countyscore
55.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 84Disaster Risk 76.4

County Report Card

About Harney County, Oregon

Harney County Outpaces National Median

Harney County achieves a composite score of 55.5, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score highlights a high degree of livability for this rural frontier.

Strong Performance Within Oregon

The county ranks well above the Oregon average score of 42.5. It provides a unique balance of safety and affordability that sets it apart from more urbanized areas.

Low Costs and High Safety

Residents enjoy exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 71.5 and median rents of $675. Safety also ranks high at 84.0, providing a secure environment.

Struggling Incomes and Schools

Economic metrics are a weak spot, with an income score of only 11.6 and median earnings of $48,338. The school score of 20.2 suggests limited educational infrastructure.

Suited for Independent, Budget-Conscious Lifestyles

Harney County is ideal for self-sufficient individuals or retirees seeking a safe, low-cost lifestyle. It offers incredible value for those not reliant on the local job market or school system.

Score breakdown

Tax40.6Cost71.5Safety84Health53.5Schools20.2Income11.6Risk76.4Water86Weather36.5
🏛40.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Harney County?

Many homeowners in Harney County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Harney County with Lowndes County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lowndes County
Alabama
Median income: $35,160
55.6
Lewis County
Idaho
Median income: $49,643
55.6
Douglas County
Illinois
Median income: $74,186
55.6
Pike County
Illinois
Median income: $58,029
55.6
Jackson County
Iowa
Median income: $71,605
55.6
Schoolcraft County
Michigan
Median income: $57,708
55.6
Sherburne County
Minnesota
Median income: $102,965
55.6
Adams County
Ohio
Median income: $49,521
55.6

Nearby counties

Lake County
Oregon
65.3
Malheur County
Oregon
37.8
Crook County
Oregon
48.1
Grant County
Oregon
64.1
Deschutes County
Oregon
44.3
Humboldt County
Nevada
42.6
Modoc County
California
49.7
Wheeler County
Oregon
55.3

Deep Dives

Harney County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harney County

via TaxByCounty

Harney's tax rate ranks in top 10%

At 0.968%, Harney County's effective tax rate places it in the top 10% of U.S. counties by burden—among the highest in America. Despite a median home value of only $190,600, residents pay $1,845 annually, reflecting the county's steep rate.

Oregon's second-highest tax rate

Harney ranks 2nd among Oregon's 36 counties with an effective rate of 0.968%, exceeded only by one other county. This rate far surpasses Oregon's state average of 0.775%, making Harney one of the state's most tax-burdened communities.

Steepest taxes in remote eastern Oregon

Harney's 0.968% rate significantly exceeds Grant County (0.761%) and even Gilliam County (1.008%), making it among the highest-taxed counties in Oregon's east. The burden falls heavily on owners of modest-value properties.

What $190,600 homes cost to own

The typical Harney County homeowner pays $1,845 annually on a median-valued home of $190,600. Mortgage holders pay $1,986, while outright owners pay $1,583 per year.

Assessment appeals matter here

With Oregon's second-highest tax rate, even small overassessments cost Harney homeowners significantly more than elsewhere in the state. If your assessed value seems high, filing an appeal—a free process—could deliver substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harney County

via CostByCounty

Harney's rents are the nation's most affordable

Harney County residents enjoy exceptional rental affordability, with renters spending just 16.8% of income on housing—well below the national average and Oregon's 19.4% state standard. Despite having Oregon's lowest median household income of $48,338, residents pay just $675/month in rent, creating an affordability advantage rarely found nationally.

Oregon's bargain basement for renters

Harney County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks it among Oregon's absolute most affordable counties, and its median rent of $675 is the state's lowest. This remote high-desert county offers renters unmatched affordability, though economic opportunities are limited.

Dramatically cheaper than all surrounding counties

Harney's $675 monthly rent undercuts Grant County ($840) by $165 and towers below every other regional county, making it Oregon's rental bargain. The county remains isolated even by eastern Oregon standards, reflecting its sparse population and economy.

Rent or own, costs stay remarkably low

Harney households earning $48,338 pay $675 in rent (16.8% of income) or $812 in owner costs (20.1% of income)—both among the lowest in the state. Notably, homeownership costs slightly more than renting, the opposite of most markets, though both remain highly affordable.

For those seeking extreme affordability

Harney County offers Oregon's most affordable housing if you prioritize low costs above all else—rents at just $675/month beat every other county. However, assess carefully: this remote location offers limited employment, services, and cultural amenities, so affordability must outweigh the isolation trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harney County

via IncomeByCounty

Harney's income 35% below U.S. average

Harney County's median household income of $48,338 represents the lowest in this Oregon cohort, falling roughly $26,400 short of the national median of $74,755. This steep gap underscores the economic isolation of Oregon's most sparsely populated county.

Lowest income across Oregon

At $48,338, Harney County ranks at the very bottom statewide, trailing Oregon's county average of $69,965 by over $21,000. Per capita income of $27,919 is the state's lowest among these eight counties.

Significantly behind all eastern neighbors

Harney households earn $11,462 less than Grant County ($59,800) and $25,302 less than Deschutes County ($87,640). Geographic isolation and limited employment diversity compound Harney's economic challenges.

Housing is the bright spot

Harney County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest statewide, and median home values of $190,600 remain quite affordable. Housing costs consume minimal income, providing rare breathing room for this low-earning county.

Maximize low housing costs strategically

With housing expenses minimal, Harney residents should prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring remote work opportunities to boost income. Even modest additional earnings, combined with low housing drag, can generate meaningful long-term savings and wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harney County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Security Levels

Harney County reports a total crime rate of 373.5 per 100K, which is over six times lower than the national average. This earns the county a nearly perfect safety score of 99.4.

Superior State Safety Ranking

The county's safety score of 99.4 easily clears the Oregon average of 96.3. Five reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage for this massive but sparsely populated region.

Peaceful High Desert Living

Harney County is significantly safer than neighboring Gilliam County, though it has slightly more activity than Grant County. It remains one of the most secure regions for rural homeowners in Oregon.

Low Risk Across the Board

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 106.7 per 100K, while property crime stands at just 266.8. Residents enjoy an environment where both personal and property risks are minimal.

Preserving Your Peace

Locking doors and securing farm equipment helps keep these low crime numbers stable. A simple doorbell camera is often enough to provide a final layer of security in this safe area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harney County

via HealthByCounty

Harney struggles with health disparities

Harney County's life expectancy of 76.1 years matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, yet 20.8% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate in Oregon's examined eastern counties and well above the national average of 16.1%. This signals significant population health challenges despite average longevity.

Below state average, worst in region

Harney's 76.1-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, and its 20.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all examined counties. The 7.8% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 8.1%, indicating coverage isn't addressing the county's underlying health burden.

Highest health burden in eastern Oregon

Harney's 20.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighboring counties, even Douglas (20.3%) and Jefferson (19.7%), suggesting concentrated health challenges. However, with 847 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region—Harney invests heavily in behavioral health, though primary care remains limited at 53 providers per 100K.

Mental health strength, primary care gap

Harney County has invested in behavioral health capacity, with 847 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—highest in eastern Oregon. However, with only 53 primary care providers per 100K, residents lack the preventive and chronic disease management care that could reduce the county's elevated poor/fair health rates.

Access prevention through coverage

With one-fifth of Harney residents reporting poor health, preventive care is critical—yet 7.8% remain uninsured. Contact Harney County Health Services or call 2-1-1 to enroll in Oregon Health Plan or explore marketplace coverage, unlocking access to the primary care that could improve population health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harney County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse 15-School System

Harney County manages 15 public schools across 10 school districts, serving 1,946 students. The infrastructure is primarily elementary-focused, with nine primary schools and three high schools supporting the region.

Exceptional Graduation Rates

The county achieves an 88.1% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 82.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil spending is reported at a lower $3,412, the county still maintains a graduation-focused culture.

Harney County Union High Leads

Harney County Union High SD 1J is the largest district, educating 981 students across two schools. The county features one charter school, Silvies River, which alone serves nearly 900 students across multiple grades.

Personal Learning in Small Settings

Eleven of the county's 15 schools are in rural settings, with the remaining four in town locales. Most schools are very small, contributing to an average enrollment of just 130 students per campus.

High Performance in Harney County

Families moving to Harney County benefit from graduation rates that are among the best in the state. Exploring homes here means joining a community that clearly prioritizes getting students through to graduation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harney County

via RiskByCounty

Harney: Very Low Overall Risk, Wildfire Exception

Harney County's composite score of 23.66 places it among America's safest counties, significantly below the national average. This very low rating masks one critical vulnerability: wildfire risk at 95.74, making it Oregon's most fire-prone county despite minimal other hazards. The paradox reflects Harney's unique semi-arid landscape and fire ecology.

Safe Overall, But Oregon's Wildfire Hotspot

Harney's 23.66 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. Yet its 95.74 wildfire score represents the state's highest fire risk, creating a striking contrast. Earthquake (31.55), flood (28.53), and tornado (2.48) risks all remain minimal.

Safest County, Yet Most Fire-Vulnerable

Harney's overall risk profile resembles neighbors Grant (32.12) and Jefferson (29.87), but its 95.74 wildfire rating exceeds all surrounding counties. While earthquake and flood exposure trails neighboring counties, fire risk matches or exceeds even high-hazard communities like Deschutes and Jackson. The county represents an extreme case of single-hazard concentration.

Wildfire Dominates Harney's Disaster Profile

Wildfire risk at 95.74 stands as Harney's single significant hazard, creating the state's highest fire vulnerability despite minimal other exposures. Flood risk of 28.53 presents a distant secondary concern, while earthquake (31.55) and tornado (2.48) risks remain negligible. The high desert ecosystem's natural fire susceptibility drives this exceptional concentration.

Wildfire Coverage Non-Negotiable for Harney

Harney residents must ensure explicit wildfire coverage in homeowners policies, as this is the county's dominant risk by far. Create and maintain aggressive defensible space around all structures, clearing vegetation and dead wood within 100 feet. Earthquake and flood insurance remain optional given the county's very low exposure to these hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harney County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Dry High Desert

Harney County is cold by national standards, with an average annual temperature of only 46.4°F. It is also exceptionally dry, recording just 11.3 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Oregon's Coldest Counties

At 46.4°F, the county is significantly cooler than the Oregon average of 50.5°F. It is also one of the driest parts of the state, receiving less than a third of the state average rainfall.

A Cold Peer to Deschutes

Harney's climate closely mirrors Deschutes County, which averages 46.0°F. Both counties represent the cold, arid nature of Oregon's high desert plateau.

Frigid Winters and Snowy Peaks

Winter is intense, with temperatures averaging 29.0°F and snowfall reaching 35.9 inches annually. Summers are warm with 29 days of heat over 90°F, though the overall summer average is 64.9°F.

Heavy Winter Prep is Required

Residents need high-performance heating systems and heavy winter gear to handle the sub-freezing winter average. Snow tires and plows are essential for managing the nearly 36 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harney County

via SoilByCounty

Vast High Desert Soils

Harney County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current registry. While the national median pH is 6.5, desert soils often lean alkaline due to low rainfall. Local testing is required to determine if your soil needs acidification for typical garden plants.

Unknown Desert Textures

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not available for this vast region. In arid climates, soils often range from sandy basins to rocky volcanic uplands. Testing your soil's drainage speed is a practical way to understand its physical makeup.

Potential in the Sagebrush

Local organic matter levels are not recorded, so growers should look toward the state's 29.41% average as an ultimate goal. Water capacity is also unmeasured, making efficient irrigation vital in this dry environment. Supplementing with organic material can significantly improve water retention.

Water Movement in the Basin

Drainage and hydrologic group data are currently missing for Harney County. In this environment, it is important to watch for salt accumulation where water pools and evaporates. Proper site assessment ensures that both gardens and structures remain stable over time.

Growing in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b supports a range of resilient crops, provided they have protection from the wind. Drought-tolerant native plants and cold-hardy vegetables are the best bets for success. Start small and use mulch to protect your plants from the desert sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harney County

via LawnByCounty

High-Desert Resilience in Harney

Harney County's lawn difficulty score of 44.8 is higher than the state average but remains below the national median. This 6b hardiness zone presents a challenging high-desert environment where timing is everything. Keeping a green lawn here requires overcoming short growing seasons and very low natural moisture.

Short Seasons and Sparse Rain

The county receives just 11.3 inches of annual precipitation, making irrigation non-negotiable for lawn survival. With 29 extreme heat days and 1,885 growing degree days, the environment is harsh for many traditional grass types. The climate dictates a very specific management schedule focused on moisture conservation.

Foundational Soil Preparation

Soil data is not currently available for this county, but local high-desert soils are often alkaline or sandy. Homeowners should conduct a local pH test to ensure nutrients remain available to the turf. Incorporating organic matter is a critical step to help these soils retain what little moisture is available.

A Rare Window of Drought Relief

Harney County only spent 6 weeks in drought over the past year, with just 26.4% of the area currently abnormally dry. While this is better than neighboring counties, the low baseline rainfall of 11.3 inches means water management is always a priority. Efficient irrigation systems are essential to sustain growth through the hot, dry July months.

Maximize a Narrow Planting Window

Buffalo grass or specialized cold-hardy fescues are best suited for this 6b climate. You face a very late spring frost on June 11 and an early fall frost on September 11, leaving a narrow window for establishment. Aim to seed as soon as the ground thaws to ensure roots take hold before the September freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harney County's county score?
Harney County, Oregon has a composite county score of 55.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Harney County rank among counties in Oregon?
Harney County ranks #4 among all counties in Oregon on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Harney County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Harney County is $1,845, with an effective tax rate of 0.97%. This earns Harney County a tax score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harney County?
The median household income in Harney County, Oregon is $48,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harney County earns an income score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harney County, Oregon a good place to live?
Harney County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Harney County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Harney County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.