Cost of Living in Jackson County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #3,024 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Oregon
Jackson County: above average cost pressure
Jackson County renters spend 22.0% of income on housing, significantly above both Oregon's 19.4% state average and the national norm. Median household income of $71,443 trails the national average, yet $1,310 monthly rent creates noticeable affordability pressure for many residents.
Southern Oregon's high-cost county
Jackson County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% ranks it among Oregon's least affordable counties, with rents $173 above the state median. The county's appeal as a cultural and outdoor destination drives housing costs notably higher than neighboring Douglas County.
Pricier than Douglas, cheaper than the mountains
Jackson's $1,310 monthly rent falls between Douglas County's $995 and the mountain counties—well below Deschutes' $1,674 but above Grant's $840. Home values of $400,200 place it in Oregon's mid-to-upper range, reflecting Medford's role as southern Oregon's regional hub.
Housing costs strain budgets significantly
Jackson County households earning $71,443 pay $1,310 in rent (22.0% of income) or $1,362 in owner costs (22.9% of income). Both tenure types consume more than one-fifth of gross income, representing meaningful affordability challenges for renters and modest homebuyers.
Southern Oregon's cultural center—at a price
Jackson County offers Medford's cultural amenities, arts scene, and southern Oregon lifestyle, but at a 22% rent-to-income ratio that strains budgets compared to Douglas County's 20.2%. Choose Jackson if the lifestyle amenities justify the affordability trade-off versus more affordable southern Oregon alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Jackson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,310/month representing approximately 22.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 32.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jackson County pay $1,310/month on average, compared to $1,362/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,371/year. With a median household income of $71,443, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Jackson County sits 5% less expensive than Yamhill County ($1,377/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
22.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,667
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.9%
of gross income
The median home in Jackson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $400,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,195 vs. your max of $1,667.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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