Cost of Living in Harney County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harney County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harney County ranks #1,019 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harney County, Oregon
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harney County
Affordability Verdict
Harney County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $675/month — about 16.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Harney County is $675/month, while owner costs run $812/month. Renting saves approximately $137/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,800/year. With a median household income of $48,338, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Harney County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Wheeler County where rent averages $782/month, Harney County is approximately 14% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harney County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,128
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Harney County may be a stretch
Median home value is $190,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,522 vs. your max of $1,128.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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