Biggest tradeoff: Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on climate comfort, weaker on safety.
Demand-Backed Comparison
Compare Salem vs Medford on cost, climate, safety, and daily life
People have logged this comparison 8 times on WhyThere. The cards open full city pages. The charts and matrix below are the fast side-by-side read on housing, climate, walkability, safety, schools, parks, and day-to-day tradeoffs.
SalemMedford
What Stands Out
A quick read on this comparison
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Potential dealbreaker: Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.
Comparison Matrix
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 175,535 | 79,805 |
| Population Density | 3.6k /sq mi | N/A |
| Center Elevation | 161 ft(49 m) | 1,381 ft(421 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $427,939 | $397,600 |
| Median Rent | $1,638 | $1,632 |
| Median Income | $67,540 | $65,647 |
| Rent Burden | 29% | 30% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Days with 5+ Hours of Sun | 270 days/yr | 306 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 64°F | 68°F |
| Avg. Low | 45°F | 45°F |
| Comfort Score | 71/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Temp Swing | 40°F | 47°F |
| Annual Precipitation | 49"(124 cm) | 33"(84 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 10"(25 cm) | 30"(76 cm) |
| Air Quality | Typical: 312024 modeled avg · 0 days > 100 | Typical: 352024 modeled avg · 0 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Transit Score | N/A | 40 |
| Safety Score | 64 / 100 | 67 / 100 |
| School Rating | 4.6/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Flood Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal Risk | minimalMinimal Risk |
| Central Tract Wildfire Risk | minimalMinimal | minimalMinimal |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 12%Cable: 94% | Fiber: 29%Cable: 91% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 35.9 years | 38.1 years |
| College Educated | 31% | 28% |
| Remote Workers | 12% | 9% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Housing and local helpA practical next step once someone starts picturing the move. | Featured Local Partner ADRealtor Realtor spot available For an agent, brokerage, or relocation team that can answer housing questions in Salem. One featured slot per city | Featured Local Partner ADRealtor Realtor spot available For an agent, brokerage, or relocation team that can answer housing questions in Medford. One featured slot per city |
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