SALEM, Ore. — A new Community Satisfaction Survey shows that more than two-thirds of Salem residents are satisfied with city services, marking an overall improvement since 2022. Fire and emergency response, water, parks, libraries, and street lighting received the highest marks.
However, homelessness and public safety remain top concerns—cited by 43 and 19 percent of residents respectively. Most residents say they feel safe during the day, especially in their own neighborhoods, but safety perceptions drop sharply at night in downtown and northeast Salem.
Residents rated South and West Salem as the most livable areas, while dissatisfaction remains high regarding affordable housing, local job opportunities, and city planning. Many also question whether city resources are distributed fairly.
City leaders will review the findings at their October 13 meeting and use the results to guide updates to Salem’s five-year Strategic Plan. A follow-up survey is scheduled for February, with a final draft of the updated plan expected next March.
