Jefferson County
OR · Pop. 24,973 · Rural County
Jefferson County, Oregon covers 1,782 square miles with a population of 24,973 and a density of 14 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, grasses, wheat. A median home price of $339,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.74% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F and average winter lows of 25.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 12.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. St Charles Madras is 2.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 80.9% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.74% holds annual carrying costs down.
- St Charles Madras, with an emergency room, is just 2.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 14 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low poverty rate of 11.7% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 136-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 12.1 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
At a glance
Jefferson County, OR is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $339k
- Property tax
- 0.74%
- Growing season
- 136 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 12.1"
- Broadband
- 80.9%
- Nearest hospital
- St Charles Madras, 2.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Jefferson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Jefferson County?
- Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 136-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.6°F. The established crops are hay, grasses, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $339,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.74%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- St Charles Madras is 2.9 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 Jefferson 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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