LeaseLantern

Cities›OR›Salem

Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Salem

Affordable Housing in Salem, OR

Salem has 39 income-based rental properties offering 2,333 subsidized units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,400 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), these affordable options can make a meaningful difference for renters in Oregon's capital. Of the 19 properties with inspection scores on record, all rated good or excellent, a encouraging sign for housing quality.

39
Properties
2,333
Total units
87/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,400/mo

Affordability in Salem, OR

Salem's median household income is $75,487 and the median monthly rent is $1,400, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 44% of Salem residents rent their homes, meaning affordable housing options serve a large share of the local population.

Lease Lantern tracks 21 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in Salem, covering 889 units across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
541 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Salem Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 65 · Somewhat Walkable

Getting Around Salem

Scores below reflect walkability and transit access near Salem's assisted housing properties, according to Walk Score.

  • Walk Score: 65 -- Somewhat Walkable
  • Transit Score: 47 -- Some Transit
  • Bike Score: 81
Walk Score
🎓 Schools
59 schools · 5 districts

Schools

Salem is served by 59 schools across 5 districts -- including 38 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$75,487 median income

Cost of Living

The median household income in Salem is $75,487 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. The citywide median rent is $1,400 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), which helps put the relative value of income-restricted housing in context.

Affordable and income-based rents are set as a percentage of area median income, so qualifying renters typically pay well below the citywide median. Salem has 21 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties with 889 total units available across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 21 assisted properties in Salem have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 2 fall within a high-risk flood zone -- a small share of the total. The remaining 19 properties carry no high-risk flood designation.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 87/100(19 of 39 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (10)No score (20)

39 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 39 affordable apartments in Salem→

Other cities in OR

› Affordable housing in Beaverton› Bend income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Corvallis› Eugene affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Grants Pass› Affordable housing in Gresham› Hermiston income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Hillsboro› Klamath Falls affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in La Grande› Affordable housing in Medford› Milwaukie income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in OR› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Salem, OR

Salem, Oregon's state capital, is home to 21 HUD-assisted and income-based rental properties totaling 889 units tracked by Lease Lantern. With 44 percent of residents renting, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, assisted housing plays a meaningful role in the local rental market.

The median rent in Salem is $1,400 per month and the median household income is $75,487, both according to Census ACS 5-Year data. For renters whose income falls well below that median, income-restricted housing can make a significant difference in housing stability.

Of the 19 properties with inspection scores on file, 9 rated excellent and 10 rated good, with none falling into fair or poor categories, according to HUD inspection data. That is an encouraging sign for residents seeking well-maintained assisted housing.

Of the 21 properties mapped for flood risk, 2 are located in high-risk flood zones. Renters considering those properties may want to ask about flood insurance requirements before signing a lease.

Salem scores 65 (Somewhat Walkable), 47 (Some Transit), and 81 for biking, according to Walk Score. The city's strong bike score may be a practical advantage for residents who rely on cycling for daily errands or commuting.

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Salem's violent crime rate was 541 per 100,000 residents in 2024, as reported by the Salem Police Department.

Salem's schools span 5 districts and include 38 elementary, 11 middle, and 10 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Oregon income limits (2026)Oregon public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Oregon

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →