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Is Medford a Good Place to Live? Medford, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Medford ranks #1021 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #426 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.6 min, #25 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476) and low graduation rates (82.8%, #345 of 437).
Medford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Medford's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Medford?
Medford's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,376/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $408,210, 18% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Medford | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 101.4#757 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $408,210#646 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,678/mo#482 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $417,100#827 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,376/mo#612 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.5%#727 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Medford housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Medford is in the Medford, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Medford safe?
Medford recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 30% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #728 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #323 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Medford Police Department. Property crime runs 3,722 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Medford | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 406#728 of 1,085 | 311 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,722#1029 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Medford?
The median household in Medford earns $73,230, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Medford | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $73,230#747 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.2%#752 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Medford?
The median resident of Medford is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Medford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 30.1%#787 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 56.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Medford's schools and health?
Medford's 20 public schools graduate 82.8% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20 students per teacher and $13,097 spent per pupil. 33% of adults are obese and 11.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Medford | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 82.8%#798 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20#941 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,097#819 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33%#614 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.9%#775 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.4%#706 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,072 students are enrolled in Medford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Medford?
The average commute in Medford is 16.6 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Medford scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.2°F and winters 41.3°F, with 18.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Medford | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.6 min#119 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.8% | 65.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.3% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.5% | 17.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14#162 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.2 | 32.5 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 54.2 | 33.9 | 2 |
| Mar | 59.4 | 37.2 | 1.8 |
| Apr | 64.6 | 41 | 1.5 |
| May | 73.9 | 46.9 | 1.3 |
| Jun | 81.5 | 52.3 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 58.6 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 91.1 | 57.9 | 0.3 |
| Sep | 84.3 | 51.2 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 70.1 | 42.1 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 54 | 36.4 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 46.1 | 32.6 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Medford International Airport.
| Measure | Medford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 41.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 18.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Medford International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Medford?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
| Measure | Medford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.2%#950 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jackson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jackson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.043% | 95% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.04% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 68% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Medford compare with similar-size cities?
Medford is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #426 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 86,315.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #68 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #864 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 | 22.8 min |
| Lake Forest, CAPop. 86,281 | #310 | 61.9 | $135,175 | $2,672/mo | 165 | 25.5 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #241 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 | 28.2 min |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #597 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 | 30.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Medford compare with the rest of Oregon?
Medford ranks #19 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 14% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 30% above the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Medford's score calculated?
Medford scores 49.7 out of 100, #1021 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Medford. Similar-size median 55.5.
41.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Medford's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
54.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Medford. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Medford's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
42.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Medford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
62.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Medford. Similar-size median 56.1.
47.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Medford. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Medford. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Medford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
40.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Medford's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Medford has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Medford
Is Medford, OR a good place to live?
Medford ranks #1021 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #426 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.6 min, #25 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.7%, #423 of 476) and low graduation rates (82.8%, #345 of 437).
What is the cost of living in Medford?
Medford's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,376/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $408,210, 18% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Medford?
Medford recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 30% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #728 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #323 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Medford Police Department. Property crime runs 3,722 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Medford?
The median household in Medford earns $73,230, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Medford?
Median rent in Medford is $1,376/mo (Census), #612 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,678/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Medford?
The typical home value in Medford is $408,210, up 1.1% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $417,100.
How are the public schools in Medford?
Medford's 20 public schools graduate 82.8% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20 students per teacher and $13,097 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Medford?
The average commute is 16.6 minutes, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Medford?
Medford averages 55.9°F over the year, 72.2°F in summer and 41.3°F in winter, with 18.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Medford walkable?
Medford scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Medford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jackson County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 74% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Medford?
Jackson County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Medford?
Medford has 86,315 residents. The median resident of Medford is 38.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 30.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #787 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Medford compare with the rest of Oregon?
Medford ranks #19 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 49.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 14% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 30% above the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Medford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Medford's population of 86,315 are Danbury, CT (#441 overall), Franklin, TN (#68 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), Melbourne, FL (#864 overall), and Lake Forest, CA (#310 overall). Medford is #1021.