Medford city, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Medford city, Minnesota has a total population of 1,194, the 334th largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $98,375, which is 12% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.9%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.9% — among the lowest in Minnesota.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
Medford city Quick Facts
How Medford city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Medford city Rankings in Minnesota
Explore Minnesota Rankings
Other Cities in Steele County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owatonna city | 26,462 | $81,276 | 8.2% | $234,600 |
| Blooming Prairie city | 1,977 | $63,929 | 5.6% | $155,800 |
| Ellendale city | 626 | $80,417 | 2.4% | $150,000 |
Cities Similar to Medford city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafer city | 1,151 | $96,042 | $225,700 | 16.0% | 7.1% |
| Lake Shore city | 1,117 | $96,923 | $532,500 | 39.6% | 6.5% |
| Wanamingo city | 1,185 | $85,000 | $247,400 | 24.1% | 15.2% |
| Lake St. Croix Beach city | 1,106 | $100,134 | $334,600 | 43.6% | 12.1% |
| Madison Lake city | 1,178 | $84,833 | $281,300 | 36.9% | 6.7% |
Population Overview
Medford city is a small community located in Minnesota, within Steele County. The total population is 1,194. It ranks as the 334th most populous out of 913 cities and towns in Minnesota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Medford city is 38.2 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 28.4% of the population under 18, Medford city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Medford city is $98,375. This is 12% higher than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% higher. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%. This is 69% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. This is 52% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $234,300. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $305,500. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Medford city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 72.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Medford city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.7%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 6.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (11.7% vs 6.2%). The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.
Education
21.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Medford city, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 913 Census-designated places in Minnesota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Medford city, Minnesota?
Medford city, Minnesota has a population of 1,194 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Medford city, MN?
The median household income in Medford city is $98,375, which is 25% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Medford city, MN?
The poverty rate in Medford city is 2.9%. This means approximately 34 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Medford city, Minnesota?
Medford city's population is 84.4% White, 0.1% Black, 11.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Medford city, MN?
The median home value in Medford city is $234,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Medford city, Minnesota?
21.1% of adults (25+) in Medford city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.