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Medford
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.6
•
Community
2.2
•
Safeguard
5.3/10
Medford, Oregon is located in the scenic Rogue Valley and offers a diverse climate and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summers are typically sunny with average temperatures around 90°F, while winters are mild with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually, mainly occurring during the cooler months.
Hydrology in Medford is influenced by the nearby Rogue River, which provides a picturesque backdrop and opportunities for water-based activities. The river is renowned for its salmon and steelhead fishing, and kayaking and rafting are popular pastimes. The surrounding area also boasts numerous lakes and reservoirs, including Emigrant Lake and Lost Creek Lake, perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an array of recreational activities in Medford. The nearby Siskiyou Mountains and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest offer extensive hiking and mountain biking trails with breathtaking views. The region is also a haven for golfers, with several top-rated courses available. Additionally, Medford is conveniently situated close to the Oregon Caves National Monument and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, providing opportunities for exploring unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Medford receives approximately
506mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
12°C.
Medford has a plant hardyness factor of
8, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region tend to thrive here all year round.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Southern Oregon Coastal
Area Rivers
Southern Oregon Coastal
Snowpack Depths
Southern Oregon Coastal
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southern Oregon Coastal
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.6
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Ashland | 9 | 6,499 ft | |||
| Emigrant Lake - Point Park | None | 2,160 ft | |||
| Rogue Elk County Park | 15 | 1,471 ft | |||
| Squaw Lakes | 37 | 3,112 ft | |||
| Mt Ashland | 9 | 6,704 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.2
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.