035/https://www.bendbulletin.com/slideshows/1517591-151/former-local-pro-recalls-pga-days|archive-date=June 20, 2018|url-status=live}}
• Ron Funches, standup comedian{{Cite web |last=Turnquist |first=Kristi |date=2012-07-30 |title=Rising star, comedian Ron Funches outgrows Portland, leaves for Los Angeles |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2012/07/ron_funches_outgrows_portland.html |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}
• Thomas Leigh Gatch, Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy
• Alfred Carlton Gilbert, inventor, athlete, toy-maker, and businessman. Known for inventing the Erector Set, and for winning an Olympic gold medal.{{cite web|title=Alfred Carlton Gilbert|url=http://www.salemhistory.net/places/gilbert_house.htm|publisher=Salem Public Library|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227063023/http://www.salemhistory.net/places/gilbert_house.htm|archive-date=December 27, 2013|url-status=live}}
• Craig Hanneman, NFL defensive lineman (1972–1975)
• Jon Heder, actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter{{Cite web |date=2019-08-20 |title=Salem-Raised Jon Heder Returns to Oregon for the 15th Anniversary of Napoleon Dynamite |url=https://www.wweek.com/arts/2019/08/20/salem-raised-jon-heder-returns-to-oregon-for-the-15th-anniversary-of-napoleon-dynamite/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}
• Frank Herbert, author of Dune (novel) series; graduated from North Salem High School and employed by Statesman Journal
• Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States; worked in Salem in the 1880s{{cite web|title=Herbert Hoover|url=http://www.salemhistory.net/people/herbert_hoover.htm|publisher=Salem Public Library|access-date=September 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628073125/http://www.salemhistory.net/people/herbert_hoover.htm|archive-date=June 28, 2014|url-status=live}}
• Bob Horn, NFL linebacker (1976–1983)
• Cory Kendrix, musician
• Justin Kirk, actor{{Cite web |date=2012-09-23 |title='Animal Practice': An interview with TV series star Justin Kirk |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/animal-practice-an-interview-with-tv-series-star-justin-kirk/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}
• Jed Lowrie, baseball player{{Cite web |last=Martini |first=Pete |date=January 10, 2019 |title=North Salem graduate Jed Lowrie signs with New York Mets |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/sports/2019/01/10/north-salem-graduate-jed-lowrie-signs-new-york-mets/2543282002/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}
• Technical Sergeant Donald G. Malarkey, former non-commissioned officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army during World War II{{Cite news |date=2017-10-01 |title=Donald Malarkey, war hero portrayed in Band of Brothers, dies aged 96 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/01/donald-malarkey-dies-world-war-two-easy-company-band-of-brothers |access-date=2025-04-29 |work=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}
• Richard Laurence Marquette, serial killer{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten/topten-history/hires_images/FBI-154-RichardLaurenceMarquette.jpg/view|title=154. Richard Laurence Marquette|website=Federal Bureau of Investigation|language=en-us|access-date=June 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521234837/https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten/topten-history/hires_images/FBI-154-RichardLaurenceMarquette.jpg/view|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Douglas McKay, mayor of Salem, State Senator, Governor of Oregon, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior{{cite web|title=Douglas J. McKay (1953–1956): Secretary of the Interior|url=http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/eisenhower/essays/cabinet/585|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407200034/http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/eisenhower/essays/cabinet/585|archive-date=April 7, 2010|access-date=March 26, 2010|work=American President: An Online Reference Resource|publisher=Miller Center of Public Affairs|df=mdy-all}}
• Jennelle V. Moorhead, educator, president of National PTA from 1964 to 1967
• Larry Norman, Christian rock musician{{cite news|title=Larry Norman|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/arts/music/04norman.html?_r=0|newspaper=nytimes.com| date=March 4, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214231216/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/arts/music/04norman.html?_r=0|archive-date=February 14, 2017|url-status=live| last1=Hevesi | first1=Dennis }}
• Thelma Payne, diver, 1920 Summer Olympics bronze medalist{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Capi |title=Oregon history: 31 women who blazed trails in the state |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/01/08/oregon-history-31-women-who-blazed-trails-state/2832209001/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}
• Ben Petrick, baseball player
• Joe Preston, bassist for several metal and rock bands{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ufUBAAAQBAJ&q=joe+preston+bassist&pg=PA96|title=Gimme Indie Rock: 500 Essential American Underground Rock Albums 1981-1996|last=Earles|first=Andrew|date=2014-09-15|publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-0-7603-4648-8|pages=96|language=en}}
• Nathan Soltz, politician
• Leonard Stone, actor{{cite news|title=Leonard Stone, Actor in 'Willy Wonka,' Dies at 87|work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/arts/television/leonard-stone-character-actor-is-dead-at-87.html|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104004534/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/05/arts/television/leonard-stone-character-actor-is-dead-at-87.html|archive-date=January 4, 2012|url-status=live|last1=Slotnik |first1=Daniel E. }}
• William L. Sullivan, author of outdoor guide books{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Terry |date=2009-12-12 |title=Take a hike, with these books |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2009/12/take_a_hike_with_these_books.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}
• Kendra Sunderland, pornographic actress{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Stuart Tomlinson {{!}} The |date=2015-01-29 |title=Former OSU student cited for public indecency in library filming faces up to 1 year in jail, $6,250 fine |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2015/01/former_osu_student_cited_for_p.html |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}
• Bill Swancutt, football player{{cite web|title=Bill Swancutt|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwanBi20.htm|publisher=pro-football-reference.com|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923034448/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwanBi20.htm|archive-date=September 23, 2013|url-status=live}}
• Stephen Thorsett, professor and astronomer{{Cite web|url=http://willamette.edu/about/leadership/president/thorsett/|title=Willamette's 25th President: Biography {{!}} Willamette University|website=willamette.edu|language=en|access-date=June 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803213522/http://www.willamette.edu/about/leadership/president/thorsett/|archive-date=August 3, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Michael Totten, journalist and novelist
• Zollie Volchok, former general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics and winner of the 1983 NBA Executive of the Year Award{{cite web|title=Zollie Volchok|url=http://seattletimes.com/html/stevekelley/2017612884_kelley28.html|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704022638/http://seattletimes.com/html/stevekelley/2017612884_kelley28.html|archive-date=July 4, 2014|url-status=live}}
• Evina Westbrook, WNBA player{{Cite web |last=Krupke |first=Nick |date=2022-04-14 |title=Former South Salem star Evina Westbrook drafted by WNBA’s Seattle Storm |url=https://www.kptv.com/2022/04/14/former-south-salem-star-evina-westbrook-drafted-by-wnbas-seattle-storm/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=KPTV |language=en}}
• Randall Woodfield, murderer and suspected serial killer{{Cite magazine |date=2024-12-26 |title=Randall Woodfield, the I-5 killer, former Green Bay Packer |url=https://www.si.com/longform/true-crime/i-5-killer-green-bay-packers-randall-woodfield/index.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Sports Illustrated}}
• Dolora Zajick, opera singer

Salem has three sister cities:{{cite web|title=City of Salem, OR Official Website|url=http://www.cityofsalem.net|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206205630/http://www.cityofsalem.net/|archive-date=February 6, 2008|url-status=live}}

• {{flagdeco|India}} Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
• {{flagdeco|Japan}} Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan
• {{flagdeco|ROK}} Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, South Korea

As of 2014, there was talk of reviving the now-stagnant Sister City project launched in 1964 with Salem in Tamil Nadu, India.{{cite news|author=Syed Muthahar Saqaf |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sister-city-project-revived-in-salem/article6657099.ece |title=Sister City Project revived in Salem |newspaper=The Hindu |date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=June 1, 2015}}

• USS Salem (CM-11)
• Madame Web—comic character born in Salem, known for appearances in Spider-Man

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|last=MacGibbons |first=Elma |year=1904 |title=Leaves of Knowledge |url=https://archive.org/details/leavesofknowledg01macg |location=Spokane |publisher=Shaw & Borden Co. |oclc=1048231403}} Reminiscences of MacGibbons' travels in the United States starting in 1898, which were mainly in Oregon and Washington. Includes a chapter: [https://archive.org/details/leavesofknowledg01macg/page/n15/mode/2up "Salem, the Capital of Oregon"].

{{Sister project links|wikt=no|commonscat=yes|q=no|voy=yes}}

• {{Official website|http://www.cityofsalem.net/}}
• [https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/local/cities/capital.aspx Entry for Salem] in the Oregon Blue Book
• [http://www.salemhistory.net/ Salem Online History]
• [http://www.travelsalem.com Travel Salem]
• [http://www.salemchamber.org/ The Salem Chamber of Commerce]
• {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Salem (Oregon)|display=Salem, the capital of Oregon, U.S.A. |short=x}}

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Category:1842 establishments in Oregon Country

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