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About the Community

July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Salem, Oregon is the capital of the State of Oregon and the third largest city with a population of about 154,510 in July 2008. Salem is also the county seat of Marion County. But a small part of the boundaries of Salem has 44 square kilometers located in the Willamette River (historical note) in Polk County.

This is known as “West Salem.” Salem is located in the center of the Willamette Valley … one of the most fertile lands of the United States and in agricultural production in America … 47 miles south of Portland and 64 miles north of Eugene, Salem is the center of the state and surrounding agricultural communities. The state government is the largest employer in this city, with 13,000 full-time employees, 38 of the largest government departments and over 20 are small in the immediate vicinity as well. Salem is also a major food processor of agricultural products. Salem is one of the oldest communities in Oregon.

Indian name of the city, Chemeketa has been said to mean “meeting or resting place.”  Also could be the name of the band Calapooya Indians. In 1840-1841, Jason Lee, the Mission moved to the Willamette River upstream (south) is the Mill Creek site. In 1842, missionaries established the Oregon Institute. When the task was dissolved in 1844, it was decided to create a common site in March. David Leslie, one of the leaders who came to Oregon from Salem, Mass., or WH Willson, who made the filing plats in 1850-1851, which is now the most important part of the city, chose the name “Salem.” Salem a form of the Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace.

The location of the capital of Oregon, has led to fierce competition, which lasted nearly 15 years. By an Act of 1851, the interim government, moved the capital from Oregon City to Salem in 1855 moved to Corvallis, to return to Salem the same year. Destruction of the Capitol in Salem December 31, 1855, was considered part of the controversial incendiary. Pro-government allows citizens of Salem with a unique opportunity to participate in decisions of the state. The citizens of Salem also has a long tradition of commitment to improving the community and volunteering … this commitment nationally recognized through the presentation of two awards is called ” All-American City Awards”, 1960-1961 and one in 1982-83.

Population in July 2009: 155,719. Population change since 2000: +13.7%

Males: 78,189 (50.2%)
Females: 77,530 (49.8%)
Median resident age: 33.6 years
Oregon median age: 36.3 years

Salem Oregon’s Average Temperatures

  • Average annual temperature: max 63.1; min 40.9
  • Average annual rainfall: 39.15″
  • Average annual snowfall: 6.45″
  • Average annual clear days: 77
  • Average annual rainless days: 216
  • Average annual wind velocity: 7.1 mph
  • Average growing season: 204 days
    		•
  • Month Max
    		 Min
    		 Month
    		 Max
    		 Min
    January 46.9 37.0 July 81.6 50.7
    February 50.8 33.6 August 81.9 51.2
    March 57.0 37.5 September 76.0 46.9
    April 60.4 37.7 October 64.3 41.0
    May 67.0 42.3 November 52.5 37.3
    June 74.4 48.1 December 46.2 33.6

    • Salem, Oregon Golf Courses offer visitors and residents a choice from over a dozen golf courses open to the public year around.

    1. Elkhorn Valley – 18 Hole Course (503) 897-3368
    2. Santiam Golf Club  (503) 769-3485
    3. Meadow Lawn Golf Club (503) 363-7391
    4. Evergreen Golf Club (503) 845-9911
    5. Auburn Center Golf Club (503) 363-4404
    6. McNary Golf Club (503) 393-4653
    7. Bayou Golf Course (503) 472-4651
    8. Oak Knoll Golf club and Driving Range (503) 378-0344
    9. Cross Creek Golf Course (503) 623-6666
    10. Dallas Golf Club (503) 623-6832
    11. Salem Golf Club (503) 363-6652
    12. Mallard Creek (541) 259-4653

    Salem Oregon Zip Codes

    1. 97304
    2. 97305
    3. 97302
    4. 97317
    5. 97303
    6. 97306
    7. 97308
    8. 97309
    9. 97310
    10. 97311
    11. 97312
    12. 97313
    13. 97314

    Education

    • Willamette University
    • Western Oregon University
    • Chemeketa Community College
    • Oregon School For The Deaf
    • Corban College
    • Tokyo International University of America
    • Salem-Keizer Public Schools

    Private high schools in Salem

    • Salem Academy High School
    • Blanchet High School
    • Marion County Juvenile Dept Ed
    • Western  Mennonite School
    • H.I.S. Academy

    Public elementary/middle schools in Salem

    • Walker Middle School
    • Stephens Middle School
    • Judson Middle School
    • Houck Middle School
    • Judson Middle School
    • Leslie Middle School
    • Crossler Middle School
    • Waldo Middle School
    • Auburn Elementary School
    • Scott Elementary School
    • Parrish Middle School

    For population 25 years and over in Salem

    • High school or higher: 81.5%
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 24.1%
    • Graduate or professional degree: 8.8%
    • Unemployed: 8.3%
    • Mean travel time to work: 22.2 minutes

    For population 15 years and over in Salem city

    • Never married: 27.1%
    • Now married: 50.3%
    • Separated: 2.6%
    • Widowed: 6.6%
    • Divorced: 13.5%

    Fun For Kids

    • A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village
    • Salem United Soccer Club
    • Willamette River Sternwheeler – Tour
    • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes – Baseball
    • Wallace Marine Sports Complex
    • Salem Audubon Society
    • Salem Bicycle Club
    • Salem Art Fair & Festival
    • Salem Riverfront Park

    Art In Salem Oregon

    • Salem Art Association
    • Mid-Valley Arts Council
    • Salem Art Association Gallery