Burns

Burns, Oregon commonly referred to as the gateway to the Steens Mountains, became a town in 1891 and is the county seat of Harney County. Burns offers the visitor breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities of hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and backpacking with easy access to the Steens Mountains and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge just 30 miles south of the City on US 205.  The 185,000 acres provides a Mecca for bird watchers as it is the habitat for over 250 species of migratory birds.  

A visit to downtown Burns provides opportunity for visitors to meet the friendly people of this western town, and view collections of arrowheads, art galleries and stores.  A visit to the Harney County Historical Museum is necessary and provides a history of the old west in Burns and Harney County, with historical photos, ranching memorabilia and full room restorations of the old western kitchen. 

For more information, visit cityofburnsor.gov/

Profile Report Sections

Population

Total Population

2,749

Population
Growth Rate

0.07%

Median Age

44

Diversity Index

37.500

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09

Housing & Income

Households

1,258

Total Housing Units

1,436


Owner Occupied

791

Renter Occupied

467

Vacant

178

Median Home Value

$254,038


Average Home Value

$268,107

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

1.89%

Income Projection

Median Household

$35,939 $37,195


Average Household

$49,261 $54,132


Per Capita

$22,709 $24,939

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09

Workforce

Total Businesses

250

Total Employed

1,497

Workers 16+

1,113

2026 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

41

Employed

349

2026 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

31

Employed

289

2026 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

29

Employed

240

2026 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

24

Employed

127

2026 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

6

Employed

110

2026 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

16

Employed

102

Some
High School

129

Graduated
High School

604

Associates
Degree

220

Bachelor's
Degree

142

Graduate
Degree

118

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

990

Non-Resident Commuters

123

Drive Alone

843

Carpooled

70

Public

0

Work At Home

115

Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09