What Are People From Salem Called?

North America, United States

The demonym for people from Salem is:

Salemite

Pronunciation:

/ˈseɪləmaɪt/

Ends in -ite — see how this suffix works

Salem Oregon downtown
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About Salem

Salem is the capital of Oregon and sits in the Willamette Valley of northwest Oregon, one of the state's most productive farming regions. The city's name is often traced to the Hebrew word 'shalom', meaning peace, and it became the state capital in 1851. Salem is the center of Oregon's state government, and its historic buildings, including the Oregon State Capitol, anchor the downtown. The surrounding valley produces berries, nuts, hops, and wine, making agriculture a major part of the local economy. Salem's parks and gardens, and its nearby views of the Cascade Mountains, make it a pleasant place to live and visit. The city's Willamette University, one of the oldest universities in the western United States, adds a strong academic presence. Its compact downtown is easy to explore on foot, and its riverfront park along the Willamette River offers views and open space.

Quick Facts about Salem
Population:
175,535 (2024 est.)
Country:
United States
Region:
North America

Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Salemites live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

National Geographic Atlas of the World

Highly detailed, stunning visuals

▶See more options

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Etymology of the Salem Demonym

From Hebrew 'shalom' meaning peace, or named after Salem, Massachusetts.

Test Your Knowledge

Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!

Take a Quiz →