RANK #543 / 1001 NAT · #3 / 18 OR · POP 222,645
1YR FORECAST: +0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
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.
Jackson County is one of 78 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.1% runs above the profile's typical -0.8%.
See all 78 Western Premium Correction counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 17.4x — 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
Jackson County scores 45/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#543). Median household income is $73,999 and job growth is running at +0.7%. 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 $430,200 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.17 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,358/month on average.
Population and employment in Jackson County are both close to flat — population +0.0% YoY and jobs +0.7%. Home values shifted +1.1% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.7% 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.