Median Income
$98,375
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$234,300
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
141/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,036
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Medford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,194
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,003/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,375
Per Capita$41,238
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,874M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$234,300
Rent$1,036
Ownership74.9%
Zillow$302,836
Housing Units477
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent141/100K
Property2,423/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.8%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,103 ft (336 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations9
Libraries2
Is Medford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Medford receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Medford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Medford is $98,375, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Medford among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Medford is $234,300, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,036 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Medford is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,423 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Medford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Medford has a population of 1,194 with a density of 1,003 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Medford is $98,375, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,238. The average weekly wage is $1,190, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,130 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,375 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,238 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,190 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,130 |
| County GDP | $2,874M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 146 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,510 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Medford is $234,300, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,836, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,036 (11% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 477 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,510 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,300 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $302,836 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,036 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.1% |
| Housing Units | 477 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,510 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.92% |
In Medford, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,698. The dentist ratio is 1:1,169. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Medford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,698 |
| Dentists | 1:1,169 |
| Mental Health | 1:323 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,151/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Medford has a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,423 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Medford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Medford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 140.9/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,423.3/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 232 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Medford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 44.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,103 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,103 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,003/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1685°N, 93.2473°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Steele County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
60 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
587 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 49 fatalities, 1,230 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
17 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
84 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
69 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Medford has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Medford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,016 |
| Toddler | $920 |
| Preschool | $869 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medford
What is the population of Medford?
Medford has a population of 1,194 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,003 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Medford expensive to live in?
Medford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $98,375, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $234,300 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,036 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Medford safe?
Medford is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 141 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,423 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Medford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Medford?
Medford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 44.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Medford?
Medford has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,190. There are 1,130 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Medford?
The median home value in Medford is $234,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,836. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,036. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,510.
How are the schools in Medford?
Schools in Medford score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.1% of adults in Medford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Medford?
The obesity rate in Medford is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,698.
What is transportation like in Medford?
The average commute in Medford is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Medford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Medford is 90.2% White. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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