Morrow County
OR · Pop. 12,249 · Rural County
Morrow County, Oregon covers 2,031 square miles with a population of 12,249 and a density of 6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, potatoes. A median home price of $230,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.82% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F and average winter lows of 26.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 14 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Pioneer Memorial Hospital is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 62.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.82% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Pioneer Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, potatoes means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Annual rainfall of just 14 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 62.2% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
At a glance
Morrow County, OR is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Median home price
- $230k
- Property tax
- 0.82%
- Growing season
- 179 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 14"
- Broadband
- 62.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Pioneer Memorial Hospital, 5.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Morrow County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Morrow County?
- Morrow County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F, and average winter lows of 26.8°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, potatoes.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $230,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.82%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 62.2% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Pioneer Memorial Hospital is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Oregon Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Oregon
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The closest counties to Morrow County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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