Counties with the worst droughts in Oregon

Nearly half of the continental United States is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Storms during this past winter brought heavy (in some areas, record-setting) rainfall and flooding to California, offering the state an expected two-year reprieve from widespread droughts that covered nearly 100% of the state from 2020 to 2022. But in other parts of the country, especially dry conditions continue.

Four states currently have the most widespread drought, covering 100% of their areas. These are South Dakota, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware.

In periods of drought, levels of major reservoirs and rivers can fall dramatically. Groundwater systems are also affected as shrinking water supplies impact agriculture and hydropower generation while increasing wildfire risk. Across New England, ongoing drought has shrunk reservoirs and water supplies in the region.

Periods of drought have intensified and become more frequent in recent years due to climate change. Scientists predict that even in low-emissions scenarios, much of the U.S. will be drier by the end of the century.

Stacker cited data from the U.S. Drought Monitor to identify the counties in Oregon with the worst droughts as of Dec. 17, 2024. Counties are listed in order of percent of the area in drought conditions. "Abnormally dry" is not considered to be a drought but is included as a separate data point. Additional data for the state overall is also included. Any counties not experiencing drought are not included in the list. Counties are listed in order of drought severity.

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Emma Rubin // Stacker

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Oregon statistics

- Abnormally dry: 26.1%
- Area in drought: 11.2% (#44 nationally)
--- Moderate drought: 11.2%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Jackson County

- Abnormally dry: 93.3%
- Area in drought: 4.8%
--- Moderate drought: 4.8%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Harney County

- Abnormally dry: 67.5%
- Area in drought: 32.5%
--- Moderate drought: 32.5%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Sherman County

- Abnormally dry: 66.8%
- Area in drought: 33.2%
--- Moderate drought: 33.2%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Gilliam County

- Abnormally dry: 54.1%
- Area in drought: 45.9%
--- Moderate drought: 45.9%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Morrow County

- Abnormally dry: 52.9%
- Area in drought: 47.1%
--- Moderate drought: 47.1%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Wasco County

- Abnormally dry: 38.8%
- Area in drought: 47.9%
--- Moderate drought: 47.9%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Grant County

- Abnormally dry: 39.3%
- Area in drought: 60.7%
--- Moderate drought: 60.7%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Klamath County

- Abnormally dry: 31.2%
- Area in drought: 64.8%
--- Moderate drought: 64.8%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Deschutes County

- Abnormally dry: 18.8%
- Area in drought: 65.7%
--- Moderate drought: 65.7%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Umatilla County

- Abnormally dry: 27.8%
- Area in drought: 72.2%
--- Moderate drought: 72.2%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Jefferson County

- Abnormally dry: 11.0%
- Area in drought: 75.9%
--- Moderate drought: 75.9%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Malheur County

- Abnormally dry: 19.3%
- Area in drought: 80.7%
--- Moderate drought: 80.7%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Baker County

- Abnormally dry: 16.9%
- Area in drought: 83.1%
--- Moderate drought: 83.1%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Lake County

- Abnormally dry: 11.6%
- Area in drought: 88.4%
--- Moderate drought: 88.4%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Union County

- Abnormally dry: 10.5%
- Area in drought: 89.5%
--- Moderate drought: 89.5%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Wallowa County

- Abnormally dry: 8.8%
- Area in drought: 91.2%
--- Moderate drought: 91.2%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Crook County

- Abnormally dry: 0.2%
- Area in drought: 99.8%
--- Moderate drought: 99.8%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

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Wheeler County

- Abnormally dry: 0.0%
- Area in drought: 100.0%
--- Moderate drought: 100.0%
--- Severe drought: 0.0%
--- Extreme drought: 0.0%
--- Exceptional drought: 0.0%

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 49 states.