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/

Population

Total Population

2,754

Population
Growth Rate

0.12%

Median Age

47

Diversity Index

35.900

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Housing & Income

Households

1,250

Total Housing Units

1,424


Owner Occupied

802

Renter Occupied

448

Vacant

174

Median Home Value

$202,344


Average Home Value

$249,405

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

2.09%

Income Projection

Median Household

$36,512 $42,056


Average Household

$55,269 $61,634


Per Capita

$25,119 $27,858

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30

Workforce

Total Businesses

251

Total Employed

1,648

Workers 16+

1,193

2025 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

44

Employed

478

2025 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

29

Employed

278

2025 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

31

Employed

257

2025 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

7

Employed

155

2025 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

20

Employed

110

2025 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

13

Employed

89

Some
High School

79

Graduated
High School

713

Associates
Degree

257

Bachelor's
Degree

144

Graduate
Degree

150

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

1,138

Non-Resident Commuters

55

Drive Alone

789

Carpooled

48

Public

0

Work At Home

180

Source: ESRI, 2025-09-30