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Salem, Oregon

Salem, Oregon
State Capital
City of Salem
The Oregon State Capitol
Flag of Salem, Oregon
Flag
Nickname(s): The Cherry City
Location in Marion and Polk Counties, state of Oregon.
Location in Marion and Polk Counties, state of Oregon.
Salem, Oregon is located in the US
Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Location in USA
Coordinates: 44°55′51″N 123°1′44″W / 44.93083°N 123.02889°W / 44.93083; -123.02889Coordinates: 44°55′51″N 123°1′44″W / 44.93083°N 123.02889°W / 44.93083; -123.02889
Country United States
State Oregon
Counties Marion, Polk
Founded 1842
Government
 • Type City Council – City Manager
 • Mayor Chuck Bennett (D)
 • City Manager Steve Powers
Area
 • City 48.45 sq mi (125.48 km2)
 • Land 47.90 sq mi (124.06 km2)
 • Water 0.55 sq mi (1.42 km2)
Elevation 154 ft (46.7 m)
Population (2010)
 • City 154,637
 • Estimate (2015) 164,549
 • Rank US: 152nd
 • Density 3,228.3/sq mi (1,246.5/km2)
 • Urban 236,632 (US: 156th)
 • Metro 400,408 (US: 130th)
Demonym(s) Salemite
Time zone PST (UTC−8)
 • Summer (DST) PDT (UTC−7)
Zip codes 97301, 97302, 97303, 97304, 97305, 97306, 97308, 97309, 97310, 97311, 97312, 97313 & 97314
Area code(s) 503 and 971
FIPS code 41-64900
GNIS feature ID 1167861
Website www.cityofsalem.net

Salem /ˈsləm/ is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood of West Salem is in Polk County. Salem was founded in 1842, became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, and was incorporated in 1857.

Salem had a population of 154,637 at the 2010 census, making it the third largest city in the state after Portland and Eugene. Salem is less than an hour driving distance away from Portland. Salem is the principal city of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area, a metropolitan area that covers Marion and Polk counties and had a combined population of 390,738 at the 2010 census. A 2013 estimate placed the metropolitan population at 400,408, the state's second largest.

The city is home to Willamette University, Corban University, and Chemeketa Community College. The State of Oregon is the largest public employer in the city, and Salem Health is the largest private employer. Transportation includes public transit from Salem-Keizer Transit, Amtrak service, and non-commercial air travel at McNary Field. Major roads include Interstate 5, Oregon Route 99E, and Oregon Route 22, which connects West Salem across the Willamette River via the Marion Street and Center Street bridges.


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