countyscore
46.9
County Score
Cost of Living 84.4Property Tax 78Disaster 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.

204060801007884.427.214.835.520.869.60.649.8Tax78Cost84.4Safety27.2Health14.8Schools35.5Income20.8Risk69.6Water0.6Weather49.846.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Atoka County DNA

Foverall

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

Atoka County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78+26
Cost
84.4+36.400000000000006
Safety
27.2-27.8
Health
14.8-35.2
Schools
35.5-18.5
Income
20.8-30.2
Risk
69.6+22.599999999999994
Water
0.6-57.4
Weather
49.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Atoka County?

Many homeowners in Atoka County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$157,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$708/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$157,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,785/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Atoka County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atoka County's county score?
Atoka County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 46.9 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 $872, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Atoka County a tax score of 78/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atoka County?
The median household income in Atoka County, Oklahoma is $54,785 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atoka County earns an income score of 20.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atoka County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Atoka County scores 46.9/100 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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