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.

2040608010040.671.58453.520.211.676.48636.5Tax40.6Cost71.5Safety84Health53.5Schools20.2Income11.6Risk76.4Water86Weather36.555.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Harney County DNA

Foverall

How Harney County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Harney County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (76.4/100) but notably weak in Income (11.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.6-11.399999999999999
Cost
71.5+23.5
Safety
84+29
Health
53.5
Schools
20.2-33.8
Income
11.6-39.4
Risk
76.4+29.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
36.5-19.5
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Many homeowners in Harney County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$190,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$675/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,338/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

66.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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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 11 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

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

Water Quality in Harney County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Local Water

Harney County achieves an A grade with zero health-based violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is exemplary compared to the state average of 65.5. This record reflects high-quality management and source water protection.

Gaps in Federal Watershed Health Reporting

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies in this county. Because this data is missing from the ATTAINS portal, the broader environmental status of local streams remains unquantified at the federal level. Local water quality relies on internal monitoring and state oversight.

Monitoring Biological Health in High-Desert Waters

A network of 93 sites has generated 12,726 measurements in the past five years. Key focus areas include physical properties, nutrients, and biological indicators like photosynthetic pigments. These readings provide a baseline for understanding the health of isolated aquatic ecosystems.

Strong Surges on the Donner und Blitzen River

The Donner und Blitzen River near Frenchglen is flowing at 173 cfs, which is 139% of its long-term mean. This significantly higher-than-average flow for the 200 square mile basin indicates healthy runoff from the Steens Mountain area. High flows like this can help flush systems but may increase turbidity temporarily.

Capitalizing on High Flows and Clean Records

Maintain your perfect A grade by staying engaged with local water board decisions and land use planning. The current high streamflow is a positive indicator for recharge, but watch for physical property changes during high runoff events. Your water is among the most compliant in the state.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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