what it means to
call harney home
Harney County’s footprint is vast, but its communities are closely knit—bound by shared purpose and rooted in both tradition and progress. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a business, or simply seeking a quieter life, Harney gives you room to live with intention.
Life in the Emptiest Place in the Lower 48
At roughly 0.7 people per square mile, Harney County is classified as “remote rural” – and that spaciousness shapes how we live. Out here it’s about openness – a chance to live thoughtfully, surrounded by vast high desert beauty and a tight-knit community.
Harney County is equipped with what you need to live well, minus everything you don’t—so you can enjoy the necessities without sacrificing wide-open horizons.
belonging in harney county
Home to around 7,500 people, Harney’s population is a mosaic of ranching families, members of the Burns Paiute Tribe, public-land professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and remote workers. Burns and Hines are home to about 60% of the county’s residents; the rest live across towns like Frenchglen, Diamond, Crane, and the Burns Paiute Reservation.
Being part of the community is about more than just having an address in Harney—it means investing in the place and the people. Conservation efforts, seasonal festivals, sports leagues, churches, cultural organizations, and nonprofits all create meaningful ways to connect and contribute. In Harney County, community is something you help build—and something that builds you in return.
where we work
Our economy mirrors our landscape: diverse, community-minded, and grounded in the land.
County & Municipal Government
Provides stable employment in administration, public works, planning, and emergency services—offering a direct role in shaping community life.
Harney District Hospital
The region’s primary medical and emergency-care provider, employing medical and support staff, with recent expansions in telehealth and rural outreach.
Harney County School District, Crane Schools,
and Silvies River Charter School
Offers year‑round jobs—from K‑12 educators to maintenance and administrative staff.
Natural Resource Agencies
The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and other agencies hire rangeland managers, conservation scientists, and field crews—supporting land stewardship and outdoor access.
Local Businesses & Tourism
From campgrounds and hot springs to cafes, hardware stores, and outfitters, local businesses create a tapestry of part-time and full-time opportunities. Serving both small business and as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Harney County is the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber serves both local businesses and as the DMO they provide the county’s official visitor center welcoming visitors with information about Harney County’s attractions and services. When visiting Harney County you can find the visitor center in downtown Burns at 484 North Broadway Avenue.
Conservation & Community Organizations
Groups like the High Desert Partnership, Harney Soil & Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Harney County Watershed Council, Friends of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and Oregon Desert Land Trust employ outreach coordinators, land managers, and environmental science professionals who lead efforts in restoration, education, and sustainable land use.
Burn Paiute Tribe
Burns Paiute Tribe is one of Harney County’s largest employers. With a staff of nearly 70, Burns Paiute Tribe provides stable employment in governance, healthcare, education, natural resources, and more.
Remote Work & Entrepreneurs
With fiber internet available in Burns and Hines—and a nearly 30% increase in remote positions across the U.S. in recent years—Harney offers a rare blend of modern connection and rural living for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
education & local services
Local schools—from kindergarten through high school—are anchored by the Harney County School District, with small class sizes and strong community involvement. Nearby colleges offer vocational programs and partnerships that create opportunities for workforce training and continuing education.
Healthcare needs are met by Harney District Hospital in Burns, which provides emergency services, outpatient care, and growing telehealth options. Public libraries, parks, churches, and recreational programs contribute to a well-rounded, connected community.
what locals do for fun
Life in Harney means the outdoors isn’t an amenity—it’s a lifestyle. Residents spend their time:
Hiking, biking, and trail running through the Steens Mountain Wilderness
Fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and along the Donner und Blitzen River
Relaxing at Crane Hot Springs or other natural hot pools
Connecting through community events like the Harney County Fair, Migratory Bird Festival, fiddle jams, and rodeos
Hunting elk, antelope, waterfowl, and upland game across Oregon’s public lands and private ranches with access programs
Camping under the stars at campsites, BLM areas, and remote trailheads
Learn More about Living in Harney
Calling all wanna-be locals! Life is good in Harney County. Discover more about living in the high desert of Oregon.
