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Medford
Medford, Minnesota 5.jpg
Motto(s): 
"A Place To Call Home Since 1853"
Location of Medfordwithin Steele County, Minnesota
Location of Medford
within Steele County, Minnesota
Country United States
State Minnesota
County Steele
Area
 • Total 1.19 sq mi (3.09 km2)
 • Land 1.19 sq mi (3.09 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,102 ft (336 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,315
 • Density 1,101.34/sq mi (425.24/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
55049
Area code(s) 507
FIPS code 27-41426
GNIS feature ID 2395080
Website www.medfordminnesota.com

Medford (/ˈmɛdfərd/ med-fərd) is a small city in Steele County, Minnesota, United States. It's known for its friendly community and rich history. In 2020, about 1,315 people lived there. The city's motto is "A Place To Call Home Since 1853."

Medford's Early History

Medford was officially planned out in 1856. It was named after Medford Colling, who was the son of one of the first people to settle in the area. A post office has been open in Medford since 1855, helping connect the community.

Medford's Location and Landscape

Medford is located in Steele County, Minnesota. The city covers about 1.19 square miles (3.09 square kilometers) of land. There is no water area within the city limits.

Rivers and Roads in Medford

The Straight River flows right through the city, adding to its natural beauty. Major roads like Interstate 35 and several Steele County Roads (1, 12, 22, 23, and 45) help people travel in and out of Medford.

Who Lives in Medford?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1940 342
1950 409 19.6%
1960 567 38.6%
1970 690 21.7%
1980 775 12.3%
1990 733 −5.4%
2000 984 34.2%
2010 1,239 25.9%
2020 1,315 6.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

Medford's Population in 2010

In 2010, about 1,239 people lived in Medford. There were 450 households and 336 families. The city had about 1,077 people per square mile. Most residents were White (96.3%). About 5.2% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Many households (42.9%) had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.74 people. The average age of people in Medford was 34.4 years old. About 31.2% of residents were under 18, and 10.3% were 65 or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (50.9%) and females (49.1%).

Important Places in Medford

Medford has a few notable spots. The "Medford Bridge" crosses over Medford Park, right where Steele County Road 45 enters the city.

Medford's Schools

An apartment complex now stands where one of Medford's oldest school buildings used to be. This old school was used until 2003. The town decided to build a new, larger school because the student population was growing. The new school is now on the eastern side of the city. It serves nearly 800 students, including many who come from outside the district.

Historic Daniel S. Piper House

On the edge of town, you can find the 1877 Daniel S. Piper House. This house is special because it's the only example in Minnesota of a New England-style connected farmstead that is still standing. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.

Famous People from Medford

  • Lynn Frazier (1874–1947) – Lynn Frazier was born in Medford. He later became the Governor of North Dakota. He was the first governor in U.S. history to be "recalled," meaning voters removed him from office before his term ended.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Medford (Minnesota) para niños

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