The Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the continental divide at Lemhi Pass, to the southeast of Salmon. They followed the Salmon River through the present site of the city, then ascended the North Fork of the river, at the present day town named after the confluence, to cross into present-day Montana near Lost Trail Pass. The sole female in the party, Sacagawea, was born in the Lemhi Valley near Salmon. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center was opened in Salmon in August 2003. From 1910 to 1939, Salmon was the western terminus of the now-defunct Gilmore and Pittsburgh Railroad.
Geography
Salmon is located at . The elevation is 3944 feet above sea level. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which, is land and is water. The Salmon River passes through Salmon; white water rafters and other people interested in outdoor recreation have brought additional economic activity to Salmon. The Lemhi River flows into the Salmon River at Salmon.
Climate
Salmon experiences a semi-arid climate with cold, dry winters and hot, slightly wetter summers.
Demographics
2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 3,112 people, 1,420 households, and 807 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 1,628 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 96.5% White, 0.3% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6%. Of the 1,420 households 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couplesliving together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.2% were non-families. 37.9% of households were one person and 16.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.80. The median age was 45.7 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.6% were from 25 to 44; 30% were from 45 to 64; and 20.9% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
At the 2000 census there were 3,122 people, 1,369 households, and 829 families living in the city. The population density was 1,813.2 people per square mile. There were 1,576 housing units at an average density of 915.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 96.76% White, 0.19% African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.61% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.18%. Of the 1,369 households 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% were non-families. 34.6% of households were one person and 16.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.93. The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males. The median household income was $26,823 and the median family income was $34,844. Males had a median income of $30,417 versus $18,819 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,749. About 15.5% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.
Notable people
J. D. Cannon, American actor, born in Salmon in 1922
Dick Randolph, the first Libertarian elected to a U.S. state legislature, born in Salmon in 1936
