Living in Medford, OR
Medford is the 418th-largest city in the US, home to about 86,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (101.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 86,494+0.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $417,1005.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,376/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $73,230median, per year
- Price level
- 101.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 48° / 92°lows 33° / 59°
- Average commute
- 17 min11% work from home
- State income tax
- 9.9%top rate, graduated
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County: Jackson County
Time zone: Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,381 ft
Metro area: Medford, OR
Cost of living in Medford
The median home in Medford is worth $417,100 and the median household earns $73,230 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,376 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Medford, OR metro area at 101.4, with housing at 97.7 and goods at 105.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,100 here. Oregon taxes wages at a top rate of 9.9%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Oregon is 0%.
What would my salary be worth in Medford?
Medford weather
Average highs run from 48°F in January to 92°F in July, and January nights average 32°F. It gets 18 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. Expect about 61 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 64 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Medford
People and work
The median resident is 38.9 years old, and 30% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 17 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.9419th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 30%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,02628.6 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%2% walk, 0.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 13.2%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1984median year
Who moves to Medford, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Eugene (Lane County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Portland (Multnomah County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Eugene (Lane County), Portland (Multnomah County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Jackson County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, wildfire.
Home prices
+3.9% in a year
Up 22% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Medford, OR area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
66% good days
2 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Medford, OR area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Medford
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Rogue Community College 29 miles
- Southern Oregon University 13 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Medford
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport MFR | 3 mi | 503,733 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Medford
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Oregon University | 13 mi | 2,751 | $20,998 | 43% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Medford
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 8, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 16 and the first frost comes around October 29.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Medford Rogue Vly Airport, OR, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Medford.
Wildfire smoke in Medford
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Medford on about 71 days a year, including about 35 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Medford
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 34,813 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Medford
Downtown Medford is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medford School District 549 | Pre-K to 12 | 13,800 | 25 | 19.5 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Central Point School District 6 (4,773 students), Eagle Point School District 9 (4,071 students), Ashland School District 5 (2,547 students), Phoenix-Talent School District 4 (2,231 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Medford's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Medford's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Pasco, WA73% matchCompare
- Kennewick, WA73% matchCompare
- Sparks, NV70% matchCompare
- Reno, NV70% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near Medford
- Mount Ashland Ski Area 19 miles
- Mount Shasta Ski Park 77 miles
- Willamette Pass Resort 96 miles
- Mount Bachelor ski area 129 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Medford
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Commutes are short: 17 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.9%, among the highest in the country.
Medford report card from locals
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Cities near Medford
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene, OR | 120 mi | 178,618 | $460,400 | 101.6 | Compare |
| Redding, CA | 121 mi | 94,092 | $382,300 | 100.7 | Compare |
| Bend, OR | 142 mi | 107,342 | $718,400 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Salem, OR | 180 mi | 181,779 | $416,900 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Chico, CA | 186 mi | 105,081 | $468,100 | 101.2 | Compare |
| Beaverton, OR | 218 mi | 97,842 | $569,800 | 105.4 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Medford with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Medford a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show short commutes. Compare Medford side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Medford?
The Census Bureau estimates Medford had 86,494 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 86,041 in April 2020 (+0.5%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Medford?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,100 in the Medford area. The median household here earns $73,230.
When is the best time to visit Medford?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 92°F and January 48°F for daytime highs.
What county is Medford in?
Medford is in Jackson County, Oregon. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Medford in?
Medford is on Pacific Time (UTC-8, or UTC-7 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Medford?
About 1,381 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Oregon have a state income tax?
Yes. Oregon has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 9.9% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Medford. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Medford, OR metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Medford Rogue Vly Airport, OR station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.