countyscore
47
County Score
Cost of Living 84.3Property Tax 79.7Disaster Risk 69.6

County Report Card

About Atoka County, Oklahoma

Atoka County Nears the National Median

Atoka County posts a composite score of 47.0, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. This performance ranks it in the 44th percentile of counties across the country.

Above Average for the Sooner State

The county surpasses the Oklahoma state average of 43.0, marking it as a solid regional choice. It outperforms many surrounding counties by balancing low costs with environmental resilience.

Strong Resilience and Low Property Taxes

A high risk score of 69.6 indicates strong natural disaster resilience, while a tax score of 79.7 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.556%. Median gross rent remains affordable at $708 per month.

Challenges in Water and Healthcare

Water quality is a major hurdle with a near-zero score of 0.6. Health outcomes also lag at 14.8, suggesting a need for better access to medical facilities and wellness services.

Best for Resilient Rural Pioneers

Atoka County suits individuals who value a low tax burden and a stable environment. It is a great fit for those looking to build a life in a community where housing dollars stretch further.

2040608010079.784.327.214.835.518.669.60.649.8Tax79.7Cost84.3Safety27.2Health14.8Schools35.5Income18.6Risk69.6Water0.6Weather49.847/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Atoka County DNA

Foverall

How Atoka County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Atoka County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.7+27.700000000000003
Cost
84.3+36.3
Safety
27.2-27.8
Health
14.8-35.2
Schools
35.5-18.5
Income
18.6-32.4
Risk
69.6+22.599999999999994
Water
0.6-57.4
Weather
49.8
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Many homeowners in Atoka County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$138,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$708/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$138,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,034/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

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Nearby counties

Coal County
Oklahoma
59.8
Pushmataha County
Oklahoma
51.6
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.7
Pittsburg County
Oklahoma
36.3
Bryan County
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35
Choctaw County
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46.2
Hughes County
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45.4
Pontotoc County
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42.9

Deep Dives

Atoka County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Atoka County

via TaxByCounty

Atoka stays well below national rates

Atoka County's 0.556% effective tax rate ranks below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in approximately the 30th percentile. Even with a slightly higher median home value of $138,000, Atoka residents pay far less than most American homeowners.

Atoka runs below state average

At 0.556%, Atoka County's rate undercuts Oklahoma's 0.652% state average by about 15%, ranking it in the lower quarter of all state counties. This gives Atoka homeowners a meaningful advantage over typical state residents.

Moderate taxes in southeastern Oklahoma

Atoka's 0.556% rate places it between Adair County (0.475%) and Bryan County (0.635%), making it a moderate option in the region. Southeastern Oklahoma counties show wider variation, with Atoka sitting comfortably in the lower range.

What $138,000 home costs yearly

Atoka homeowners on a median property pay $767 per year in taxes—about $2.10 daily. With mortgage-related fees included, the total reaches $1,114, still well below national averages for comparably-valued homes.

Challenge inflated property assessments

Many Atoka homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated assessed values that exceed actual market worth. Contact your county assessor's office to request a reassessment; documented evidence of lower comparable sales can reduce your burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Atoka County

via CostByCounty

Atoka rents eat a typical share of income

Atoka County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly below the state average of 17.0%, despite a median household income of $52,034—roughly 30% below the U.S. median. The county's $708 monthly rent reflects rural Oklahoma norms for housing affordability.

Middle-of-the-pack affordability statewide

Atoka ranks near the state average with a 16.3% rent-to-income ratio and $708 median rent, placing it solidly in Oklahoma's middle tier. The county offers neither the lowest nor highest housing burden compared to other state counties.

Mid-range costs for the region

Atoka's $708 rent falls between Adair ($650) and Beaver ($782), while its $595 owner cost is competitive with neighbors. The county positions itself as a moderate-cost option among its surrounding peers.

Balancing rent and ownership in Atoka

Median gross rent of $708 and median owner costs of $595 together represent roughly 25% of Atoka's $52,034 annual income. Renters face a slightly steeper burden than owners, though both remain manageable relative to national standards.

Atoka works for deliberate homebuyers

If you can purchase, Atoka's median home value of $138,000 and $595 monthly costs offer solid value in rural Oklahoma. Renters should compare Atoka's $708 rate against cheaper nearby options like Adair before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Atoka County

via IncomeByCounty

Atoka falls short of national earnings

Atoka County's median household income of $52,034 is 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This earnings gap is typical for rural southeastern Oklahoma counties with limited access to major employment centers.

Below Oklahoma's median income

At $52,034, Atoka's median household income trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by 11%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Oklahoma's 77 counties, with modest earning capacity.

Atoka exceeds immediate neighbors

Atoka's $52,034 income outpaces Adair County ($48,028) and Caddo County ($52,817) but trails Blaine County ($59,304). The variation reflects Atoka's mixed economic base of timber, agriculture, and light manufacturing.

Housing costs are reasonable

Atoka's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, though median home values of $138,000 are slightly elevated. Renters fare better than homebuyers relative to median income.

Maximize savings in affordable Atoka

With median income of $52,034 and low rent ratios, Atoka households can prioritize savings and retirement contributions. Start an automatic investment plan today—even $100 monthly compounds to over $43,000 in 20 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Atoka County

via CrimeByCounty

Atoka County beats national safety marks

Atoka County earns a safety score of 97.2, reflecting a strong culture of public security. The total crime rate of 1,763.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Oklahoma safety average

The county's total crime rate is nearly 900 points lower than the Oklahoma average of 2,647.7 per 100,000. Five reporting agencies contribute to a safety score that exceeds the state average of 95.8.

Safer than surrounding trade hubs

Atoka's crime rate of 1,763.8 is substantially lower than Bryan County's rate of 2,514.6. This makes Atoka a notably quieter neighbor within the southeastern Oklahoma region.

Property crime is the primary concern

With 1,480.5 property crimes per 100,000, these incidents make up the bulk of local law enforcement activity. The violent crime rate of 283.3 remains well below the national mark of 369.8.

Be smart about home security

Preventing property theft starts with simple habits like locking vehicles and securing garages. Community awareness and smart home technology help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Atoka County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Framework in Atoka

Atoka County's education system consists of 10 public schools across six districts, serving 2,333 students. The infrastructure is primarily built around six elementary schools and four high schools, with no stand-alone middle schools.

Graduation Rates Surpass State Average

Atoka County excels with an 87.3% graduation rate, beating both the Oklahoma state average and the national benchmark of 87%. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,874, which remains higher than the state average.

Spotlight on Atoka and Caney Districts

The Atoka district is the largest provider, educating 868 students across two schools. Other significant districts include Caney and Stringtown, and the county currently operates with zero charter school options.

Traditional Rural Learning Environments

The county features a 100% rural school locale mix, with an average school size of 233 students. Atoka Elementary is the largest single campus with 587 students, while the rest of the county offers even smaller, community-focused settings.

Move Near High-Performing Atoka Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state and national averages, Atoka County is an attractive destination for families. Consider exploring the local real estate market to find a home near these high-achieving rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Atoka County

via RiskByCounty

Atoka ranks among America's safest counties

Atoka County's composite risk score of 30.41 places it firmly in the "Very Low" category, well below the national average. This low exposure reflects the county's favorable position across most major natural hazard types.

Safest county profiled in Oklahoma

Atoka's 30.41 score significantly undercuts Oklahoma's 55.47 state average, making it the lowest-risk county in this analysis. The county's safety advantage spans flood, earthquake, and hurricane categories.

Atoka is a regional safety standout

At 30.41, Atoka scores lower than every neighboring county in this profile, including nearby Blaine (32.35) and distant Bryan County (74.55). This consistent advantage reflects the county's exceptionally manageable natural disaster exposure.

Wildfire poses Atoka's primary challenge

Wildfire risk scores 84.41, making it Atoka's most significant hazard despite the county's overall low-risk profile. Tornado risk at 49.75 remains moderate and manageable with standard preparedness measures.

Standard coverage suffices for low-risk Atoka

Basic homeowner's insurance with wildfire and standard weather coverage provides solid protection for Atoka residents. Prioritize wildfire mitigation around your home by removing dead trees and brush, then focus on maintaining emergency supplies for the tornado season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Atoka County

via WaterByCounty

Violation rates soar in Atoka County

Atoka County carries an F grade with a staggering 394 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 3,583.4 per 100,000 people is nearly four times higher than the Oklahoma state average.

Mercury and pH plague local watersheds

The 2022 assessment shows that 100% of monitored water bodies in Atoka County are impaired. Primary concerns include mercury levels, pH imbalances, and excessive chlorophyll-a growth.

Broad biological monitoring at 15 sites

A total of 16,365 measurements have been recorded across 15 monitoring sites over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits as well as biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton.

Muddy Boggy Creek nears record lows

Current flow at Muddy Boggy Creek near Farris is just 20 cfs, a mere 2% of its long-term mean. This critical low flow indicates severe drought conditions affecting the 1,089-square-mile drainage basin.

Urgent filtration needs for Atoka County

Extremely high violation rates and low streamflow create a high-risk environment for water quality. Residents should prioritize high-quality home filtration and stay informed about local utility notices regarding mercury and pH compliance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Atoka County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and High-Rainfall Southern Climate

Atoka County is significantly warmer than the national median, posting an average annual temperature of 62.1°F. It is also a high-moisture area, receiving 48.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Norms

Atoka County exceeds the state average temperature of 60.4°F by nearly two degrees. Its rainfall is also prolific, topping the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches by nearly 11 inches per year.

Mild Winters Among Southern Peers

With only 1.9 inches of annual snowfall, Atoka County has much milder winters than northern Oklahoma. Its climate more closely resembles the humid, warm patterns of the Ark-La-Tex region than the dry western plains.

Long Summers and Short, Wet Winters

Extreme heat is common here, with 82 days per year hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 82.8°F. Winters remain mild, with temperatures averaging 40.2°F in January and very little snow.

Manage Humidity and Sustained Heat

Effective air conditioning and dehumidification are vital for the 82 days of extreme heat and high rainfall. Given the 48.1 inches of annual precipitation, ensure your property has excellent drainage systems in place.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Atoka County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Atoka

Atoka County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.53, lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region but trails the Oklahoma state average of 6.06.

Balanced Sand and Clay Ratios

The soil contains 45.2% sand and 19.2% clay, which creates a fairly balanced texture for agricultural work. With 27.5% silt, the mix provides enough fine particles to assist with nutrient retention.

Resilient Water Holding Capacity

Organic matter stands at 1.40%, which is below the state average of 1.72%. However, the water capacity of 0.138 in/in remains close to the state average of 0.144, supporting decent crop resilience.

High Runoff Potential Challenges

The soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, which typically indicates high runoff potential and slow water movement. Gardeners and builders should account for these slow infiltration rates when planning drainage.

Heat-Tolerant Crops in Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a long growing season for heat-tolerant plants like okra and sweet potatoes. Adding compost will help improve the low organic matter and make the most of Atoka's warm climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Atoka County

via LawnByCounty

Atoka's Challenging Turf Environment

Atoka County faces a difficult lawn score of 39.7, making it one of the harder places in Oklahoma to keep a lawn green. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, the combination of heat and soil acidity creates a high-maintenance environment.

Steamy Summers and Heavy Rain

Lawns must endure 82 extreme heat days and a high 5,451 growing degree days, which accelerates plant metabolism. While the 48.1 inches of annual precipitation is generous, much of it can be lost to evaporation during the hot July peak of 82.8°F.

Adjusting for Acidic Foundations

The soil pH of 5.53 is acidic and likely requires lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With 45.2% sand and 19.2% clay, the soil structure provides a decent balance for root penetration despite the chemical imbalances.

Navigating 19 Weeks of Drought

Despite high rainfall, the county spent 19 weeks in drought last year, with 11.5% currently in severe conditions. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to improve water retention during the long, hot growing season.

Beat the Heat with Zone 8a Turf

Heat-tolerant varieties like Bermudagrass or St. Augustine are best suited for these conditions. Start your lawn after the April 5 frost to ensure establishment before the heavy heat of 82 extreme days begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atoka County's county score?
Atoka County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 47 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 Atoka County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Atoka County ranks #21 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 Atoka County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Atoka County is $767, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Atoka County a tax score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atoka County?
The median household income in Atoka County, Oklahoma is $52,034 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atoka County earns an income score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atoka County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Atoka County scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Atoka 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 Atoka County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.