Major cities or towns:

Burns
Hines
Harney County, Oregon is a vast, sparsely populated region in the southeastern part of the state. The geography is dominated by high desert landscapes, with the Steens Mountain range and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as prominent natural features. The climate is arid, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The population is just over 7,000, with a median age in the 40s and a predominantly white demographic. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, ranching, and natural resource extraction, though job opportunities can be limited. Housing is affordable, with a median home price around $150,000, but the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average. K-12 education is provided through a small school district, while higher ed options are limited to a community college campus. Healthcare services are basic, with the nearest major hospital about 2 hours away. Cultural attractions are sparse, though the remote setting offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, hunting, and fishing. Infrastructure and transportation are basic, with the nearest interstate highway over an hour away. Crime rates are generally low, and the community has a strong ranching/rural lifestyle vibe. Overall, Harney County provides an affordable, peaceful, and natural-oriented lifestyle, but with limited amenities and job prospects compared to more populated areas.

Demographics

Population

7,393

Ethnicity %

White
86
Black
0
Asian
unknown
Hispanic
5

Median Age

45.9

Density

1 of 10

1 / Mile²

Avg Family Size

3.0

Religious

26%

Foreign Born

10%

Veterans

7.7%

Adult Smokers

18%

Adult Obesity

30%

Uninsured

9%

Excessive Drinking

21%

Poverty Rate

12.2%

Weather

Sunlight

4.1 hours winter dailyMostly sunny

Summer average temp

82°F

Winter max temp

37°F

Precipitation

13 in.

Snowfall (inches)

31.3 (high)

Drought risk

Very Low

Earthquake risk

Very Low

Wildfire risk

Low

Tornado risk

Very Low

Hurricane risk

Negligible

Crime

Rank: 2.4 of 10

(crimes per 1,000 people yearly)

Violent

1 (0.7)

Property

5 (21)

Assault

1 (0.6)

Larceny (theft)

4 (14)

Robbery

2 (0.1)

Burglary

5 (6.5)

Rape

1 (0.00)

Auto Theft

2 (0.7)

Murder

1 (0.00)

Arson

3 (0.14)

Driving deaths involving alcohol

0%

Politics and Law

State politics

Blue (Democrat)

Abortion laws

Legal at any stage

Marijuana laws

Legal for recreational use

Gun Laws

Permit required for concealed carry

Democrat

20%

Republican

78%

State Tax Burden

8.29%

Cigarette Tax

$3.33

Jobs

Income (per capita)

$49,257

Unemployment

3.2%

Employment

57.6%

Hours worked

37.5

Outdoors

Natural Amenities

5.7 / 10

Water Area

0.9%

Near park?

89%

Beaches

Not near the coast

Mountains

Less than 1 hour

Tree Area

13%

Housing

Home Ownership

64%

Median Home Price

$206K

Average Rent

$648

Internet over 25mbps

20%

Transportation

Walkability

unknown

Cycling

unknown

Public Transit

unknown

Major Airport

>2 hours

Average Commute Time

16

Education

K-12 Test Scores

4 of 10  

(avg: -0.10)

College graduates

18%

Culture

Arts scene

unknown

Food awards per 100k

unknown