| About Jackson County...
Jackson County, Oregon is one of the most beautiful and livable areas of the Pacific Northwest ? if not the country. Located in Southern Oregon, Jackson County borders California and is surrounded by the majestic Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges. It is centrally located along Interstate 5 between Portland and San Francisco, and just hours from the Pacific Ocean coastline. Jackson County offers breathtaking scenery in every direction, a growing economic base, moderate weather and superior quality of life.
Population/Cities
The sixth largest county in the State of Oregon, both in area and population, Jackson County covers more than 2801 square miles, making it equal in size to the State of Delaware. The current population is 174,550, with a growth rate of 2% a year for the past 15 years. Nearly 65% of Jackson County residents live in the 11 incorporated cities, which include Ashland, Butte Falls, Central Point, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Rogue River, Shady Cove and Talent. The remainder live in the unincorporated areas of the County.
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Medford population estimated at 60,000 is the largest city within Jackson County and serves as its County Seat. Medford is known throughout the country and the world for its pear orchards, and is home to Harry & David´s and Jackson Perkins, one of the world´s largest shippers of fruit, food gifts and roses. Medford is a popular location for visitors who wish to access the nearby recreation areas.
The second largest city in Jackson County, Ashland (population 19,490) is home of the internationally famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival which runs from mid-February through October and sells more than 350,000 tickets a year. Ashland is also the location of Southern Oregon University.
Another Jackson County town known for tourism is Jacksonville, located just 5 miles west of Medford. The entire city is on the National Historic Registry and is home to the Peter Britt Festivals, one of the largest summer music festivals in the United States.
Economy
The economic base in Jackson County is varied and growing. Government, including education, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Services, is the largest employer in the County ? not surprising for a County that is 75% owned by the Federal Government.
Once known for timber, this area has changed to reflect a more service-oriented economic base. Today, health care constitutes the largest single group of employment in the private sector. Jackson County boasts several major and community medical centers and physician groups, with the Asante Health System being the largest single employer. Retail, including the mail order business which includes Harry and David´s, is the second largest employer followed by tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and timber.
Jackson County is also a popular retirement destination. The Rogue Valley Manor, which is perched atop a hillside over looking the valley, is always listed in the top ten of national retirement communities.
Recreation
Southern Oregon offers an almost limitless amount of recreation and tourism opportunities. Within and near Jackson County, you´ll find many rivers, lakes, hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, golf courses and mountains. Other nearby attractions include Crater Lake National Park, Mount Ashland Ski Resort, Mount Shasta Ski Resort, Oregon Caves, Rogue River National Forest and much, much more. Within an 80 mile radius of Medford, there are 153 stocked streams for fishing, 17 lakes, boating, rafting and fishing on the famous Rogue River and hunting and camping in 56 forest camps.
The area also boasts numerous bed and breakfasts, restaurants, hotels and theaters. Visitors as well as residents enjoy a variety of unique, local shops, art galleries, book and retail stores ? all offering no state sales tax.
Quality of Life
While Jackson County has seen tremendous growth in the last 10-20 years, what residents prize most are the small-town values of their communities, along with the cultural diversity usually found in larger cities.
The County is blessed with moderate weather. Unlike many regions in Oregon, Jackson County only receives around 19 inches of rainfall a year. While the weather is mild ? average temp in January is 37.6° and 72.5° in July ? there are four distinct seasons.
The area is served by the Jackson County International Medford Airport, offering convenient and affordable travel on several major airlines.
The average price of a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home in East Medford is around $165,000; in Central Point a similar home averages $153,000. A 3bdr/2bath rural home on 2 to 5 acres averages $221,000
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