countyscore
57.4
County Score
Cost of Living 88.6Property Tax 74.2Disaster Risk 59.4

County Report Card

About Alfalfa County, Oklahoma

Alfalfa County Leads the National Midpoint

With a composite score of 57.7, Alfalfa County comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the 65th percentile of all U.S. counties.

A Top Contender in Oklahoma

Alfalfa County is a high performer in the state, sitting significantly above the Oklahoma average score of 43.0. Its balanced profile makes it one of the more desirable rural locations in the region.

High Incomes and Bargain Housing

The county boasts an impressive cost score of 89.0, driven by a median home value of just $103,000. Unlike many rural peers, it also maintains a solid income score of 61.4, with a median household income of $67,870.

Addressing Water Quality and Safety

Water infrastructure is the primary weakness, reflected in a score of only 8.4. Safety also presents room for growth, as the score of 40.5 suggests moderate crime rates compared to national benchmarks.

Perfect for Financially Savvy Families

Alfalfa County is an ideal match for families seeking a high quality of life with a low cost of entry. The combination of healthy incomes and cheap real estate offers a rare level of financial breathing room.

2040608010074.288.640.548.44447.259.48.453Tax74.2Cost88.6Safety40.5Health48.4Schools44Income47.2Risk59.4Water8.4Weather5357.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Alfalfa County DNA

Foverall

How Alfalfa County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Alfalfa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (8.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
74.2+22.200000000000003
Cost
88.6+40.599999999999994
Safety
40.5-14.5
Health
48.4
Schools
44-10
Income
47.2
Risk
59.4+12.399999999999999
Water
8.4-49.6
Weather
53
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$705/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,615/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Cass County
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LaGrange County
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Sibley County
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Atchison County
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Armstrong County
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Cambria County
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Cleburne County
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Nearby counties

Grant County
Oklahoma
54.4
Harper County
Kansas
46.7
Major County
Oklahoma
58.4
Garfield County
Oklahoma
29
Barber County
Kansas
48
Woods County
Oklahoma
55.7
Sumner County
Kansas
38.3
Kingman County
Kansas
47.9

Deep Dives

Alfalfa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alfalfa County

via TaxByCounty

Alfalfa's rate sits near national median

Alfalfa County's effective tax rate of 0.630% falls slightly below the national median of 0.87%, placing it around the 40th percentile nationally. Homes worth $103,000 generate manageable tax bills compared to most U.S. counties.

Alfalfa ranks midway in Oklahoma

At 0.630%, Alfalfa County sits just below Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, ranking it in the middle tier of all 77 Oklahoma counties. This positions Alfalfa homeowners slightly ahead of typical state taxpayers.

Higher taxes than Adair, lower than Beaver

Alfalfa's 0.630% rate exceeds Adair County's 0.475% but trails Beaver County's 0.761% by 13 percentage points. Among the northern Oklahoma region, Alfalfa's tax burden ranks solidly middle-of-the-road.

Annual bill on $103,000 home

The median Alfalfa County home triggers $649 in annual property taxes—roughly $1.78 per day. With mortgage-related adjustments, the total climbs to $781, keeping annual costs under $800 for most residents.

Appeal overvalued assessments today

Alfalfa County homeowners should verify their assessed values match recent comparable sales in the area. If your assessment exceeds fair market value, file an appeal with the county assessor before the next tax year to reclaim savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alfalfa County

via IncomeByCounty

Alfalfa's income outpaces many peers

Alfalfa County's median household income of $67,870 is 9% below the national median of $74,755, but significantly stronger than most rural Oklahoma counties. This relative strength reflects the region's agricultural and energy sector opportunities.

Above-average earner for Oklahoma

Alfalfa's $67,870 median income exceeds Oklahoma's state average by 16%, placing it in the upper half of the state's 77 counties. This puts Alfalfa among Oklahoma's more economically robust rural regions.

Alfalfa leads comparable counties

Alfalfa's $67,870 income outperforms neighboring Beaver County ($64,266) and significantly exceeds Blaine County ($59,304). The county's agricultural economy and energy ties support higher household earnings than immediate neighbors.

Rent costs are low here

Alfalfa's rent-to-income ratio of 10.9% is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the 30% affordability threshold. Combined with the county's higher median income, Alfalfa residents enjoy strong housing affordability.

Leverage Alfalfa's earning advantage

With median income of $67,870 and excellent housing affordability, Alfalfa residents are positioned to save more aggressively than state peers. Direct surplus income into diversified investments or education to compound generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alfalfa County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Alfalfa County

Alfalfa County boasts a safety score of 97.9, indicating an environment far more secure than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 1,355.0 per 100,000 is roughly 43% lower than the national average.

Leading the state in public safety

The county’s total crime rate of 1,355.0 is nearly half of the Oklahoma state average of 2,647.7. Its 97.9 safety score ranks it well above the statewide average of 95.8.

Quiet streets compared to state peers

Alfalfa County maintains a much lower crime profile than Beckham County, despite both having the same safety score of 97.9. Two local agencies work to keep the peace in this sparsely populated region.

Minimal violent crime reported

Violent crime in Alfalfa County is remarkably low at 158.4 per 100,000, which is less than half the national rate. Property crime also stays low at 1,196.6, significantly trailing national trends.

Maintaining a secure homestead

Even in high-safety areas, proactive measures like joining a neighborhood watch can keep crime rates low. Visible security cameras and well-lit entryways serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alfalfa County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Plains Weather with Clear Cycles

Alfalfa County's average annual temperature of 58.8°F reflects a classic Great Plains climate that is warmer than the national median. The county receives 32.3 inches of precipitation annually, balancing moderate rainfall with distinct dry periods.

North-Central Oklahoma's Cooler Profile

At 58.8°F, Alfalfa County is cooler than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. Its annual precipitation of 32.3 inches also falls below the state average of 37.2 inches, placing it in a drier tier of counties.

A Snowy Exception in the Region

Alfalfa County records 11.4 inches of annual snowfall, which is notably higher than many southern Oklahoma neighbors. Its 83 extreme heat days align it with the hot, sun-drenched patterns of the north-central plains.

Sharp Temperature Swings Between Seasons

The county faces 83 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 83.1°F. Winters are cold, with a January average of 34.8°F and consistent snow accumulation of over 11 inches.

Equip for Both Snow and Scorching Heat

Residents need a robust HVAC system capable of handling 83 days of extreme heat and winter lows in the mid-30s. Winter preparedness should include snow removal tools to manage the 11.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alfalfa County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in Alfalfa County

Alfalfa County sits right at the national neutral point with an average pH of 6.51. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 6.06, providing an ideal chemical balance for many crops.

Sandy and Light Workable Mix

The mix features a high 49.9% sand content balanced by 30.5% silt and 13.8% clay. This creates a light, workable soil that permits easy root penetration but may lose nutrients quickly.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter measures 1.29%, falling below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is also lower than the Oklahoma benchmark, indicating a need for consistent irrigation.

Slow Infiltration and Runoff Risks

The county is classified in Hydrologic Group D, suggesting slow infiltration rates despite the sandy surface. While specific drainage class data is limited, Group D soils often require careful management during heavy storms.

Perfect for Grains in Zone 7a

Located in Zone 7a, this soil is perfect for winter wheat and its namesake, alfalfa. Gardeners can capitalize on the neutral pH by planting a wide variety of vegetables without needing to adjust acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alfalfa County

via LawnByCounty

An Easier Path to Greenery

Alfalfa County earns a 58.3 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the national median and the Oklahoma state average. This Hardiness Zone 7a region offers some of the more favorable conditions in the state for residential turf care.

Sun-Drenched and Semi-Arid Growth

The county endures 83 extreme heat days per year, surpassing the state average of 76. With 32.3 inches of annual rainfall, supplemental irrigation is often necessary to sustain the 4,879 growing degree days of development.

Perfectly Balanced Soil pH

The soil pH of 6.51 sits directly in the ideal 6.0-7.0 window, minimizing the need for chemical corrections. A high sand content of 49.9% promotes drainage, though the 13.8% clay provides enough structure to hold essential nutrients.

Resilience in Dry Spells

The county spent 10 weeks in drought over the last year, though current data shows 0.0% of the area in severe drought. Utilizing mulch and efficient irrigation can help preserve moisture against the high July average temperatures of 83.1°F.

Planting for Success in Alfalfa

Warm-season grasses like Buffalo grass or Zoysia are excellent choices for this climate. Prepare your site for seeding after the April 9 spring frost to take full advantage of the long Oklahoma summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alfalfa County's county score?
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 57.4 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 Alfalfa County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Alfalfa County ranks #5 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 Alfalfa County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Alfalfa County is $592, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Alfalfa County a tax score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alfalfa County?
The median household income in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma is $64,615 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alfalfa County earns an income score of 47.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alfalfa County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Alfalfa County scores 57.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Alfalfa 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 Alfalfa County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.