Harney County
OR · Pop. 7,515 · Rural County
Harney County, Oregon covers 10,134 square miles with a population of 7,515 and a density of 0.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, haylage, wheat. The median home price is $191,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.97%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 103-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F and average winter lows of 19.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 10 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Harney District Hospital is 36.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 73.6% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $191,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, haylage, wheat means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 0.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 103-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 10 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 73.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Harney District Hospital, is 36.4 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Harney County, OR is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 28/100
- Median home price
- $191k
- Property tax
- 0.97%
- Growing season
- 103 days (zone 6a)
- Annual rainfall
- 10"
- Broadband
- 73.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Harney District Hospital, 36.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Harney County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Harney County?
- Harney County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a with a 103-day growing season, average summer highs of 80.3°F, and average winter lows of 19.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $191,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.97%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 73.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Harney District Hospital is 36.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Oregon Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Oregon
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The closest counties to Harney County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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