$100k in Medford
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📊 Medford Salary Guide
The Real Salary Guide to Medford, Oregon (2026 Edition)
What a $100k paycheck actually buys you in the Rogue Valley.
You see the job listing: $100,000 annual salary. It looks clean, round, and comfortable. But in Medford, Oregon, the gap between the "sticker price" and the "drive-off price" is dictated by a brutal state income tax and a housing market that is catching up to the West Coast average.
We ran the numbers through federal and state algorithms to show you exactly what lands in your bank account—and whether it’s enough to thrive in the Rogue Valley.
The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)
This is the reality check. Before you budget for a new car or a down payment, you have to survive the tax man. In Oregon, the tax man takes a significant bite before you ever see a dime.
Here is the math on a $100,000 gross salary in Medford:
- Gross Salary: $100,000
- Federal Tax: -$13,614
- FICA Tax (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
- Oregon State Tax: -$4,500
- Local Tax: $0
The Bottom Line:
Your Take Home Pay is $74,236.
Your Monthly Net is $6,186.
The Analysis:
You lose 25.8% of your income to taxes. The "sticker price" of $100k is a mirage; the actual purchasing power is significantly lower. While you avoid local city taxes (a plus), the lack of a sales tax doesn't save you when the state income tax hits nearly 9% combined.
Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)
With $6,186 hitting your account every month, you need a rigid strategy. We applied the 50/30/20 rule to see how far your money goes in Medford.
1. Needs ($3,093/mo)
This bucket covers rent, utilities, insurance, and groceries.
- Rent: The median rent for a 1-bedroom in Medford hovers around $1,400 - $1,600.
- Power & Utilities: PGE rates are high; budget $200/mo.
- Groceries: For a single person, expect $500-$600.
- Transport: Car insurance/gas is mandatory in Medford. Budget $500.
Purchasing Power: You are safe, but not comfortable. After rent and utilities, you have roughly $1,200 left for food and transport. You can afford to live alone, but you are not living lavishly.
2. Wants ($1,856/mo)
This is your lifestyle budget—dining out, subscriptions, hobbies.
- Dining: Medford has a growing food scene (farm-to-table, breweries). You can afford to eat out 3-4 times a week.
- Entertainment: Tickets to the Britt Festival, Rogue Valley Country Club, or skiing at Mt. Ashland.
Purchasing Power: Strong. You have significant disposable income for a mid-sized city.
3. Savings ($1,237/mo)
This is where wealth is created.
- $1,237/month is $14,844/year.
- This is enough to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000 limit) and contribute heavily to a 401(k) or index funds.
Purchasing Power: Excellent. This savings rate puts you in the top 20% of American savers. If you invest this consistently, you are building a solid future.
Medford Taxes vs. The Competition
How does Medford stack up against other tech and business hubs?
| City | Gross Salary | State Tax | Local Tax | Net Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medford, OR | $100,000 | $4,500 | $0 | $74,236 |
| Austin, TX | $100,000 | $0 | $0 | $88,750 |
| New York, NY | $100,000 | ~$5,000* | ~$1,200* | $74,500 |
*Estimates for state/local.
The Verdict:
Medford is technically cheaper than NYC, but it is significantly more expensive than Austin. You lose $14,500 in raw net income compared to a tax-free state like Texas. If you are moving from California, Medford offers a slight tax break, but you are trading high sales tax for high income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the income tax rate in Medford?
A: There is 0% local income tax in Medford. However, you are subject to Oregon's state income tax, which is progressive. On a $100,000 salary, your effective state tax rate is roughly 4.5%.
Q: Is $100k a good salary in Medford?
A: Yes, it is a good salary. It allows for solo living, a car, and substantial savings ($1,237/mo). However, it does not qualify as "wealthy" in Medford due to the high cost of housing and the drag of state taxes. You will live comfortably, but you will not be "balling out."
Q: Does Medford have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on 2026 data, Medford does not levy a local city income tax on residents. You only pay Federal and Oregon State taxes.
Methodology & Sources
Analysis based on 2026 tax projections derived from IRS Federal Tax Brackets and Oregon State Revenue Department data. Salary data benchmarked against the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Rogue Valley. Cost of living data cross-referenced with State Comptroller inflation reports.