45.6
County Score
Cost of Living 92.9Property Tax 88.3Weather & Climate 66.7

County Report Card

About Adair County, Oklahoma

Adair County Trails the National Median

Adair County earns a composite score of 45.6, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the 41st percentile nationally for overall livability.

Outperforming the Oklahoma State Average

Despite trailing national trends, Adair County ranks well within Oklahoma, exceeding the state average composite score of 43.0. It offers a more competitive profile than many of its rural neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

The county shines in fiscal metrics with a cost score of 92.9 and a tax score of 88.3. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.475% and median rents of just $650.

Critical Gaps in Health and Income

Public health is a significant concern, as evidenced by a health score of 6.4. Additionally, the income score of 11.0 reflects a median household income of $48,028, which lags behind higher-earning regions.

A Choice for Low-Cost Rural Living

Adair County is best suited for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low overhead and minimal property taxes over local amenities. It provides a quiet lifestyle for those who can navigate limited local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax88.3Cost92.9Safety16.1Health6.4Schools31.4Income11Risk46.2Water17.4Weather66.7
🏛88.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠92.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼11
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡16.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
6.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓31.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
46.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧17.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤66.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨34.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱42.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Adair County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adair County

via TaxByCounty

Adair's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.475%, Adair County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile. The median home here is worth $111,500—less than 40% of the national median—keeping tax bills modest compared to most American counties.

Lowest-taxed county in Oklahoma

Adair County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Oklahoma counties at 0.475%, compared to the state average of 0.652%. This means Adair homeowners pay roughly 27% less in property taxes than the typical Oklahoman.

Adair beats neighboring counties

Among nearby northeastern Oklahoma counties, Adair's 0.475% rate undercuts Atoka County (0.556%) and Alfalfa County (0.630%). Only Adair homeowners enjoy the region's lowest tax burden on comparable properties.

What $111,500 home costs yearly

A median-value home in Adair County generates $530 in annual property taxes—just $1.45 per day. Add in mortgage-related fees, and the total reaches $745 per year, one of the lightest loads in the state.

Check your assessment value

Even with Adair's low rates, many homeowners are assessed above fair market value. Requesting a reassessment with your county assessor costs nothing and could lower your tax bill further if your home's assessed value exceeds comparable sales.

Cost of Living in Adair County

via CostByCounty

Adair's rent stays below the national norm

Renters in Adair County spend 16.2% of their income on housing, outperforming the national median household income of $74,755—well above Adair's $48,028. At $650 per month in median rent, Adair households devote a smaller share of income to housing than many rural peers.

Better than average across Oklahoma

Adair's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, placing it comfortably in the middle tier for affordability statewide. The county's $650 median rent also undercuts the state average of $814 by roughly 20%.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Adair's $650 rent is the second-lowest among its regional peers, trailing only Alfalfa County at $614 but beating Atoka County at $708. On ownership, Adair's $512 monthly cost is similarly competitive, offering options for both renters and buyers.

Where Adair's housing dollars go

Median gross rent of $650 and median owner costs of $512 both claim reasonable slices of Adair's $48,028 annual income. Combined, housing expenses consume roughly 28% of median household income, leaving room for other necessities.

Adair County welcomes budget-conscious families

If you're relocating on a modest income, Adair's below-average rent and owner costs deserve serious consideration. Compare its $48,028 median income and 16.2% rent burden against your own situation to see if this rural Oklahoma county fits your financial goals.

Income & Jobs in Adair County

via IncomeByCounty

Adair trails the nation on income

Adair County's median household income of $48,028 falls 36% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural northeastern Oklahoma and ranks the county among the lower-income regions nationally.

Below average for Oklahoma

At $48,028, Adair's median household income sits 18% below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273. The county ranks in the lower tier among Oklahoma's 77 counties, signaling limited income growth compared to state peers.

Income lags nearby counties

Adair's $48,028 income trails neighboring Atoka County ($52,034) and Blaine County ($59,304). The gap suggests Adair residents have fewer high-wage employment opportunities than adjacent communities.

Rent-to-income ratio is manageable

Adair's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits slightly below the national 30% threshold, meaning housing costs are reasonably affordable relative to median earnings. However, the low median income overall limits purchasing power for other necessities.

Build financial stability in Adair

With median household income at $48,028, Adair families benefit from affordable housing; prioritize emergency savings and explore employer retirement plans to grow long-term wealth. Even modest monthly investments can compound significantly over time in a lower cost-of-living environment.

Safety in Adair County

via CrimeByCounty

Adair County mirrors national safety trends

Adair County maintains a safety score of 96.3, placing it slightly above the national baseline for security. Its total crime rate of 2,316.7 per 100,000 residents stays just under the national average of 2,385.5.

Performing better than the Oklahoma average

The county's safety score of 96.3 outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Residents face a total crime rate significantly lower than the statewide average of 2,647.7 per 100,000 people.

A middle ground among eastern neighbors

With 2,316.7 crimes per 100,000 residents, Adair reports higher activity than rural Atoka but remains safer than Bryan County. Four reporting agencies coordinate to manage these local public safety figures.

Property crimes dominate local reports

Property crime accounts for 1,966.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at 349.8. This violent crime rate sits below both the national average of 369.8 and the state average of 395.9.

Securing the home front

Since property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents, home security awareness is a vital tool for residents. Installing motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks provides a proven first line of defense.

Health in Adair County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags far behind

At 69.3 years, Adair County residents live roughly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Nearly 30% of the county reports poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%. These numbers signal significant health challenges that demand attention.

Among Oklahoma's lowest performers

Adair County ranks in the lower half statewide, with a life expectancy 3.4 years below Oklahoma's average of 72.7 years. The county's 29.5% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the state average, placing it among the state's most challenged counties.

Struggling compared to neighboring counties

Adair's 69.3-year life expectancy trails nearby Atoka County (72.9 years) and Bryan County (72.2 years) by measurable margins. With only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Adair has fewer doctors than neighboring counties, limiting access to preventive care.

Uninsured and underserved

One in six Adair County residents lacks health insurance at 16.2%, slightly above Oklahoma's state average of 15.3%. The county has just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, constraining residents' ability to find routine care and manage chronic conditions.

Health coverage is within reach

If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or ChooseOK.org to explore affordable insurance plans and see if you qualify for federal subsidies or Oklahoma Medicaid. Taking that step today can connect you to preventive care, screenings, and treatments that improve your health and budget.

Schools in Adair County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Nine-District Network in Adair County

Adair County supports a diverse educational network of 16 public schools across nine distinct districts. With a total enrollment of 4,203 students, the infrastructure includes 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools.

Evaluating Performance and Spending in Adair

The county reports an 82.9% graduation rate, which sits just below the state average of 84.3% and the national target of 87%. However, the per-pupil expenditure of $7,274 exceeds the Oklahoma state average of $6,520, contributing to a solid school score of 50.4.

Stilwell and Westville Lead the County

The Stilwell district serves as the county's largest hub with 1,394 students across three schools. Westville follows with 971 students, and notably, there are currently no charter schools operating within the county’s borders.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Classrooms

Thirteen of the county's 16 schools are in rural settings, creating a close-knit learning environment with an average school size of 263 students. Maryetta Public School is the largest campus with 645 students, while many other rural sites offer much smaller, intimate cohorts.

Planting Roots Near Adair Schools

With a wide range of rural and town settings, Adair County offers diverse options for families prioritizing school proximity. Explore local home listings to find a property within your preferred school district boundaries today.

Disaster Risk in Adair County

via RiskByCounty

Adair's risk ranks slightly above US average

Adair County scores 53.82 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but above the typical American county's exposure. This score reflects a mixed hazard profile where some risks exceed national norms while others remain manageable.

Safer than most Oklahoma counties

At 53.82, Adair ranks below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the safer counties in the state. This positioning reflects the county's relatively moderate exposure to the full range of natural disasters.

Adair sits in the middle of regional risk

Compared to neighboring counties, Adair's 53.82 score falls between safer areas like Blaine County (32.35) and higher-risk areas like Bryan County (74.55). Its wildfire risk of 90.62 stands out as notably elevated compared to nearby counties.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate Adair's hazard mix

Wildfire risk scores 90.62—far exceeding the state average—making vegetation management and defensible space around structures critical priorities. Tornado risk at 66.16 is also significant, requiring sturdy shelters and awareness of seasonal storm patterns.

Prioritize wildfire and storm coverage

Adair residents should ensure comprehensive homeowner's insurance covers both wildfire damage and tornado/wind events, as these hazards pose the greatest threat. Consider additional flood insurance if you live in a designated flood zone, and evaluate your property's wildfire defensibility by clearing brush within 30 feet of structures.

Weather & Climate in Adair County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Climate with Abundant Moisture

Adair County maintains an average annual temperature of 59.1°F, which sits significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives 49.8 inches of annual precipitation, making it one of the wetter regions in the country.

Cooler and Wetter Than the Oklahoma Average

While Oklahoma averages 60.4°F annually, Adair County stays slightly cooler at 59.1°F. It stands out in the state for its rainfall, exceeding the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches by over a foot each year.

The Lush Corner of Eastern Oklahoma

Adair County is characterized by higher precipitation levels than many of its western neighbors. While nearby counties face more intense dry spells, Adair's 49.8 inches of rain supports a much greener landscape.

Temperate Summers and Brisk Winters

Residents experience 43 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach 90°F or higher, which is relatively low for Oklahoma. July averages a manageable 78.9°F, while January temperatures typically dip to 37.7°F; snowfall records are currently limited for this area.

Prepare for Rain and Moderate Heat

Homeowners should prioritize high-capacity gutter systems to handle the nearly 50 inches of annual rainfall. While summer heat is less frequent than in central Oklahoma, efficient cooling is still essential for the 43 days of extreme heat.

Soil Quality in Adair County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Ultisols in Adair

Adair's Ultisols are highly acidic with an average pH of 4.95, far below the national median of 6.5. This stony silt loam requires careful management to balance the state average pH of 6.06.

Silty Texture with Low Sand

The soil contains 41.9% silt and 16.4% clay, creating a medium texture that balances nutrient storage. With only 24.6% sand, the ground holds moisture better than the more porous soils found in Western Oklahoma.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is impressively high at 4.98%, nearly tripling the state average of 1.72%. Despite this fertility, the water capacity of 0.140 in/in sits just below the Oklahoma norm.

Rapid Drainage for Healthy Roots

These soils are somewhat excessively drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This combination allows for rapid water movement, preventing the root rot common in heavier clay soils.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7b

Adair thrives in Zone 7b, supporting blueberries and hydrangeas that love acidic environments. With such high organic matter, gardeners can start productive vegetable patches with minimal heavy fertilizing.

Lawn Care in Adair County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Adair County's Lawn Challenges

Adair County scores a 42.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it more challenging than both the national median of 50.0 and the Oklahoma average of 46.1. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 7b, local gardeners must navigate unique environmental hurdles to maintain healthy turf.

High Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 49.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 37.2 inches. While 43 extreme heat days are fewer than the Oklahoma average of 76, the 4,577 growing degree days ensure a vigorous but demanding mowing season.

Navigating Acidic and Stony Soils

With a pH of 4.95, these soils are far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring significant lime amendments to balance acidity. The stony silt loam texture is somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves quickly through the 16.4% clay profile.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Drought

Residents faced 17 weeks of drought over the past year, with 65.9% of the county currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to help roots reach past the 24.6% sand content in the upper soil layers.

Start Growing in Zone 7b

Tall Fescue and Bermudagrass thrive here if planted after the last spring frost on March 31. Aim to establish new sod or seed before the first fall frost arrives around November 4 to ensure a resilient winter root system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adair County's county score?
Adair County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 45.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adair County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Adair County ranks #24 among all counties in Oklahoma on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adair County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Adair County is $530, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Adair County a tax score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adair County?
The median household income in Adair County, Oklahoma is $48,028 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adair County earns an income score of 11/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adair County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Adair County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Adair County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adair County with other counties side by side.