Medford
RANK #497 / 996 NAT · #5 / 18 OR · POP 222,604
1YR FORECAST: +0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
Ashland, a notable town in Jackson County, is recognized for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, an event that draws visitors internationally for performances running from mid-February through October. Located in Southern Oregon, Jackson County sits near the California border. The county offers a variety of transportation options, including the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport and Interstate 5. The community values small-town characteristics alongside cultural diversity. The region boasts natural amenities, including the Rogue River, Applegate Lake, and proximity to Crater Lake National Park, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, rafting, and skiing on Mount Ashland. Life in Jackson County balances outdoor access with community amenities. Public schools in the county are rated above average. The area attracts a mix of young professionals and retirees. The economy, once reliant on timber, has diversified. Healthcare, with institutions like Asante Health System and Providence Medical Center, forms a significant employment sector. Retail and manufacturing, including companies like Harry & David, also contribute to the local economy. Additionally, industries such as hemp, wine, film, and farming show consistent growth, reflecting an environment where entrepreneurship is present.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Well below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Multi-Use Pandemic Response Center
Jackson County
|
$62M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Distribution Center
Amazon Services LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Orchard Meadows Housing
Housing Authority of Jackson County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Prescott Gardens Housing
Housing Authority of Jackson County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport Expansion
Jackson County
|
$40M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jackson County scores 50/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#497). Median household income is $67,690 and job growth is running at +0.2%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Jackson County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $369,500 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.18 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,208/month on average.
Population and employment in Jackson County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.2%. Home values shifted +0.5% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.8% of Jackson County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.