Sherman County, OR
1,955 residents · 824 sq mi · 2.4/sq mi · 100% rural
About Sherman County
Sherman County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,870, making it the second-least populous county in Oregon after nearby Wheeler. The county seat is Moro, and the largest city is Wasco. The county is named for William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union general in the American Civil War.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Sherman County offers a rural lifestyle characterized by its semi-arid climate, with an annual mean temperature of 50.4°F and 13.3 inches of rainfall per year. The growing season is moderate, benefiting from USDA zone 8b, which allows for a variety of crops. The county's low population density of 2.4 people per square mile provides ample space for self-sufficient living, although water availability may be a limiting factor given the aridity index of 0.6.
The county faces several natural hazards, with wildfire risk rated at a FEMA rank of 90, indicating a significant threat. Other concerns include volcanic activity (rank 75) and avalanches (rank 63). While the violence percentile is relatively lower at 65, indicating a safer environment, the overall disaster percentile is quite favorable at 3, suggesting limited risk from other emergencies. The median home price of $186,300 may be reasonable, but the semi-arid climate could pose challenges for agriculture without proper water management.
Sherman County may be well-suited for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and can adapt to a semi-arid environment. Homesteaders with experience in water conservation and fire risk management are likely to thrive here. However, individuals reliant on high-density urban amenities or those unprepared for the challenges of a remote location may find it difficult. A potential dealbreaker could be the high wildfire risk, while the low property tax rate of 0.77% might be a hidden gem for budget-conscious buyers.