Salem OR vs Warren MI — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Salem, OR
Oregon · Population: 176,666
- Median HH Income$71,900
- Median Home Price$438,754
- Unemployment5.3%
- Bachelor's+31.4%
Warren, MI
Michigan · Population: 138,128
- Median HH Income$63,741
- Median Home Price$200,632
- Unemployment7.4%
- Bachelor's+20.4%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Salem
176,666
Salem +
Warren
138,128
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Salem
N/A
Warren
N/A
Median Age
Salem
35.7
Salem +
Warren
37.9
Foreign Born
Salem
12.2%
Warren
13.7%
Warren +
White
Salem
69.8%
Salem +
Warren
60.8%
Black
Salem
1.6%
Warren
20.9%
Warren +
Asian
Salem
3.5%
Warren
11.9%
Warren +
Hispanic
Salem
23.4%
Salem +
Warren
2.8%
Spanish at Home
Salem
N/A
Warren
N/A
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 138,128 | Salem + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 35.7 | 37.9 | Salem + |
| Foreign Born | 12.2% | 13.7% | Warren + |
| White | 69.8% | 60.8% | Salem + |
| Black | 1.6% | 20.9% | Warren + |
| Asian | 3.5% | 11.9% | Warren + |
| Hispanic | 23.4% | 2.8% | Salem + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Salem
$71,900
Salem +
Warren
$63,741
Per Capita Income
Salem
$36,477
Salem +
Warren
$32,162
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Salem
$63,691
Salem +
Warren
$58,052
Unemployment Rate
Salem
5.3%
Salem +
Warren
7.4%
Poverty Rate
Salem
14.7%
Warren
12.8%
Warren +
Bachelor's Degree+
Salem
31.4%
Salem +
Warren
20.4%
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $71,900 | $63,741 | Salem + |
| Per Capita Income | $36,477 | $32,162 | Salem + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $63,691 | $58,052 | Salem + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.3% | 7.4% | Salem + |
| Poverty Rate | 14.7% | 12.8% | Warren + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.4% | 20.4% | Salem + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Salem
$438,754
Warren
$200,632
Warren +
Homeownership Rate
Salem
55.7%
Warren
71.0%
Warren +
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $438,754 | $200,632 | Warren + |
| Homeownership Rate | 55.7% | 71.0% | Warren + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Salem
355
Salem +
Warren
471
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Salem
3001
Warren
1590
Warren +
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 355 | 471 | Salem + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 3001 | 1590 | Warren + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Salem
41.4%
Warren
39.1%
Warren +
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Salem
11.7%
Salem +
Warren
12.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Salem
18.8%
Salem +
Warren
18.9%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Salem
11.6%
Warren
8.1%
Warren +
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Salem
16.2%
Warren
15.7%
Warren +
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Salem
12.4%
Salem +
Warren
18.0%
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 41.4% | 39.1% | Warren + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 11.7% | 12.5% | Salem + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 18.8% | 18.9% | Salem + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 11.6% | 8.1% | Warren + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 16.2% | 15.7% | Warren + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 12.4% | 18.0% | Salem + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Salem
53.0°F
Warren
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Salem
39.7 in
Warren
N/A
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 53.0°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 39.7 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Salem
9.0 µg/m³
Salem +
Warren
10.7 µg/m³
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Salem
55.0%
Warren
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.0 µg/m³ | 10.7 µg/m³ | Salem + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Salem
24.5 min
Salem +
Warren
26.9 min
| Metric | Salem, OR | Warren, MI | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 24.5 min | 26.9 min | Salem + |
Which City is Right for You?
Salem leads in median household income at $71,900, while warren offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $200,632. On public safety, Salem is safer with a violent crime rate of 355 per 100,000 residents, compared to 471 in Warren. Salem has a lower unemployment rate at 5.3%, and Salem has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.0 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Warren scores better with a lower obesity rate of 39.1%.
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