Medford, WI
Population 4,331 · Wisconsin
About Medford, WI
Medford is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 4,331 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,173 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Medford features a median home value of $175,300, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Medford in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $809, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,080 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (1,064 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (949 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Medford shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Medford have an average one-way commute time of 13.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.1% of Medford residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Medford, WI
Compared to national averages, Medford has a median household income of $53,173 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $175,300, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $809 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Medford's income is 27% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 15% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Medford, WI?
Medford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $175,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $809/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,173) that falls below the national average. However, Medford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Medford has a population of 4,331 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Medford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Medford
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin | 4,313 | $76,675 | $252,000 | Compare |
| Kewaskum | 4,367 | $103,472 | $286,800 | Compare |
| Prescott | 4,376 | $82,730 | $282,100 | Compare |
| Mauston | 4,280 | $60,174 | $135,600 | Compare |
| Prairie du Sac | 4,385 | $92,672 | $319,200 | Compare |
| Saukville | 4,268 | $79,148 | $286,400 | Compare |
| Bayside | 4,398 | $144,500 | $419,400 | Compare |
| French Island | 4,235 | $59,462 | $198,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Medford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Medford
What is the population of Medford, WI?
The population of Medford, WI is 4,331 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Medford?
The median household income in Medford, WI is $53,173 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Medford?
The median home value in Medford, WI is $175,300, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Medford?
The median monthly rent in Medford, WI is $809, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Medford?
The unemployment rate in Medford, WI is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Medford, WI a good place to live?
Medford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,331 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Medford, WI?
23.1% of residents in Medford aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Medford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Medford, WI: median home value is $175,300 (28% below national), median rent is $809/month, and median household income is $53,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Medford?
The poverty rate in Medford, WI is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Medford, WI?
Medford's population is 1.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.