Living in Medford, OR offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town charm. Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Medford is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving wine industry, and welcoming community. The city’s historic downtown area is a vibrant hub, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Craterian Theater and the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market.
Medford’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from farm-to-table dining to international cuisine. The city’s proximity to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in nearby Ashland and the Britt Music & Arts Festival in Jacksonville makes it a cultural center in Southern Oregon. The annual Pear Blossom Festival is a local favorite, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage with parades, food, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Medford provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The nearby Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River, and the Table Rocks offer stunning landscapes for hiking, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. The city’s parks, including Prescott Park and Bear Creek Park, provide scenic spots for picnics, sports, and community events.
Medford is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly environment. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Medford Cruise and the Jackson County Fair, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. The local schools and educational institutions, such as Rogue Community College, make Medford an attractive place for families and students alike.
For those considering a move to Oregon, Medford offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and small-town charm. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, cultural events, or welcoming atmosphere, living in Medford, OR provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Medford, Oregon is a moderately-sized city with a population of 84,271 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,271 people per square mile, Medford is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Medford is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Medford offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Medford, Oregon. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Medford and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Medford to Oregon and the national average.
Medford has a livability score of 77 out of 100 and is ranked #70 in Oregon and #2,601 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Medford ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Medford also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Medford has received high marks for amenities (A-) and housing (A-). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Medford. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: crime (F).
Living in Medford offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Medford provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Medford: Harry & David's Tour, Medford Railroad Park, and Wonders of Wine.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Medford can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Medford real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Medford. Median real estate prices in Medford come in at $497,651, which is 12.5% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Medford, the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 16.1% higher than the Oregon average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Medford | Oregon | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.7% | 71.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.0% | 10.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 3.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.6% | 6.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Oregon
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the largest cities in Oregon
Safest Cities In The US