Talent
cityTalent, Oregon, nestled in the Rogue Valley of Jackson County, is a city known for its small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. Located approximately halfway between Medford and Ashland, Talent had a population of 6,282 at the 2020 census. The city offers a blend of residential comfort and access to urban amenities, making it an attractive place for families and individuals alike. Talent's economy benefits from its proximity to Medford and the Rogue Valley's agricultural industry. Key sectors include healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing. The city is experiencing residential and commercial growth, with new businesses establishing themselves in the Talent Industrial Park. Talent's history is rooted in the mid-1800s, with the city officially incorporated in 1910. The community faced a significant challenge in 2020 when the Almeda Drive Fire destroyed a substantial portion of the city. Despite this adversity, Talent has shown remarkable resilience, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in its rebuilding efforts.
Talent, Oregon
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 41-72500
- Country
- United States
- County
- Jackson County
- Region
- Rogue Valley
- Elevation
- 1,637 ft
- Total Area
- 1.33 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.33 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 42.24
- Longitude
- -122.78222
- Climate
- Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Notable Features
- Wagner Creek · Siskiyou Mountains · Bear Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Medford · Phoenix · Ashland
- Population (2020)
- 6,282
- Est. Population (2026)
- 6,303
- Median Age
- 41.3
- Median Income
- $62,543
- Poverty Rate
- 11.69%
- Owner-Occupied
- 48.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the city was 77.6% White, 13.1% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Two or More Races.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Phoenix-Talent School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Water · Street maintenance · Parks maintenance
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Agricultural · Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Healthcare · Education · Tourism · Manufacturing
- Students
- 2,800
- School Districts
- Phoenix-Talent School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 5 · Oregon Route 99 · Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) bus service · Bear Creek Greenway (bike/hike trail)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Sewer utilities
- Major Facilities
- Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (nearby)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Chuck Roberts Park · Lynn Newbry Park · Bear Creek Greenway · Wagner Creek Park · Joseph Park
- Parks & Trails
- Chuck Roberts Park · Lynn Newbry Park · Wagner Creek Park · Joseph Park · Kamerin Springs Park · Old Town Park · The Talent Commons · Bark Park · Old Bridge Village Greenway
- Founded
- 1852
- Incorporated
- 1910
- Named After
- A.P. Talent
- Historical Significance
- Originally an agricultural center, Talent has evolved into a residential community known for its resilience and strong sense of community.
- Key Events
- Jacob Wagner settles in 1852 and names the settlement Wagner · Fort Wagner established in 1854 · A.P. Talent plats the townsite in 1889 and names it Talent · City incorporated in 1910 · Almeda Drive Fire in 2020 destroys a third of the city