How To Search for Salem Property Records

Property records can be a treasure trove of real estate information that buyers and investors can use to do proper research and make informed decisions. Salem property records provide a range of information, including property boundaries, ownership history, assessed values, tax information, liens, amenities, home type, foreclosures, zoning regulations, and more. These records are considered public, meaning they are available to anyone who wishes to view or obtain copies. However, knowing where to look is crucial to finding what you need. This is very important, considering that even though Salem is primarily located in Marion County, parts of the city also extend into Polk County. Here is a list of useful resources that you can use to search for Salem property records.

County Clerk's Offices

Salem is located in both Marion and Polk Counties. The clerk's office in each of these counties is a good source for various property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other related documents. Each clerk's office offers an online platform that you can use to search for property records by name, document number, and recording date. Note that the actual search parameters may vary by county. If you prefer to access copies of these records in person, you can visit the clerk's office of the county where the property is located. Below are the addresses and contact numbers for the Marion and Polk Counties' Clerk's Offices and links to their online record search platforms:

Marion County Clerk's Office:

Suite 2130, 555 Court St NE

Salem, OR 97301

Phone: (503) 588-5225

Digital Research Room

Polk County Clerk's Office:

850 Main Street

Dallas, OR 97338-3179

Phone: (503) 623-9217

Clerk Digital Research Room

County Assessor's Offices

The Marion County Assessor and Polk County Assessor are responsible for valuing real property in Salem for taxation purposes (keep in mind that each Assessor is only responsible for property within their respective counties). The County Assessors offer online search tools that you can use to find ownership information, recent sales histories, assessed values, building details, tax information, and more. You can search for this information by address, name, account ID, map tax lot, and other parameters, depending on the tool. You can also visit the relevant Assessor's office in person to view and get copies of their property records. Below are the addresses and contact numbers for the Marion and Polk Counties' Assessor's offices and links to their online search tools:

Marion County Assessor's Office:

Suite 2233, 555 Court St. NE

Salem, OR 97301

Phone: (503) 588-5144

Property Search

Polk County Assessor's Office:

850 Main Street

Dallas, OR 97338

Phone: (503) 623-8391

Property Search Online

County Tax Offices

Property taxes in Salem are collected by the Marion County Tax Office or the Polk County Tax and Finance Office, depending on the specific area within the city in which the property is located. These offices are good resources for tax-related property records, such as tax statements, payment histories, and delinquent payment information. You can access this information by contacting the relevant tax office using the following details:

Marion County Tax Office:

Suite 2242, 555 Court St. NE

Salem, OR 97301

Phone: (503) 588-5215

Polk County Tax and Finance Office:

850 Main Street

Dallas, OR 97338

Phone: (503) 623-9264

County Circuit Court

The Marion County and Polk County Circuit Courts are also great resources for Salem property records tied to legal action or disputes, such as foreclosures, liens, title disputes, landlord/tenant matters, and other civil judgments. You can access these records online using the Oregon Judicial Branch's OJD Records and Calendar Search (free) and OJCIN OnLine (subscription-based) tools. You can also visit the courthouse where the case was heard to request certified copies of these records. Below are the addresses and contact numbers for the Marion and Polk Counties' courthouses:

Marion County Courthouse:

100 High St. NE, Salem

Oregon 9730

Phone: (503) 588-5105

Polk County Courthouse:

850 Main Street, Dallas

Oregon 9733

Phone: (503) 623-3154

City of Salem Resources

The City of Salem offers several maps and online tools on its website that you can use to get property-related information. This includes a property zone map that can be used to determine the types of development, land use, or business activities legally allowed on a specific property and identify any additional restrictions from overlay zones. There is also a city limits map that you can use to search for addresses and determine which county the property falls under for tax, zoning, and other purposes.

Salem property taxes are a crucial funding source for various local government services, such as public schools, police, fire departments, infrastructure and road maintenance, parks, and community programs. The County Assessor in Marion or Polk County (depending on where the property is located within Salem) is responsible for classifying and assessing properties to determine their value for tax purposes, while the County Tax Office is responsible for collecting tax payments. Property values are determined through physical inspections, analysis of local construction costs, and comparisons with similar nearby properties. This initial value is known as the property's "real market value" (the estimated price it would sell for based on a fair deal between a buyer and seller). When a property is initially assessed in Salem (usually after it's built or sold), its taxable value matches the real market value. After that, annual increases to the property's taxable value are capped at 3%, a limit called the "maximum assessed value". This helps protect property owners from steep tax hikes, unless significant improvements or ownership changes occur. Property values are reassessed annually, and taxes are calculated based on the lower of the real market value or the maximum assessed value.

Tax statements are mailed out to property owners by October 25 each year. Payments are split into three installments, due by November 15th, February 15th, and May 15th. There are discounts for early payment: 3% off for paying the full taxes by November 15th and 2% off for paying two-thirds by that date. There is a 1.333% monthly interest charge for late payments (after each due date), and your taxes will be considered delinquent if full payment isn't made by May 15th. If property taxes remain delinquent for three years, the property may face foreclosure. Each County Tax Office offers several methods for tax payments, including online payments, by mail, and in-person payments. You can get additional information on tax payment options for the specific county your property is located in by calling one of these numbers:

• Marion County Tax Office: (503) 588-5215.
• Polk County Tax and Finance Office: (503) 623-9264.

Assessments

The Marion and Polk County Assessors' Offices carry out annual assessments of properties in Salem to determine their taxable value. Residential properties are generally assessed using mass appraisal methods based on recent sales data, while commercial and industrial properties are valued using a combination of income, cost, and sales comparison methods. These assessments yield two key values for the property: its real market value (RMV), reflecting current market conditions, and its maximum assessed value (MAV), which is capped at an annual increase of 3% unless significant changes occur, such as new construction. The property's actual taxable value, known as its "assessed value" (AV), is the lower of the RMV or MAV.

Tax statements outlining a property's current real market value and assessed value are mailed to property owners in late October. If you believe your property was incorrectly assessed, you can file an appeal with the appropriate county's Property Value Appeals Board. The official appeal period typically runs from the date tax statements are mailed to December 31st. Appeal forms are available from the county clerk's office (Marion or Polk, depending on where your property is located). If you are unsatisfied with the board's decision, you may escalate the appeal to the Oregon Tax Court.

Appraisals

Salem assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

Because Salem exists in two different counties, its property tax rate varies. For properties in Marion County, the median effective property tax rate is 0.89%, while for those in Polk County, it's 0.98%. Both rates are lower than the national median of 1.02% but above the Oregon state median of 0.86%. Similarly, the city's average annual tax bill varies by area, ranging from $3,336 for properties in Marion to $4,376 for those in Polk, both of which are significantly higher than the national average of $2,400.

Here's a look at how Salem's tax rate compares to other counties in Oregon:

• Baker County 0.80%
• Clackamas County 0.92%
• Grant County 0.75%
• Jackson County 0.87%
• Jefferson County 0.67%
• Klamath County 0.72%
• Lane County 0.86%
• Lincoln County 0.84%
• Multnomah County 1.07%
• Tillamook County 0.57%
• Washington County 0.93%
• Wheeler County 0.87%
• Yamhill County 0.74%

Exemptions

Property taxes in Salem are significantly higher than the national average, and some homeowners may struggle to keep up. Thankfully, there are exemptions available to eligible residents of the city that can reduce their property's assessed value and significantly lower their annual tax bill. These include:

• Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse Exemption: This is available to qualified disabled veterans or their surviving spouses.
• Active Duty Military Exemption: This is available to members of the Oregon National Guard or Reserves who are deployed on federal active duty.

In addition to these, there is a tax deferral program available to eligible seniors and disabled homeowners that allows them to hold off paying their property taxes. Under this program, the State of Oregon covers the tax bill and places a lien on the property that must be repaid with interest if the home is sold or the owner passes away. You can get additional information on exemptions, deferrals, and how to apply by calling one of these numbers:

• Marion County Assessor's Office: (503) 588-5144.
• Polk County Assessor's Office: (503) 623-8391.

You need a permit to construct a new building or carry out renovations or repairs that affect an existing building's structure or core systems. Exemptions are usually made for certain minor repairs and cosmetic work, like painting, carpeting, wallpapering, and installing kitchen cabinets and interior trim. The Salem Community Planning and Development Department manages the city's permitting process. You can apply for permits, schedule inspections, make payments, and perform other related actions online through the department's Permit Application Center platform. Note that you will need to register for an account to fully utilize this option. You can also visit the center's physical office on the 5th Floor, 440 Church St. SE, Salem, OR 97301, if you prefer in-person services, or call (503) 588-6256 for inquiries and general assistance.

The types of permits issued in Salem include:

• Building Permits: Required for new construction and major renovations or structural alterations to existing buildings:

  • Residential Building Permits: For projects involving residential buildings (buildings with one or two separate living spaces where people live or stay regularly).
  • Multi-Family Permits: For multi-family development projects (housing where five or more separate living units are built on a single piece of land).
  • Commercial Permits: For buildings used for business purposes.

• Trade Permits: Required for work on a building's core systems. These permits are separate from full building permits and focus on specific trades:

  • Electrical Permits: For installing or modifying wiring, panels, outlets, lighting, or other electrical components.
  • Mechanical Permits: For work involving heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including furnaces, ductwork, and exhaust systems.
  • Plumbing Permits: For work involving water supply, drainage, sewer connections, and other plumbing systems.
  • Fire Permits: For installing or modifying fire alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems in buildings.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Salem is Oregon's capital city and also its second largest. As the political center of the state, it is home to the Oregon State Capitol building, which features the iconic gold "Oregon Pioneer" statue atop its dome. Beyond politics, the city serves as a key agricultural hub in the Willamette Valley area and is renowned for its thriving wine industry and lush cherry orchards, which earned it the nickname "The Cherry City".

Salem, Oregon, has a population of 175,535 residents and 72,661 housing units. 67,518 of these units are occupied and 5,143 are vacant, indicating an occupancy rate of nearly 93%. The city has a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, multi-family developments, townhouses, condos, apartments, and custom houses. Common housing styles include Modern Farmhouse, Mid-Century Modern, Tudor Gothic, Queen Anne, Victorian, and Northwestern Contemporary. The average home value in Salem, OR, is $433,031, showing no significant change from previous years. Note that actual prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood. Here are a few examples of average home values in different Salem neighborhoods:

• Faye Wright $418,133
• Four Corners $392,039
• Morningside $453,699
• North East Salem $372,690
• Northeast Neighbors $362,503
• South Gateway $491,912

The real estate market in Salem, Oregon, is somewhat competitive. Home values have held steady over the years, neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers. While inventory and demand fluctuate seasonally, the city remains a constant and accessible market for both first-time buyers and long-term investors. Listed homes typically go under contract in around 18 days, and approximately 38% of listings sell above the asking price.