Burns, Oregon Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 27, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Burns, Oregon is a small city located in the southeastern corner of the state near the Malheur River. The population of Burns is estimated to be around 2,800 people, making it one of the smallest cities in the state. Geographically, Burns is situated in a high desert area surrounded by mountains and rolling hills. The climate in Burns is dry and semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of Burns dates back to 1883 when settlers began arriving in the area to establish ranches and farms along the Malheur River. In 1889, a post office was established which led to the formation of an official town two years later. Over time, Burns grew into a small but vibrant community with several businesses, churches, and schools.

Today, Burns has an elected mayor-council government system that provides services such as public safety and infrastructure maintenance. The economy is largely based on agriculture with local farmers growing hay, grains, and cattle for sale locally and nationally. Schools in Burns include two elementary schools (K-8) as well as one high school (9-12).

Burns’ most recognizable landmark is its historic downtown area which features several buildings from its early days as a frontier town including a jailhouse built in 1890 which now serves as a museum showcasing local artifacts from throughout its history. Other nearby landmarks include Steens Mountain and Harney Lake which are popular spots for outdoor recreation activities like fishing and camping.

Population: 3,064. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,755 (-10.1% change)
Males: 1,535 (50.1%), Females: 1,529 (49.9%)

Harney County

Zip code: 97720

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.7 years
Median household income: $26,658
Median house value: $60,800

Population by Race

Races in Burns:

White Non-Hispanic (90.0%)
Hispanic (5.3%)
American Indian (3.7%)
Two or more races (2.1%)
Other race (1.1%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (19.4%), English (12.3%), Irish (10.4%), United States (10.1%), Norwegian (4.3%), Scotch-Irish (4.1%).

Elevation: 4148 feet

Land area: 3.6 square miles

Population by Education

Burns, Oregon is a small town located in the high desert of southeastern Oregon. It is the county seat of Harney County and has a population of approximately 2,800 people. The median income for households in Burns is $44,739 and the median home value is $139,300. The cost of living in Burns is below the national average and lower than many other areas in Oregon. Renting an apartment or house in Burns can cost anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 a month depending on size and location. Utilities such as electricity and water are affordable compared to other parts of Oregon. Groceries are relatively inexpensive with many stores offering discounts on bulk purchases. Gasoline prices are generally low due to its proximity to several major refineries. The overall cost of living in Burns is quite affordable for those who choose to live there.

The town of Burns offers plenty of activities for residents and visitors alike including hiking trails at nearby Steens Mountain, bird watching at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, fishing at Harney Lake, horseback riding at Diamond Peak Stables and camping at Silvies River Campground. There are also several restaurants serving up local favorites such as burgers, steak sandwiches and fish tacos as well as more unique offerings like grass-fed beef burritos or bison burgers with gluten-free buns. In addition to these activities, there are also several museums showcasing local history such as the Harney County Historical Museum or the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center which provide insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage.

For population 25 years and over in Burns

High school or higher: 77.3%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 1.2%
Unemployed: 7.3%
Mean travel time to work: 11.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Burns city

Never married: 17.4%
Now married: 52.4%
Separated: 3.4%
Widowed: 9.5%
Divorced: 17.2%

1.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +79 (+2.6%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Burns:

HARNEY DISTRICT HOSPITAL (557 WEST WASHINGTON STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Burns:

BLUE MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL DISTRICT (about 57 miles; JOHN DAY, OR)
ST ELIZABETH HEALTH SERVICES, INC (about 120 miles; BAKER CITY, OR)
PIONEER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 126 miles; HEPPNER, OR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Burns:

EASTERN OREGON REGIONAL AT PENDLETON (about 145 miles; PENDLETON, OR; Abbreviation: PDT)
ROBERTS FIELD (about 151 miles; REDMOND, OR; Abbreviation: RDM)
WALLA WALLA REGIONAL (about 180 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Abbreviation: ALW)

Other public-use airports nearest to Burns:

BURNS MUNI (about 8 miles; BURNS, OR; Abbreviation: BNO)
GRANT CO RGNL/OGILVIE FIELD (about 57 miles; JOHN DAY, OR; Abbreviation: 5J0)
ALKALI LAKE STATE (about 72 miles; ALKALI LAKE, OR; Abbreviation: R03)

Amtrak station:
BURNS (TRAVEL SHOP, 544 N. BROADWAY) – Bus Station. Services: public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Burns:

EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY (about 138 miles; LA GRANDE, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,192)
CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 159 miles; BEND, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,274)
WALLA WALLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 178 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,812)
COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE (about 185 miles; PASCO, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,529)
BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 195 miles; BOISE, ID; Full-time enrollment: 12,033)
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-RENO (about 213 miles; RENO, NV; Full-time enrollment: 10,375)
OREGON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 216 miles; KLAMATH FALLS, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,183)

Schools

Public high schools in Burns:

BURNS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 335; Location: 1100 OREGON AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)
MONROE SCHOOL (Students: 20; Location: 1800 W MONROE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Burns:

HENRY L SLATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 389; Location: 800 N FAIRVIEW AVE; Grades: KG – 04)
LINCOLN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 97; Location: 550 N COURT ST; Grades: 08 – 08)

Libraries

Library in Burns:

HARNEY COUNTY LIBRARY (Operating income: $124,891; Location: 80 WEST D ST; 34,413 books; 1,821 audio materials; 141 video materials; 75 serial subscriptions)