The sixth largest county in the State of Oregon in population, Jackson County covers more than 2,801 square miles. The population is 205,305 (based on figures available July 1, 2008) — an increase of 2,995 in 2007 with an average growth rate of approximately 1.7 percent a year for the past ten years. Approximately 70 percent of Jackson County residents live in the 11 incorporated cities, which include Ashland, Butte Falls, Central Point, Eagle Point, Gold Hill, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Rogue River, Shady Cove, and Talent. The remainder live in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Medford, with a population of 76,850, is the largest city within Jackson County and serves as its County seat. Medford is known throughout the country and the world for its pear orchards and is home to Harry & David and Jackson & Perkins, one of the world’s largest shippers of fruit, food gifts, and roses. Medford is a popular location for visitors who wish to access the nearby recreation areas.

The second largest city in Jackson County, Ashland (population 21,485), is home of the internationally famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival which runs from mid-February through October and sells more than 350,000 tickets a year. Ashland is also the location of Southern Oregon University.  Another Jackson County town known for tourism is Jacksonville, located just five miles west of Medford. The entire City is on the National Historic Registry and is home to the Peter Britt Festivals, one of the largest summer music festivals in the United States.