Well-Being Assessment of Communities in the Klamath Region

Page 16: Rogue Subregion

Results and Discussion

Variation in factors contributing to well-being by aggregation

The socioeconomic status and capacity of aggregations also vary considerably across the Klamath region and within each of the subregions. The color plates included with this report show socioeconomic status and community capacity by aggregation for each of the six subregions. The following discussion identifies some of the factors affecting socioeconomic status and well-being in each of the 130 aggregations across the region. Aggregation discussions are organized by subregion and are preceded by tables listing each aggregation along with the socioeconomic score, capacity rating, and population. Low socioeconomic scores highlight a range of societal needs within aggregations. Low capacity scores indicate a reduced ability of local communities to effectively address those needs and to self-develop.

Rogue Subregion

The Rogue subregion is dominated by the large populations of Medford and the other metropolitan aggregations of the Interstate 5 corridor including Ashland, Phoenix/Talent, Central Point, White City, and Grants Pass. Over 60 percent of the subregion population live in these six aggregations. Most of the communities in this subregion have close economic ties to these urban centers. Even the more rural aggregations are becoming more closely linked to these urban centers as they increasingly evolve into bedroom communities.

TABLE 9: Rogue subregion socioeconomic status and community capacity scores

Aggregation	Population	Socioeconomic Score (1 to 7)	Capacity Score (1 to 5)
Allen Creek	2,793	5	2
Ashland	17,588	5	5
Ashland/Lincoln-Pinehurst	1,394	7	2
Butte Falls	462	4	4
Cave Junction	1,742	2	4
Caves Highway	1,067	4	1
Central Point	13,114	5	2
Colonial Valley	1,224	5	4
Eagle Point	7,160	4	3
East Applegate Valley	2,954	6	4
Fort Vannoy	3,071	5	3
Fruitdale-Harbeck	5,063	4	2
Gold Hill	5,241	6	1
Grants Pass	17,795	4	5
Holland/Takilma	1,684	3	4
Hugo	1,247	5	3
Jacksonville	3,705	6	4
Jerome Prarie	4,300	4	4
Jones Creek	2,019	6	3
Medford	57,387	4	5
Merlin	3,052	4	4
Murphy	2,135	4	2
North Valley	1,164	4	3
O'Brien	593	2	2
Phoenix/Talent	15,476	5	2
Prospect/Union Creek	1,073	4	1
Redwood Area	3,714	4	2
Riverbanks	1,701	4	1
Rogue River	4,073	4	3
Rogue River/Applegate	2,605	4	1
Rough and Ready (watershed)	1,131	3	2
Sam's Valley	3,537	4	2
Selma	1,371	2	1
Shady Cove/Trail	1,314	5	1
Summit Loop	1,701	5	1
Sunny Valley/Wolf Creek/Galice	1,422	4	3
White City	6,200	3	1
Wilderville/Wonder	1,043	4	1
Williams	1,617	4	4
Wimer/Evans Creek	3,106	5	2

Total/Average	209,038	4.3	2.6

Allen Creek population: — 2,793

Allen Creek is adjacent to and heavily dependent on Grants Pass for services, including sewer. The aggregation does not have city roads and water service. This community is facing major land use changes and development issues in part because of movement of the hospital. Thirty-five percent of workers are employed in technical, sales or administrative occupations, the fourth highest level in the Klamath region. Socio-economic status is high due to a high rate of home ownership, low unemployment, and a low percentage of children under the age of 15 living in households with public assistance income. Nonetheless, the poverty rate is 16 percent, slightly higher than the rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. The presence of the hospital will change much of the Allen Creek aggregation from a residential and retail area to a business park, and will require major road upgrades. Residents unsuccessfully attempted to block the community's change to a business park.

Ashland — 17,588

Ashland is a community with a vision for its future. It has a skilled and highly educated populace that drives a diverse economy that includes tourism and education as well as some secondary wood products manufacturing. Two-thirds of all workers in Ashland have management related occupations. While there is a manufacturing sector in the local economy, only eight percent of workers have occupations as operators, fabricators or laborers, the fifth lowest percentage in this category in the Klamath region. Non-profit organizations have a significant presence in Ashland, with 11 percent of workers employed by non-profit groups. Ashland has the second highest education score in the Klamath region. Nearly 42 percent of Ashland residents 25 years of age or more have a four-year college degree or higher graduate level education. Ashland is also home to Southern Oregon State University. Only 55 percent of occupied housing units are owner-occupied, the lowest level in the subregion and — along with Arcata, another college town — one of the lowest ownership rates in the Klamath region. Ashland has excellent parks and schools, and is committed to its downtown area and small, local businesses. There is a high level of citizen participation, and a tolerance for political debate. This community has forged partnerships between schools and government (the Ashland Coalition), and organizational development moves in concert with the community. Ashland residents share a common vision for education and open space, but not for economic development and housing. There is vocal opposition to low-income housing in Ashland, and the population of working-class, old-time residents is shrinking. The Ashland area has the third highest average owner-occupied housing unit value of any aggregation in the Klamath, and little housing is available for low income residents. The poverty rate in Ashland is 17 percent, but represents the seventh largest population in poverty of any aggregation in the Klamath region.

Ashland/Lincoln-Pinehurst — 1,394

Ashland/Lincoln-Pinehurst is a rural corridor along the Interstate 5 highway. The area lacks infrastructure and is primarily a bedroom community of Ashland. This aggregation has one of the highest socioeconomic status scores in the region, yet has only a medium low capacity score. Like neighboring Ashland, residents are well educated, and have the fifth highest education score in the Klamath region. Thirty-one percent of residents 25 years of age or more have a four-year college degree or higher graduate level education. The poverty rate is low at seven percent, and there are no children under the age of 15 living in households receiving public assistance income. Some residents are involved in resource related work, and others are service workers and artists who commute to Ashland for work. While human capital in this aggregation is high, physical capital is limited and social capital in turmoil. Community cohesion is constrained by conflict between liberals and conservatives, although recent efforts to work collaboratively have occurred. The Pinehurst School, with 30 students in eight grades, is in financial trouble. With a high cost per student ratio, the school cannot continue to operate on limited state funding. Residents are banding together to keep the school operating. The Friends of Greensprings Association is also striving to enhance the local community.

Butte Falls — 462

This aggregation includes the town of Butte Falls as well as a much larger area that borders Klamath and Douglas Counties to the east and north. The town of Butte Falls is a 100 year-old timber company town. Twenty-four percent of workers are employed in the farming, forestry and fisheries industry sectors, and another 33 percent are employed in durable goods manufacturing. The unemployment rate in the Butte Falls aggregation is 15 percent. A third of all workers in the Butte Falls aggregation are employed by the federal government, the second highest percentage of federal employees of any aggregation. The Butte Falls community has limited resources, but succeeds in getting some things accomplished through in-kind contributions, volunteerism and community spirit. The community does not always reach consensus on issues, but they work together in a positive fashion once a decision is made. While services are limited in this isolated area, residents generally like where they live.

Cave Junction — 1,742

Cave Junction is the second largest incorporated city in Josephine County, and is the education, business, and shopping center of Illinois Valley. This community is also home to planning, social service, and government organizations for the Illinois Valley area. Cave Junction has fairly good infrastructure, including sewer and water, and a sense of community pride is apparent. This community is far from a major highway, but the Oregon Caves National Monument draws tourism and money to the area. Residents are diverse and include unemployed timber industry workers as well as retirees new to the area. Forty-six percent of households, the second highest in the subregion, receive social security income. The unemployment rate for the aggregation is 15 percent, and the poverty rate is 30 percent, one of the highest levels in the subregion. One third of those in poverty have incomes less then 50 percent of the poverty level. This area has one of the subregion's lowest levels of home ownership. Single person households make up over one third of all occupied housing, the highest level in the Klamath region. Residents work together to support community activities, and encourage outside support. While there is some infighting, the community seems to get things accomplished. Community residents work together through several economic development, business, and social service planning groups to address unemployment, substance abuse and other negative trends in the community.

Caves Highway — 1,067

Caves Highway is a rural agricultural corridor leading to Oregon Caves National Monument. There is little sense of identity associated with Caves Highway, and little neighbor-to-neighbor interaction. Most residents of this area identify with either the National Monument or Cave Junction. Eighteen percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries sector and 19 percent are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Both locals and non-residents are trying to develop and enhance tourism business, but only 13 percent of workers are employed in the retail trade sector. The Caves Highway area is an enterprise community, and has been funded to promote economic development and social self-sufficiency. The area contains a mix of large ranches and isolated, substandard housing. Despite the agricultural nature of the area, less than two percent of households have farm related self-employment income. Twenty-four percent of workers are self-employed, more than twice the rate for the subregion as a whole. This aggregation has medium socioeconomic status, but the education score is low, and the majority of residents have low incomes, although there are a small group of households with moderate to high income levels. The poverty rate is 26 percent, and 58 percent of all households in the aggregation have annual incomes less than $17,500.

Central Point — 13,114

This area is part of the urban sprawl associated with Medford. Capacity is medium low in primarily due to limited social capital, evidenced in part by the inability of the community to consistently move forward. There is a lack of community vision for the future of Central Point, and there appears to be support for some projects, but not others. For example, the community successfully organized a senior citizen center, but turned down an affordable housing development project. The views of long term residents who are involved in local politics are often in conflict with those of newcomers. The school system is operating on extended grants. As of the 1990 census, 24 percent of residents were new arrivals to Jackson County since 1985. The medium high socioeconomic status in this aggregation is due in large part to a very low poverty rate of six percent, and a low incidence (eight percent) of children under the age of 15 in households with public assistance income. At eight percent, the unemployment rate is also relatively low.

Colonial Valley — 1,224

The Colonial Valley aggregation is a bedroom community of Grants Pass characterized by many large rural residential lots. Residents include Grants Pass workers as well as a sizable component of retirees. There is little industrial or commercial development in the area, except for scattered community centers, churches, and retail stores. Thirty-nine percent of the population is 55 years of age or older, the fourth highest level in the region. Nearly 56 percent of the population over the age of 15 is not part of the labor force. At 47 percent, this area has one of the highest percentages of households with some social security income and, at 62 percent, the highest percentage of households with dividend income. Of those that are employed, 33 percent work in managerial or related professional occupations. While often perceived as an affluent area, a wide variation in income levels, and a sizable low income group in Colonial Valley exist. Twenty percent of households have incomes in excess of $55,000 per year, but another 39 percent of households have annual incomes less than $17,500. Thirty-four percent of children under the age of 15 live in households receiving public assistance income. While the poverty rate is relatively low at 13 percent, two thirds of those in poverty have incomes less then 75 percent of the poverty level. Despite these negative economic indicators, the socioeconomic status is medium high, due largely to a high rate of home ownership and a fairly high education score. Eighty-eight percent of homes are owner-occupied, the second highest rate in the Klamath region. There is no cohesive group in the community and little civic engagement. In general, residents do not generally express interest in community services other than fire and police protection, and the area shows little real community identity.

Eagle Point — 7,160

This aggregation lies on the rural-urban interface adjacent to Medford. There has been some recent immigration of new residents into the area, including those from out of state. Nonetheless, 50 percent of residents have lived in their current house since at least 1985, about average for the Klamath region. Fourteen percent lived in another state or country in 1985, five years prior to the 1990 census, slightly higher than the average for the region. Thirty percent of workers have technical, sales or administrative occupations, and 25 percent are employed in operator, fabricator, and laborer occupations. Another eight percent are employed in farming, forestry or fisheries occupations. Eagle point has a fairly low education score. More than two thirds of residents 25 years and older have no more than a high school education. Divisions among residents result in a lack of trust and willingness to work together.

East Applegate Valley — 2,954

This agricultural area has attracted many new suburban commuters and retiree residents. Residents have a wide variety of skills and the citizenry includes well-educated international entrepreneurs and upper class professionals. Ten percent of households have some farm related income. Thirteen percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, forestry or fisheries industry sectors. The education score is higher than average, and less than 13 percent of residents 25 years of age and older lack a high school education, the second highest level in the subregion. Unemployment is low at four percent, and only seven percent of children under the age of 15 live in households with public assistance income. Still, the poverty rate is 13 percent, only slightly below the rate for the subregion as a whole. Increasing development has raised concerns about limited ground water. While infrastructure and services are limited, some new commercial space was recently added in Ruch. Residents have a strong sense of community identity and see themselves as part of the Applegate Valley, an area that includes portions of both Jackson and Josephine County. Residents work together on issues, often through the Applegate Partnership. They have collaborated in the development of a community center, and are working together to address water and agriculture problems. The Applegate Community Forum is being established as a representative group of 18 Applegate neighborhoods.

Fort Vannoy — 3,071

The Fort Vannoy aggregation is largely dominated by orchards and other cropland but includes development of an elementary school, small store, rural firehouse, new golf course, county park, numerous homes and some orchards and dairies. Fort Vannoy is home to residents with diverse skills and educational backgrounds, including many retirees and commuters. Over one fifth of residents are 65 years old or more, and 39 percent of households have some social security income. While the community is set in an agricultural area, only five percent of workers are employed in farming, forestry or fisheries occupations. The high socioeconomic status score is due largely to a high education score and a high rate of home ownership. Eighty-five percent of occupied housing is owner-occupied, the third highest level in the region. The poverty rate is 13 percent, and 18 percent of children under the age of 15 live in households receiving public assistance income; higher than the rate for the subregion as a whole. Much of area's community activity revolves around the elementary school. Residents recently rallied to rebuild the Fort Vannoy school playground.

Fruitdale/Harbeck — 5,063

Fruitdale/Harbeck is a residential area along the urban growth boundary of Grants Pass, and is currently in a state of decline. The business corridor was developed as the "miracle mile", but under competition with Grants Pass it has since deteriorated, and traffic counts have declined. Community development is managed by the county rather than by Grants Pass, and has progressed in a disorderly fashion. There is some low income housing in the area, and 18 percent of residents are in poverty. Thirty percent of all households have annual incomes under $12,500, and just under a fifth of all households with children under 15 receive public assistance income. Social security income is received by 41 percent of the households, one of the higher percentages in the region. While residents of some neighborhoods and those involved with the Fruitdale Elementary School work collectively for some common goals, social cohesiveness in the area is lacking.

Gold Hill — 5,241

This community has a high socioeconomic status but a low capacity. Gold Hill is rife with conflicts and polarity. The social turmoil makes it hard to get people and businesses involved in community activities. Residents express frustration by recall votes rather than working together to solve problems. The need for infrastructure updates in the area is a particular point of contention and drives debates about whether Gold Hill should be annexed by Medford. While overall socioeconomic status is high, Gold Hill does include some impoverished people who live in the city center as well as suburban residents who live in the surrounding area. The Gold Hill aggregation has a low overall poverty score, and the poverty rate of 8 percent is nearly half the rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. The unemployment rate of five percent is second lowest in the subregion. Few community groups are present thought there is support for issues that concern children, and the school is a community focal point.

Grants Pass — 17,795

Grants Pass is high in both human and social capital. Residents have a diversity of skills, and include college-educated working people and a skilled work force. While Grants Pass has had an influx of people with a wide variety of skills and benefits from the presence of the college, overall education levels are slightly below average for the Klamath region. The poverty rate of 18 percent is slightly higher than the 15 percent rate for the Rogue subregion. At 55 percent, the rate of home ownership is the third lowest in the Klamath region. Grants Pass residents have a strong sense of community and volunteerism is common, as exemplified by the volunteer-built sports park. Grants Pass benefits from local health care facilities, parks, the Rogue River Community College, business diversity, and direct access to Interstate 5. Good access to financial capital exists, and the community has the resources to deal with emergencies. There is some strain on the local infrastructure, but development opportunities are limited by physiographic boundaries.

Holland/Takilma — 1,684

Holland is characterized by agriculture and wineries, while Takilma is a hub for the local counterculture movement. Twenty-one percent of workers are employed in farming, forestry, or fisheries occupations, but only three percent of households in the aggregation have farm related self-employment income. Takilma has more social cohesion than Holland, and back-to the land movement is strongly linked to Williams. Takilma residents have worked together to build and support a medical clinic, school, food-buying cooperative, and community center. The Takilma Community Association is a community-building organization. Workshop participants noted, however, that Takilma is not as organized as Williams. The education score for this aggregation is about average for the Klamath region, but eight percent of the population has graduate or professional school education, third in the subregion after the Ashland and Ashland/Lincoln-Pinehurst aggregations. Thirty-five percent of the residents are in poverty, over twice the poverty rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole, and nearly half of those in poverty have incomes more than 50 percent below the poverty line. Sixty-three percent of all households in the Holland/Takilma aggregation have annual incomes below $20,000. The unemployment rate is 17 percent, about twice the rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. Thirty-five percent of workers in this aggregation are self-employed, the second highest level of self-employment in the Klamath Region. While economic conditions appear to be severe, workshop participants indicated that most residents Holland/Takilma have chosen their lifestyle.

Hugo — 1,247

Hugo is a residential bedroom community of Grants Pass. The area is mountainous with a beautiful, year-round creek, and has little infrastructure other than well-maintained roads, a community hall, church, and small grocery store. A county managed health care facility has had an inconsistent presence in the area. Hugo residents include a retired population and others with moderate to high income. Income levels vary widely in the Hugo aggregation, but the poverty rate of 12 percent is slightly below the rate for the subregion as a whole. Only 3 percent of the work force of this aggregation is unemployed, one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Klamath Region. Seventy percent of workers are wage or salary earners in the private for-profit sector, and are engaged in a variety of primarily blue-collar occupations. Fourteen percent of workers are employed in the construction sector and 16 percent in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Hugo residents depend on Grants Pass for jobs. Hugo is also dependent on Grants Pass for mail service, and uses Josephine county schools in the North Valley/Merlin area. Despite a reliance on outside services, the community has its own identity. Residents are generally community minded and close-knit.

Jacksonville — 3,705

This historic town has a tourist oriented seasonal economy. Business overhead is high and there is limited space for additional commercial development. Housing is expensive and scare. While there is land available for residential development, the community is in conflict over water and development in the area, and residents cannot reach consensus on how to address growth. Jacksonville benefits from good schools and parks, and strong civic engagement. There is a strong political system within this well-connected community. Jacksonville has the third highest education score in the subregion. Twenty-two percent of residents 25 years and older have at least a bachelor's degree or higher education. Only six percent of residents are in poverty, and seven percent of children live in households with public assistance income, some of the lowest levels in the subregion.

Jerome Prairie — 4,300

Jerome Prairie is a suburban area of Grants Pass that is composed of residential homes and small ranchettes interspersed with heavily harvested forest land. The area includes high, medium and low density residential development. Nearly six percent of households have some self-employment farming income. While residents are close enough to Grants Pass to get services there, Jerome Prairie has some community assets including good parks and a historic elementary school that serves as a community center. Residents of this community include retirees, farm workers, and a few well-off professionals. Thirty-one percent of workers are employed in technical, sales and administrative occupations. Another 20 percent have occupations as operators, fabricators or laborers. Although residents of this area are self-reliant, they can work together for a common goal, and band together when they perceive a threat.

Jones Creek — 2,019

Jones Creek is a rural area composed of both upper class homes and lower income working class housing. Because residents have worked to preserve the attractiveness of the area, there has been pressure for additional residential development in the area. Residents rally together through the Jones Creek Coalition in efforts to keep the area as it is. The area has limited services, there are no churches or community centers, and there is just a small commercial center. Residents are known to take care of themselves. Much of the housing stock in the Jones Creek aggregation is fairly new. Nearly 17 percent of houses were built between 1990 and 1985, and another 15 percent between 1980 and 1985. Twenty-nine percent were built in the decade of the 1970's. Jones Creek has the third highest rate of home ownership in the subregion. The average value of owner-occupied houses in Jones Creek is $82,318, twelfth highest in the Klamath region. This high average value, however, belies the presence of low and moderate income households. There is high disparity in income distribution in the Jones Creek aggregation with a mix of low, moderate and very high income households. Eight percent of residents have incomes below the poverty level.

Medford — 57,387

Medford is the second largest city in the region and has a diverse citizenry and a good business climate. It has good water, sewer, and power service, potential for growth and available financial capital, and the city is actively recruiting new industry to the area. Medford is very cohesive for such a large community. Neighborhoods have shown a willingness to organize, and the ward system has allowed representation of the diversity of residents in the community. Examples of community organizations in Medford include the Rogue Valley Civic League and the Healthy and Sustainable Communities Project. Some conflict exists, however, between new and old residents, and there is some discrimination against Hispanics and other minorities. A deep distrust of city government in regard to economic development plans tends to retard civic solutions. There is room to develop greater cohesion between different groups and organizations. The education score for Medford is higher than average, and the seven percent unemployment rate is relatively low. The medium socioeconomic status is constrained in large part by the low rate of home ownership, the third lowest in the subregion. The poverty rate and incidence of children in homes with public assistance income are similar to the rates for the subregion as a whole.

Merlin — 3,052

Merlin is an older community that has implemented a framework for growth. It has established road names and locations for new development, and transformed an old mill site into an industrial park. The old mill site is now home to a bank, fire station, market, lumber yard, and the elementary, middle and high schools. The industrial park lies on the west side of Interstate 5 while the east side of the highway is dominated by the homes of more affluent residents. Merlin has some of the newest housing stock in the Klamath region. Eighty-one percent of houses were built since 1970, and there is still high development potential. Ninety-nine percent of the houses in the Merlin aggregation are occupied, the highest occupancy rate in the Klamath region. At 18 percent, the poverty rate is higher than for the Rogue subregion as a whole, and some of this poverty is extreme. Over two-thirds of those in poverty have incomes that are more than 75 percent below the poverty line. Merlin has community spirit, and residents work together. In particular, the North Valley Stakeholders group is adamant and active. However, there are divisions in the community and some groups work against each other on issues. Merlin is closely linked to North Valley and Hugo.

Murphy — 2,135

The Murphy aggregation includes both the town of Murphy and the smaller rural community of Missouri Flat. While both are part of the Applegate Valley, these two main areas have very different characteristics, and Missouri Flats identifies more closely with other communities in the Applegate Valley. The town of Murphy has changed in several ways since the closure of the local sawmill. Community cohesiveness has declined, Murphy residents used to rally around issues related to the mill, but now town council meetings often fall apart. While the community comes together around fire protection and the schools, community identity is weak. The transient nature of residents also limits identity and social cohesiveness in the area. Thirty-one percent of the residents lived in a different county, state or country less then five years prior to the census. The education score is low. Two-thirds of the residents have no a high school education or less. Missouri Flat is has an evolving economic base around agriculture, particularly wine grapes, specialty products, and roses. Common issues in the area include cultural preservation, natural resource use, and preservation of the Applegate Valley. Neighbors do not live close together but seem to know one another. While the economy in this aggregation may have once focused around the local mill, 28 percent of workers in the Murphy aggregation are now employed in the retail trade sector. Still, 18 percent are employed in durable goods manufacturing. Another 8 percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industry sectors. Only four percent, one of the lowest percentages of the subregion, of the children under 15 live in households receiving public assistance income.

North Valley — 1,164

North Valley is home to the local airport, and is a newer area with industrial and residential development. It lacks the social cohesiveness of Merlin, largely because many of the retirees who reside in the area are in conflict with the supporters of the industrial park and airport. This aggregation has one of the lowest educational scores in the Klamath region. Nearly 34 percent of residents have less than a high school education. Another 38 percent have only a high school diploma or equivalent education. Trailers and mobile home comprise 43 percent of the housing stock, second highest in the subregion.

O'Brien — 593

O'Brien is a small rural residential and farming area. Residents of this aggregation come from a variety of educational and economic backgrounds and have a variety of skills. While many residents have low socioeconomic status, there is a high degree of socioeconomic variation within the aggregation. Eleven percent of the population is Native American. The poverty rate in this aggregation is 26 percent, nearly twice the level for the Rogue subregion as a whole. Two-thirds of households have annual incomes under $17,500. The unemployment rate in O'Brien is 28 percent, over three times the rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. Unemployment among the male population of the aggregation is even higher, at 35 percent. Among those in the labor force that are employed, 40 percent have managerial and professional occupations, 15 percent have technical, sales and administrative occupations, and 14 percent have occupations related to precision production and repair. Another 8 percent of workers have farming, forestry or fisheries related occupations. Twenty-three percent of workers work at home, the second highest total in the region. This diverse community has a strong sense of community identity, but limited social cohesiveness and a lack of functioning community groups. Residents do support neighborhood crime watch and volunteer fire-fighting. A small business area serves as a gathering place for the residents, and community parties are held twice a year.

Phoenix/Talent — 15,476

These growing communities are in transition from rural to developed areas. Water and sewer systems are already over capacity, and growth continues. Much of the growth in Talent is due to people moving in from neighboring Ashland. There is a new housing development in Talent, and Phoenix has a new Walmart on the outskirts of town, as well as housing under construction in a former orchard and on other farm land. The lower capacity score is due to these infrastructure limitations as well as to turmoil in governance and law enforcement in the Phoenix/Talent area, and the lingering divisions among residents. Hispanics account for five percent of the aggregation population, and the school lacks bilingual education sufficient to meet the needs of these residents. The retiree population in Talent is not supportive of local schools. Both of these communities are starting to work on community building, and recently completed construction of a teen center.

Prospect/Union Creek — 1,073

This rural area has a scattered population with little infrastructure. Residents of the area have a narrow range of largely natural resource related skills and experiences. Twenty-seven percent of workers are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. Another 12 percent are employed in the durable goods manufacturing industry sector, and 11 percent are employed in construction. Over forty-four percent of all workers are employed by a mix of local, state and federal government agencies, the sixth highest percentage of government employees of any aggregation in the Klamath region. Eighteen percent work at home, one of the highest percentages in the region. The unemployment rate of 13 percent is more than four percentage points higher than that for the Rogue subregion as a whole. The dispersed nature of the population makes it difficult to draw people into agreements on community issues. The school is the one thing that does bring residents together.

Redwood Area — 3,714

The Redwood Area aggregation lies to the west of Grants Pass and is in transition from a rural to a suburban area. Twenty-two percent of the housing stock in this aggregation was built between 1985 and 1990, and only seven percent was constructed between 1980 and 1984. The Redwood Area is overdeveloped for existing infrastructure. A major political issue is the possible annexation of the Redwood Area by Grants Pass. The Redwood Area is home to a diverse mix of residents, including farmers, ranchers, and people with high-tech skills. There is a mix of old and young, renters and home owners, parents and students. Twenty-four percent of residents are at least 65 years old, the fourth highest percentage in the region.

Riverbanks — 1,701

Riverbanks is isolated by a mountainous location and limited road access. Residents are stranded when the bridge fails on the primary access road to the area. Riverbanks residents include farmers, ranchers and retirees, although only three percent of households have self-employment farm income. One third of residents are at least 55 years old, and 37 percent of households have some social security income. Only 45 percent of residents 16 years and older are part of the civilian work force, one of the lowest levels in the region. Residents share their rural lifestyle, and the churches and grange are community focal points. Residents are often polarized over land use and development issues. This area has grown in recent years, and new residents have not added to community cohesiveness. Thirty-five percent of residents are new to Josephine County within the last five years, and two-thirds of this new group are from other states. Many new residents have built high-value homes, alienating much of the community. Thirty percent of the existing housing stock was built between 1980 and 1990 and another 35 percent was constructed in the decade of the 1970's. Riverbanks has a very high rate of home ownership, but educational attainment levels are below average. Twelve percent of the work force is unemployed. Of those employed, 22 percent work in the retail trade sector, 21 percent in the professional and related services sector, and 15 percent in construction. Less than four percent work in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

Rogue River — 4,073

This area on Interstate 5 between Grants Pass and Medford used to be a small community, but has become a retirement area as people have moved in from Grants Pass and other states. Forty percent of residents are at least 55 years old, the highest level in the subregion. Half of all households in the Rogue River aggregation have social security income, the highest level in the Klamath region. Thirty-one percent of residents have moved to the county within the last five years, and three-quarters of this group are from out of state. Over one third of houses are rented, rather than owned, by occupants. Only 45 percent of residents 16 years and older are part of the civilian work force. Nearly nine percent of the work force is unemployed, close to the unemployment rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. Of those employed, 19 percent work in the durable goods manufacturing sector, 17 percent in retail trade, 17 percent in the professional and related services, and 10 percent in construction. Seven percent work in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. A few strong and willing retirees influence community efforts in the area, but the majority of community members are not involved. Examples of successful projects include the new library and senior center. Businesses in the area suffer because residents travel to either Grants Pass and Medford for most services.

Rogue River/Applegate — 2,605

The Rogue River/Applegate aggregation on the western edge of Jackson County is a sparsely populated suburban bedroom community of Grants Pass and Medford, with limited identity and no services. Residents rely on the Rogue River community for schools, businesses, and employment. Many suburban families commute to Medford and Grants Pass for work and services. Thirty-two percent of workers commute out of county for work, and 16 percent work at home, two of the higher percentages in their respective categories in the region. While residents joined together to stop an aggregate business, people generally do not work together on community issues. The poverty rate in the area is 16 percent, and 79 percent of those in poverty have incomes more than 75 percent below the poverty line.

Rough and Ready Watershed — 1,131

The Rough and Ready Watershed is sparsely populated with no population center. Twenty-five percent of residents are in poverty, and 28 percent of children under the age of 15 live in households with public assistance income. Physical infrastructure is limited to a mill, an airport, and the highway. Most mill workers commute from Cave Junction and do not live in the area. Twenty-one percent of workers commute at least 45 minutes to work. Nonetheless, 23 percent of workers in the aggregation are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector. Another 22 percent work in the retail trade sector, and 17 percent are employed in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. The community is polarized over environmental issues.

Sam's Valley — 3,537

Sam's Valley is an extremely rural, agriculture area. While the area is dominated by farm land, only three percent of households have self-employment farm income. Residents include farmers, ranchers, and some highly educated professionals, many of who appear more involved with their personal lives then working together for community goals. However, people organize around church, FAIR, 4-H, FFA, and the elementary school. Water is a limiting factor as there is no public water system and ground water is scare. Nineteen percent of workers in the Sam's Valley aggregation are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector, 20 percent work in the retail trade sector, and 16 percent in the professional and related services sector. Six percent work in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

Selma — 1,371

Selma has an elementary school and some highway businesses, including a market and a gas station, but little else in the way of services. Historically, this community was composed of large homesteads and farms, and some residents still eke out a living farming, but many work out of the area. Twenty-two percent of workers spend more than an hour commuting to work, the highest percentage in the region. Zoning restrictions prevent high density development. The education score for this aggregation is slightly higher than average for the Klamath region, but other factors result in a low socioeconomic status. Thirty-three percent of residents are in poverty, the second highest in the subregion, and nearly two-thirds of those in poverty have incomes more than 50 percent below the poverty line. The unemployment rate in Selma is 20 percent, second highest in the Rogue subregion. Thirty-five percent of children under the age of 15 are in households receiving public assistance income, the highest in the subregion. There is little social cohesiveness in Selma; residents are disengaged, and in conflict with one another. The area is fragmented and there is little neighbor to neighbor interaction.

Shady Cove/Trail — 1,314

Shady Cove/Trail has gained a reputation for conflict because of dissension between old and new residents. A small population of wealthy residents wields tremendous power over local government, building, growth, and city expansion. Because the government is controlled by the developers and longer term residents, recall is common. There has been an influx of new people to the area, but the diversity of residents is seen as both a strength and a weakness of the community. Disagreements persist long after individual issues, making it difficult to get anything done. Shady Cove/Trail faces many infrastructure problems. Water and sewer systems are at maximum capacity, and under strong development pressure. Despite a low capacity, the socioeconomic status of this aggregation is medium high. The area has the lowest poverty rate and one of the lowest percentages of children under 15 in households receiving public assistance income of any aggregation in the region.

Summit Loop — 1,701

Summit Loop lacks identity and has no organized social groups. It has limited infrastructure and water quality and quantity are poor. New home development is coming into the area. Summit Loop has one of the lowest poverty rates in the subregion. The level of children in households with public assistance income is also relatively low. Twenty-one percent of workers are employed in the durable goods manufacturing sector, 23 percent in the retail trade sector, and 26 percent in the professional and related services sector. Only three percent of workers are self-employed, the lowest level in the subregion and third lowest in the Klamath region.

Sunny Valley/Wolf Creek/Galice — 1,422

Sunny Valley and Wolf Creek share the same post office, school, and library. Galice is located on the Rogue River, affording this community more access to the tourist industry. Residents of this aggregation include people in extreme poverty, resourceful small business people, and back-to-the-landers. There is grinding poverty in the area. Twenty-seven percent of residents are in poverty and three quarters of those in poverty have incomes less than 75 percent of the poverty line. Thirteen percent of housing in this area lacks complete plumbing facilities, one of the higher levels in the region. Physical infrastructure is limited in this aggregation and human capital is mixed, but social capital is quite high. The community is in a positive transition and local community involvement is high. Residents are cohesive and work to see that their neighbors' needs are met. The Sunny Valley CRT has drawn together a large group of citizens to make the community more visible. Social cohesiveness in Galice is less than that demonstrated by the Sunny Valley/Wolf Creek communities, where strong families and long-time residents anchor the community. While the Sunny Valley and Wolf Creek communities have limited services and infrastructure, there are several tourist attractions including a covered bridge, KOA campground, and the soon to be completed Sunny Valley/Applegate Trail Museum. Sunny Valley and Wolf Creek are designated as enterprise communities. Galice chose not to be included in the Sunny Valley/Wolf Creek enterprise community designation because they see their needs as different. Galice differs from the Sunny Valley and Wolf Creek because of its location on the Rogue River.

White City — 6,200

White City has significant levels of deteriorated housing and a range of social problems. Residents are hindered by a lack of focus and vision to accomplish community goals, but they are trying to make improvements. White City is primarily a working class community. Nearly two-thirds of workers live less than 20 minutes from their place of work. Seventy-five percent of workers in White City derive wage or salary income from private for-profit-private business. A high percentage of workers, 29 percent, are employed in operator, fabricator or laborer occupations. Only 7 percent of workers in White City have managerial and professional occupations, the fourth lowest percentage in the Klamath region. The unemployment rate is 14 percent, several points higher than the rate for the Rogue subregion. White City has a relatively low education score. Forty percent of people over 25 years of age have a high school education. Another 30 percent have less than a high school education, and 23 percent have some college education, but no degree. The poverty rate is 22 percent, seven points higher than for the subregion as a whole. Seventeen percent of all occupied housing in White City is composed of family households with no spouse and with children less than 18 years of age, the third highest level in the Klamath region. Trailers and mobile homes comprise 51 of all housing, the highest percentage in the region.

Wilderville/Wonder — 1,043

This area is part of the Applegate Watershed is isolated and disenfranchised from most of the community activities of the Applegate Valley. While the area is noted for its natural beauty, physical infrastructure is quite limited. The area no longer has a school. Most residents go to Grants Pass for services. The poverty rate is 30 percent, twice the rate for the Rogue subregion as a whole. Twenty-seven percent of children under 15 years of age live in households receiving public assistance. Unemployment is remarkably low at four percent, the second lowest level in the subregion, yet less then half the working age population is actually in the labor force. Social capital is quite low. Many people reside in this area because they want to live separately and are not community oriented. Limited social activity, such as potluck dinners, takes place in this community occurs at the church community center in Wilderville.

Williams — 1,617

Williams has high community involvement, strong consensus, and an ability to rally around a cause. Residents are independent, but work together on community projects successfully. Williams was described as being like "a large family with lots of feuding." While the Williams area has limited infrastructure, most residents like it the way it is, and do not want additional growth to change the rural nature of the area. Williams used to be a timber and agriculture based, but timber related employment has declined. Fifteen percent of households, however, have some self-employment farm income, one of the highest percentages in the Klamath region. The community has a strong knowledge base derived from transplanted retirees, commuters, old agriculture and forestry-based families, and alternative lifestyle residents. The educational attainment score in Williams is the third highest in the subregion. Fifty-four percent of residents over the age of 25 have more than a high school education.

Wimer/Evans Creek — 3,106

The Wimer/Evans Creek area is in transition from an agriculture-based area to a suburban area. Large farms are becoming ranchettes for the wealthy, and the feed store has become a video store. Historically, these communities were focused on the school and the volunteer fire department, but increasingly the area is becoming populated by a commuter population that is less connected locally. Twenty-seven percent of workers commute out of county for work. People move to this area because they want to live in an isolated, rural area. Eighty-three percent of the housing units are owner-occupied, the second highest in the subregion. The ability of residents to work together for community goals is decreasing due to conflicts between old-timers and newcomers. As a result, this community has had a hard time agreeing on a community plan. However, a citizens advisory group was recently formed.