2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Medford, OR vs Salem, OR

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Highlights
Are people in Salem older or younger than people in Medford?
- The Median Age in Salem is 2.0 years younger than in Medford.

Are housing costs cheaper in Salem or Medford?
- Salem housing costs are 5.9% more expensive than Medford housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Salem or Medford?
- The average commute for residents of Salem is 5.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Medford.

Things to do in Medford?
Medford, Oregon provides a perfect blend between modern life and stunning views of nearby Crater Lake National Park or Starvation Creek State Park.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Oregon is a vibrant city located in the Willamette Valley. With its close proximity to both the ocean and the mountains, Salem offers something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, kayaking, fishing and hiking in nearby parks and forests. The city is also home to a variety of museums and historical sites from the state's rich past, as well as an array of shopping centers, entertainment venues and nightlife hotspots. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or relocating for the long term, Salem has something for everyone.

 Medford, ORSalem, ORUnited States
 Population  Unlock174,193329,725,481
 Median Income$57,424  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$376,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.17  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Medford    51 Reviews

Our family moved to Medford in early 2017 and we cannot wait to leave. Every summer since we arrived has been filled with oppressive and persistent smoke to the point  More

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My husband and I semi-retired here in 2014 after considering several around the same size in terms of population. We love the four seasons here as well as the gorgeous  More

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We have lived here for 12 years now and find it to be a great place to live. When I read a post that blames Trump for the homeless population and how, "things will be  More

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Reviews for Salem    37 Reviews

After reading the reviews here, I had to come write my own. The problem I had with most of the reviews is that most were very opinion-based and seemed to assume everyone  More

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Moved here approx. 4 years ago from SW Michigan, but I've lived in 9 other cities & 5 other states. Salem is a very manageable sized city, with tons of parks, diverse  More

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Over 5 years ago

I'm a native 5th generation Oregonian, so bear in mind that I was born with webs between my toes! Anyway, I used to think it rained too much when I was young. Then I  More

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