Medford, OR Housing Market

Market Overview

Medford, OR presents a mixed housing market, earning a PropertyIQ Score of 45 out of 100. That reading places the market in a moderate-to-cautious range, supported by some strengths but weighed down by cooling price momentum and affordability constraints. The median home value is $441,885, which is $60,271 below the Oregon average of $502,156. At the same time, the rent index is $1,829, well above the state average of $1,450. So while purchase prices are lower than the state norm, rental costs are higher. The local median household income is $71,443, below the state average of $80,426, and the unemployment rate is 5.2%, matching the state average.

The top score drivers help explain the 45/100 rating. The 12-month home value momentum is positive at 4.49%, but the 3-month momentum is slightly negative at -0.18%. Median days on market is 64 days, and 18.9% of listings have had a price cut. There are 1,128 homes for sale. These figures point to a market that has cooled after a period of growth. Population growth data is not available, so the demand side of the market cannot be fully evaluated.

Key Trends

The first trend is cooling home value momentum. Although the 12-month home value momentum is 4.49%, the 3-month momentum is -0.18% and the year-over-year home value change is $-1, effectively flat. This suggests that earlier price gains have stalled in the short term.

The second trend is rising buyer leverage. With median days on market at 64 days and 18.9% of listings showing a price cut, nearly one in five sellers is adjusting price. Combined with 1,128 homes for sale, the inventory picture gives buyers more time and negotiation room than they would have in a fast-moving market.

The third trend is rental strength. Medford’s rent index of $1,829 is $379 above the state average of $1,450. That is notable because the median home value is below the state average. Higher rents relative to home values can make the market attractive to rental-focused investors.

The fourth trend is an affordability gap. The median household income in Medford is $71,443, which is $8,983 below the state average of $80,426. While home values are lower than the state average, local incomes are also lower, and the unemployment rate of 5.2% matches the state average. This creates a mixed affordability picture for local households.

Who Is This Market For

This market may suit rental-focused investors. The rent index of $1,829 is well above the state average of $1,450, while the median home value of $441,885 is below the state average of $502,156. That combination can support rental income relative to purchase price. However, investors looking for rapid short-term appreciation may find the cooling price momentum less attractive.

Medford may also suit first-time buyers and patient buyers. Homes are staying on the market for a median of 64 days, and 18.9% of listings have a price cut, which means buyers may have more room to negotiate. The median home value is below the state average, though the local median household income of $71,443 remains below the state average of $80,426, so affordability is still a consideration.

Move-up buyers may find opportunities on the purchase side, but they should expect a cooler selling environment with longer days on market and price cuts on existing homes.

Outlook

The near-term outlook is cautious and largely balanced. The 12-month home value momentum of 4.49% provides some support, but the 3-month momentum of -0.18%, the year-over-year home value change of $-1, and the 18.9% share of listings with price cuts point to a slowing market. With 1,128 homes for sale and a median of 64 days on market, buyers are likely to retain negotiation power. Rent levels above the state average could support investor demand and provide a floor for the market. Unemployment matches the state average at 5.2%, but the lower median household income may limit price growth. Because population growth data is not available, longer-term demand remains uncertain.