Grants Pass
RANK #705 / 996 NAT · #13 / 18 OR · POP 87,994
1YR FORECAST: -1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
Josephine County, Oregon, distinguishes itself with the Oregon Caves National Monument, often called the "Marble Halls of Oregon," a significant natural landmark drawing visitors to its unique limestone formations. Located in southwestern Oregon, bordering California, the county seat of Grants Pass is approximately a 30-minute drive from Medford, the nearest larger city with an international airport. The community offers a relaxed pace, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation. The Rogue River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, is a central feature, providing opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and scenic boat trips through Hellgate Canyon. Numerous county parks, including Whitehorse and Indian Mary, offer camping, hiking, bird sanctuaries, and river access. The region's diverse landscapes include pine-oak woodlands, riparian habitats, and mountainous terrain within the Siskiyou Mountains and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Life in Josephine County often appeals to those seeking a connection to nature and a quieter lifestyle, including retirees and individuals interested in remote work or self-sufficiency. The local economy, historically rooted in gold mining and timber, has shifted, with a current focus on small businesses and a growing wine industry, sharing the Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley appellations with neighboring Jackson County. While the county has faced economic challenges, including a decline in timber revenue, efforts are underway to attract new industries and stabilize the business environment. Commute times average around 21.5 minutes, with most residents driving alone, though Josephine Community Transit provides public transportation within Grants Pass and to nearby towns. The Three Rivers School District serves over 4,000 students across multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, with graduation rates exceeding the state average.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.2x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 29/100, Josephine County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $56,068 combined with job growth of +1.3% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Josephine County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $353,800 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.16 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,093/month on average.
Employers in Josephine County are hiring — job growth of +1.3% — but the population is close to flat (+0.3% YoY). Home values moved -0.9% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.15% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Josephine County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.