Economy of Harney County, Oregon
Harney County, Oregon is a rural county located in the southeastern corner of the state. It has an area of 10,229 square miles and a population of 7,609 according to the 2019 census. The median household income in Harney County is $38,807 which is slightly lower than the national average. Most residents of Harney County work in the agricultural industry or are employed by one of the three hospitals in the county. Tourism also plays an important role in the local economy, with many visitors coming to take advantage of outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and camping. The county’s largest employer is Harney District Hospital which employs over 500 people. The second largest employer is Malheur National Forest which employs around 400 people. Other major employers include cattle ranches and crop farms as well as smaller businesses such as restaurants and retail stores. The unemployment rate in Harney County is 5.4%, slightly lower than both the state and national average. Despite its small size, Harney County has a diversified economy that provides economic stability for its residents and businesses alike.
Libraries in Harney County, Oregon
According to babyinger, Harney County, Oregon is home to three public libraries: The Harney County Library District in Hines, the Burns Public Library in Burns, and the Diamond Public Library in Diamond. Each library offers a wide range of services including public access computers with high-speed internet connections, books and magazines for checkout, and interlibrary loan services. The Harney County Library District also provides access to digital resources such as eBooks and audio books. All three libraries are part of the Oregon State Library’s “Talking Books” program which provides free audiobooks to patrons with vision or physical disabilities.
The Harney County Library District has an extensive collection of print materials including books, magazines, newspapers, and audio-visual materials. It also offers ongoing programming such as book clubs and story times for children as well as programs for adults on a variety of topics. The library hosts regular events such as author visits and film screenings which provide educational opportunities for local residents. Additionally, patrons can take advantage of the library’s meeting room which can be reserved for special events or meetings.
The Burns Public Library has a smaller collection but still offers a wide variety of books and audio-visual materials that can be checked out by patrons with a valid library card. It also provides access to online databases such as Ancestry Library Edition and EBSCOhost which allow patrons to research their family history or explore scholarly articles on various topics. Additionally, the library offers free computer classes taught by local volunteers which cover everything from basic computer skills to more advanced topics like web design or coding.
The Diamond Public Library is the smallest of the three libraries but still provides important services to its community including access to print materials, interlibrary loan services, computers with internet access, and online databases. In addition to these services it also offers programs such as book clubs for adults and story time activities for children as well as special events like movie screenings or art classes throughout the year. Harney County is served by three vibrant public libraries that provide educational opportunities for local residents while promoting literacy within their communities.
Landmarks in Harney County, Oregon
Harney County, Oregon is a beautiful area full of sites to explore and landmarks to visit. From breathtaking views of the high desert landscape to the unique wildlife that inhabit the region, Harney County is a great place for outdoor recreation. See BEST-MEDICAL-SCHOOLS for rivers and lakes in Oregon.
For stunning views of the area, visitors should make sure to check out Steens Mountain. This massive fault block mountain rises 9,733 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. While there are no marked trails on Steens Mountain, visitors can hike along some of its ridges or take in its beauty from nearby viewpoints like Kiger Gorge Overlook or Page Springs Overlook.
The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is another popular destination in Harney County. Spanning over 187,000 acres, this refuge is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife including bald eagles, golden eagles, falcons, waterfowls and mammals like antelope and mule deer. Visitors can explore the refuge by taking a driving tour or hiking along one of its many trails.
Those interested in exploring some local history should visit the Harney County Historical Museum in Burns. This museum houses artifacts related to Harney County’s early history including photographs and documents from early settlers as well as Native American artifacts from tribes like The Burns Paiute Tribe that have lived in this region for centuries.
The Diamond Craters Outstanding Natural Area is another must-see attraction in Harney County. Located about 25 miles south of Burns, this area features over 300 volcanic craters as well as lava fields and buttes that were created by ancient volcanic eruptions roughly 6 million years ago. Visitors can explore this unique geological landscape by taking a self-guided auto tour or hiking along one of its designated trails.
No trip to Harney County would be complete without visiting one of its hot springs such as Alvord Hot Springs or Jewel Hot Springs which are both located near Fields Station on the east side of Steens Mountain near the Nevada border. These hot springs offer visitors a chance to relax in naturally heated mineral waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Harney County offers plenty for visitors to see and do from exploring ancient volcanic landscapes to taking in breathtaking mountain views or discovering local history at museums like The Harney County Historical Museum. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax and take it easy there’s something for everyone here in beautiful Harney County, Oregon.