Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Medford?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Medford, you need to earn at least $58,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $65,647, which means the typical resident is $7,127 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 85,539

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,024	$3,413	$40,960	$-24,687
1 Bedroom	$1,214	$4,047	$48,560	$-17,087
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,463	$4,877	$58,520	$-7,127
3 Bedroom	$1,785	$5,950	$71,400	+$5,753
4 Bedroom	$2,195	$7,317	$87,800	+$22,153

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Medford's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$65,647

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$58,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,127

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Medford

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Medford's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,641

Studio

$1,024/mo

1 BR

$1,214/mo

2 BR

$1,463/mo

3 BR

$1,785/mo

4 BR

$2,195/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Medford.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Medford's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Medford

Renting in Medford, Oregon is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $58,520/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $65,647, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,214/month) or studio ($1,024/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Medford pushes the required income to $71,400.

For comfortable living in Medford without financial stress, target a household income of at least $87,780 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Oregon's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Medford, Oregon.

With a total population of 85,539, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 39,745 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $58,520 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

39,745

Active civilian employees in Medford

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Medford

What salary do I need to live in Medford, Oregon?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Medford under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $58,520. The median household income in Medford is $65,647.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Medford on $65,647?

The affordability verdict for Medford is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.7%, meaning median earners have a $7,127 surplus.

What is the average rent in Medford compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Medford is $1,214/month. With a median household income of $65,647, residents spend approximately 26.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Medford?

A studio in Medford rents for approximately $1,024/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $40,960 to afford this.

Is Medford considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,127 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Medford is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $58,520 to the local median household income.

How Medford Compares

Other cities in Oregon with salary requirements