Adair County scores 69.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally. This 38-point advantage signals solid livability compared to typical American counties, though it reflects rural Oklahoma strengths in affordability rather than income growth.
2 / 5
Slightly above Oklahoma average
With a score of 69.0, Adair ranks just above Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 77 counties. The county holds its own in a competitive state landscape but does not stand out as a top performer.
3 / 5
Tax and housing affordability shine
Adair County excels at keeping costs low, with a cost score of 89.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.475%—among the lightest burdens in the state. Median home values of $111,500 and rents of $650/month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income and health need attention
The county's income score of 14.7 reflects a median household income of $48,028, significantly below state and national averages, limiting economic mobility. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 47.8, suggesting opportunities to strengthen wellness and medical access in the community.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious retirees
Adair County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and remote workers seeking unbeatable affordability without urban overhead. Its low taxes and housing costs offset modest incomes, making it ideal for those prioritizing financial stability over career advancement opportunities.
Adair County scores 69.0 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally. This 38-point advantage signals solid livability compared to typical American counties, though it reflects rural Oklahoma strengths in affordability rather than income growth.
Slightly above Oklahoma average
With a score of 69.0, Adair ranks just above Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 77 counties. The county holds its own in a competitive state landscape but does not stand out as a top performer.
Tax and housing affordability shine
Adair County excels at keeping costs low, with a cost score of 89.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.475%—among the lightest burdens in the state. Median home values of $111,500 and rents of $650/month make this county highly accessible for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Income and health need attention
The county's income score of 14.7 reflects a median household income of $48,028, significantly below state and national averages, limiting economic mobility. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 47.8, suggesting opportunities to strengthen wellness and medical access in the community.
Best for cost-conscious retirees
Adair County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and remote workers seeking unbeatable affordability without urban overhead. Its low taxes and housing costs offset modest incomes, making it ideal for those prioritizing financial stability over career advancement opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.