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Crook County Rural Living Handbook

A Guide to Country Living

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Crook County is located in the center of the state, approximately three hours from Portland, Salem, Corvallis and Eugene. Bend, the largest city in central Oregon, is approximately 40 minutes away.

Geographically Crook County, with a population of approximately 16,631, is Oregon's most centrally located county. Founded in 1882, the county seat, Prineville, and its surroundings, has a population of 11,000. It is the only incorporated population center within Crook County. Powell Butte, Post and Paulina are the other communities found within the sparsely settled regions of the county.

Livestock, forest products, recreation, agriculture, manufacturing and wholesale trade comprise the major industries found within the county. Covering approximately 2,991 square miles, Crook County is rich in forests, rangelands and irrigated agricultural fields. The elevation of Prineville is 2,868 feet and receives an average of 10.5 inches of moisture per year. Nights are cool and daytime temperatures are moderate. Average temperature in January is 31.8 degrees; in July it is 64.5 degrees.

The county abounds with many streams, reservoirs, and the Ochoco Mountains. These resources provide for both winter and summer recreation. Rural environment is a predominant way of life for the residents living in Crook County. Approximately 48 percent of the county is in private ownership and the remainder in USFS and BLM ownership. Several federal and state agencies are headquartered locally and numerous other professionals conduct business in the area.

OSU Extension Service was established in Crook County in 1914. The Extension Service is a part of Oregon State University and provides life long learning opportunities in the areas of Agriculture, 4H/Youth Development, Families and Community Development, Forestry, Horticulture, Leadership Development and Marine/Fisheries.