City of Medford
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| City of Medford | |
|---|---|
| Name | City of Medford |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label | Medford |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Oregon |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Jackson |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1884 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1905 |
| Government type | Council-Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Randy Sparacino |
| Leader title1 | City manager |
| Leader name1 | Brian Sjothun |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 70.60 |
| Area total sq mi | 27.26 |
| Area land km2 | 70.47 |
| Area land sq mi | 27.21 |
| Area water km2 | 0.13 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.05 |
| Elevation m | 421 |
| Elevation ft | 1382 |
| Population total | 85,824 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Coordinates | 42, 19, 55, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 97501, 97504 |
| Area code | 458 and 541 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 41-47000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1124196 |
| Website | www.cityofmedford.org |
City of Medford. Medford is the county seat of Jackson County and the principal city of the Medford Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located along the Interstate 5 corridor in the fertile Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, it serves as a major commercial and cultural hub for the region. The city is named for Medford, Massachusetts, the hometown of one of its early founders, David Loring.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Takelma people before the arrival of European American settlers. The city's founding is tied to the Oregon and California Railroad, whose surveyor, David Loring, platted the town site in 1883, bypassing the nearby settlement of Jacksonville. Medford was officially incorporated in 1905 and grew rapidly due to the region's booming timber industry and fruit production, particularly pears. Significant events include the devastating Columbus Day Storm of 1962 and the establishment of the Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport, a key transportation link.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.26 square miles, predominantly land. Medford lies within the Rogue Valley, flanked by the Cascade Range to the east, which includes prominent peaks like Mount McLoughlin, and the Siskiyou Mountains to the south. Major waterways include Bear Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River, which flows through the city. The region's geography contributes to a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population was 85,824, making it the ninth-largest city in Oregon. The Census Bureau reports the racial makeup as predominantly White, with growing Hispanic and multiracial communities. The Metropolitan Statistical Area, encompassing all of Jackson County, has a population exceeding 223,000. Population growth has been steady, driven by the area's economy and appeal as a retirement destination.
Economy
Medford's economy is diverse, with major sectors including healthcare, led by Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center and Providence Medford Medical Center. It is a major retail and distribution center for Southern Oregon, anchored by the Rogue Valley Mall. The surrounding Rogue Valley American Viticultural Area supports a robust wine industry, with numerous wineries and vineyards. Historically significant industries like timber and pear orchards remain, though less dominant, while logistics and manufacturing are also important employers.
Government and infrastructure
Medford operates under a council-manager system, with a non-partisan city council and a professional city manager. Key infrastructure includes the Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport, a critical facility for cargo and passenger travel served by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. The city is a major transportation nexus at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Oregon Route 62, and is the headquarters for the Rogue Valley Transportation District. Public safety is provided by the Medford Police Department and Jackson County Fire District No. 3.
Culture and recreation
The city is a cultural center, home to the Craterian Theater and the annual Medford Film Festival. Outdoor recreation is prominent, with easy access to Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River for whitewater rafting, and the Pacific Crest Trail. The Bear Creek Greenway is a popular urban trail system. Medford hosts the Jackson County Fair and is near several Oregon Shakespeare Festival venues in Ashland. Sports fans support the Medford Rogues, a collegiate baseball team in the Great West League.
Category:Medford, Oregon Category:Cities in Oregon Category:Jackson County, Oregon Category:County seats in Oregon