Medford, OR

Medford, Oregon

Introduction to Medford, Oregon

Medford is situated in the Rogue Valley in the southern portion of Oregon. It's surrounded by mountains and located in Jackson County. The economy is primarily based in healthcare while agriculture and the timber industry are still significant economic factors. Medford is known for its excellent pears. Harry and David Operations Corp. is the biggest direct marketing company regarding fruits and food gift items in the country. Medford and the surrounding region has developed a thriving wine industry.

Outdoor reaction activities are poplar for residents and tourists. The well known Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the country is nearby. Due to being positioned between the Siskiyou Mountains and the Cascade Range, the city does not receive the substantial amount of rain which typically falls in the towns in the Pacific Northwest.

History

In 1883 railroad surveyors arrived at Rock Point. One of the surveyors, David Loring who worked for the Oregon and California Railroad named the city in tribute to his home town, Medford Massachusetts. In 1884 the railroad had arrived and soon a thriving town was created. In 1905 Medford was incorporated as a city. During the beginning of the 20th Century a steel bridge was constructed across Bear Creek which made transportation much easier and safer for the citizens.

Attractions

• Alba Park.
• The Claire Hanley Arboretum.
• Medford Carnegie Library.
• Roxy Ann Peak, a dormant volcano which is approximately 30 million years old.
• Prescott Park.
• Vogel Plaza is the location for numerous local events.
• Medford Railroad Park.
• Upper and Lower Table Rocks are huge sandstone-basaltic mesas that include lava caps.
• The huge blackbird statue located in town.
• Rogue Valley Mall.
• Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater.
• Southern Oregon Historical Society.

Activities

In the Medford region there are a vast number of streams and numerous lakes that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Boating and fishing are popular on the Rogue River. There are plenty of places for camping. Trailheads located near Table Rock Road provide hiking opportunities and provide a path to the top of the Lower Table Rock which offers excellent views of the Siskiyou Mountains and the Rogue River. Rafting is available on the Rogue River and the Klamath River. Tourists enjoy the walking tour of the Haunted Brothels and Opium Dens of Medford and the tour of the Harry David facility.

Events

• Pear Blossom Run, Parade & Street Fair features a race that is one of the prominent athletic events in the Rogue Valley.
• Britt Festival is a major music and performing arts event for the Northwest.
• The Rogue Balloon Rally features the wonderful "Night Glo."
• Medford Jazz Jubilee.
• Art in Bloom is a major festival.
• A Taste of History showcases historic locations in the downtown area.

High Points

Medford strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Oregon):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Medford, OR

Comparing Medford to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Oregon (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Housing Recently Built
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Medford Almanac

Medford Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Medford Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Medford Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Medford residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Nearby Cities and Towns

Medford Hospitals

ROGUE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
2960 DOCTORS PARK DRIVE
(541) 789-5240
Emergency Service: Yes

PROVIDENCE MEDFORD MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
1111 CRATER LAKE AVENUE
(541) 732-5000
Emergency Service: Yes

Starbucks in Medford

Wal-Mart in Medford

Medford High Schools (2004)

NORTH MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL
1900 N KEENE WAY DR
541-842-3670
Serves 1,980 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 26.3

SOUTH MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL
815 S OAKDALE AVE
541-842-3680
Serves 1,763 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 25.3

MEDFORD OPPORTUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
500 MONROE ST
541-842-3626
A Non-traditional School
Serves 366 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 104.6

Medford Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Abdill Career College Inc

Phagans Medford Beauty School

(List of All Oregon Colleges)

NEW: Community Comments below!