Union County
OR · Pop. 26,192 · Rural County
Union County, Oregon covers 2,037 square miles with a population of 26,192 and a density of 12.9 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, grasses. The median home price is $261,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.89%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.9°F and average winter lows of 24.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Grande Ronde Hospital is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 70.9% 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 0.89% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Grande Ronde Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, grasses means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 12.9 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 140-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.5 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 70.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Union County, OR is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 42/100
- Median home price
- $261k
- Property tax
- 0.89%
- Growing season
- 140 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.5"
- Broadband
- 70.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Grande Ronde Hospital, 5.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Union County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Union County?
- Union County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.9°F, and average winter lows of 24.7°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, grasses.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $261,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.89%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 70.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Grande Ronde Hospital is 5.3 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
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Oregon
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The closest counties to Union 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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