If you’re staring at a map of the Pacific Northwest and wondering Medford OR is in what county, the short answer is Jackson County.
Simple, right?
But knowing the name of the county is just the tip of the iceberg. Medford isn't just a dot on the map; it’s the heartbeat of Southern Oregon. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a world-class Pinot Noir in the afternoon and be staring at a 30-million-year-old volcanic plug by sunset.
Honestly, the relationship between Medford and Jackson County is a bit of a historical soap opera. For a long time, Medford was just a tiny railroad stop while nearby Jacksonville held all the power. Things changed. Fast.
The Jackson County Power Shift
Medford is the county seat of Jackson County.
It hasn’t always been this way. Back in the day, Jacksonville—just about five miles to the west—was the big deal. It was a gold rush town. It had the money, the influence, and the courthouse.
Then the Oregon and California Railroad came through in 1883. The surveyors bypassed Jacksonville because the terrain was difficult, or maybe because the local landowners didn't play ball. Instead, they laid tracks through the flat middle of the Rogue Valley.
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Basically, Medford was born because of a train.
By 1927, the "railroad town" had grown so much larger than the "gold town" that voters decided to move the county seat. They packed up the records and moved the center of government to Medford. Jacksonville kept its charm and historic buildings, but Medford got the business and the bureaucracy.
Jackson County by the Numbers
Jackson County is huge. It covers over 2,800 square miles. To give you some perspective, that's bigger than the entire state of Delaware.
- Population Hub: Medford is the largest city in the county, with over 86,000 residents as of recent estimates.
- The Neighbors: It’s surrounded by other Jackson County towns like Ashland (home of the Shakespeare Festival), Central Point, and Phoenix.
- The Topography: You’ve got the Cascade Range to the east and the Siskiyou Mountains to the south.
Why the County Seat Matters
Being the seat of Jackson County means Medford is the engine for the region. If you need to visit the County Assessor, go to the courthouse, or talk to the Board of Commissioners, you’re heading to downtown Medford. Specifically, you’ll likely find yourself near the Jackson County Courthouse on Oakdale Avenue.
It’s the professional center.
Major employers like Lithia Motors and Asante Health System have set up shop here because of that central county status. It’s the hub for healthcare and retail not just for Jackson County, but for parts of Northern California too.
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Weather and the "Rain Shadow" Effect
One thing people get wrong about Oregon is the rain. Everyone thinks it’s all moss and constant drizzle like Portland.
Jackson County is different.
Because Medford sits in the Rogue Valley, it’s tucked into a "rain shadow" between the mountains. This means it gets way less rain than the coast—about 18 to 19 inches a year. It gets hot. In July and August, temperatures frequently climb over 90°F. Sometimes it hits triple digits.
The winters are chilly and foggy, but you won't see the massive snow dumps you get up in the Cascades unless you drive 20 minutes out of town.
Exploring the Rogue Valley Lifestyle
If you’re visiting Jackson County, Medford is your base camp. You can’t talk about this area without mentioning the food and wine.
The valley is famous for its pears. Harry & David, the company that basically invented the luxury fruit basket, is headquartered right here in Medford. You can literally smell the blossoms in the spring.
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Then there’s the wine. The Rogue Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is gaining massive respect. We’re talking about high-end Cabernet, Syrah, and Tempranillo. Unlike the Willamette Valley to the north, which is all about Pinot Noir, Jackson County’s climate allows for bolder, sun-loving grapes.
Things to Do Nearby
- Prescott Park: Home to Roxy Ann Peak. It’s an ancient volcanic mountain on the east side of Medford. The views of the valley from the top are honestly life-changing.
- The Table Rocks: These are two massive plateau-like formations (Upper and Lower Table Rock) that were created by lava flows millions of years ago. They’re sacred to the Takelma people and offer great hiking.
- Crater Lake: While it’s not in Medford, it’s only about 75 miles away. It’s the deepest lake in the US and the crown jewel of Southern Oregon.
Modern Day Jackson County
Life here in 2026 is a mix of old-school agriculture and new-school tech. The downtown area has seen a ton of "urban renewal." Old warehouses have been converted into breweries and lofts. The Craterian Theater brings in big-name acts, and the Bear Creek Greenway offers miles of paved paths for bikers and runners.
It isn't perfect. Like many growing hubs, Medford deals with housing affordability and the seasonal reality of wildfire smoke. But the community is resilient. People move here because they want the mountains without the Portland price tag or the Seattle traffic.
Actionable Insights for Newcomers
If you’re looking to move to or spend significant time in Medford, Jackson County, here’s how to navigate it like a local:
- Check the Elevation: Medford sits at about 1,382 feet. If you’re moving from sea level, your hydration needs and your baking recipes might change slightly.
- Get a Park Pass: Jackson County has an incredible parks system. Emigrant Lake and Howard Prairie are local favorites for camping and boating.
- Download a Smoke App: During the summer, keep an eye on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The valley can trap smoke from regional fires, and you'll want to know when to stay indoors.
- Visit the Courthouse District: Even if you don’t have legal business, the area around 10 South Oakdale Avenue has some cool architecture and represents the "official" side of the county.
Medford is more than just a place in Jackson County. It’s the anchor of the Rogue Valley, a survivor of the railroad era, and a gateway to some of the most rugged, beautiful territory in the United States. Whether you’re here for the pears, the politics, or the peaks, you’re in the right spot.