Median Income
$53,173
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,300
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
325/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$809
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Medford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,331
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density954/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$53,173
Per Capita$33,665
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$1,109M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,300
Rent$809
Ownership52.9%
Zillow$232,714
Housing Units1,963
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent325/100K
Property1,878/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault325/100K
Burglary185/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.8%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,452 ft (443 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute14 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Medford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Medford receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $53,173, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Medford is $175,300, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Medford is below the national average at 325 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,878 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Medford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches, including 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Medford has a population of 4,331 with a density of 954 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.6% female and 48.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Medford is $53,173, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,665 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 538 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,173 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,665 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 538 |
| County GDP | $1,109M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Medford is $175,300, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,714, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $809 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,963 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,657 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,300 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,714 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $809 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,963 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.66% |
In Medford, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Medford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,985 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:802 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,980/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Medford has a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 324.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,878 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,530, burglary at 185, vehicle theft at 162 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 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 | 324.6/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 324.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,878.0/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Burglary | 185.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,530.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 162.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Medford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°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 34.2 inches. The area receives 57.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,452 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,452 ft (443 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 954/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1356°N, 90.3425°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0438 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
257 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 272 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
84 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Medford has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") 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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medford
What is the population of Medford?
Medford has a population of 4,331 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 954 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
Is Medford expensive to live in?
Medford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $53,173, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,300 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Medford safe?
Medford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,878 per 100,000 (below 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 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Medford?
The job market in Medford is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 538 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Medford?
The median home value in Medford is $175,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,714. For renters, the median monthly rent is $809. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,657.
How are the schools in Medford?
Schools in Medford score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Medford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Medford?
The obesity rate in Medford is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985.
What is transportation like in Medford?
The average commute in Medford is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Medford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Medford is 94.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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