countyscore
42.9
County Score
Weather & Climate 57.4Cost of Living 57Property Tax 54

County Report Card

About Beckham County, Oklahoma

Beckham County Trails National Benchmarks

Beckham County receives a composite score of 42.9, falling below the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the 36th percentile of U.S. counties.

Matching the Oklahoma State Baseline

The county’s score of 42.9 is almost identical to the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It represents the typical Oklahoma experience, balancing low costs with rural infrastructure challenges.

Affordable Living and Decent Schools

Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 57.0 and a median home value of $153,400. The school system performs moderately well for the region, earning a score of 42.2.

Lagging Incomes and Health Metrics

A low income score of 19.4 reflects a median household income of $52,323, which is lower than many peer counties. Health outcomes also face headwinds, evidenced by a score of 20.9.

A Practical Option for Budgeting

Beckham County is best for individuals who need to keep living expenses low while staying connected to Oklahoma's baseline services. It offers a standard rural lifestyle with predictable costs.

Score breakdown

Tax54Cost57Safety41.3Health20.9Schools42.2Income19.4Risk42.2Water41.6Weather57.4
🏛54
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.7
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Beckham County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Beckham County with Limestone County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Limestone County
Alabama
Median income: $83,534
42.9
San Luis Obispo County
California
Median income: $93,398
42.9
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
Median income: $58,622
42.9
Big Horn County
Montana
Median income: $56,680
42.9
Suffolk County
New York
Median income: $128,329
42.9
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
Median income: $62,564
42.9
Yankton County
South Dakota
Median income: $73,855
42.9
Calaveras County
California
Median income: $79,877
43

Nearby counties

Greer County
Oklahoma
53.5
Harmon County
Oklahoma
54.5
Wheeler County
Texas
48.8
Roger Mills County
Oklahoma
58.7
Collingsworth County
Texas
58.7
Kiowa County
Oklahoma
55.5
Washita County
Oklahoma
53.8
Custer County
Oklahoma
41.4

Deep Dives

Beckham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Beckham County

via TaxByCounty

Beckham County's highest-in-state rates

Beckham County's 0.792% effective tax rate ranks above the national median of 0.87%, placing it among the nation's higher-tax counties. With a median home value of $153,400, Beckham homeowners face annual bills exceeding most Oklahoma peers.

Beckham leads Oklahoma in tax rates

At 0.792%, Beckham County has the highest effective tax rate among all 77 Oklahoma counties, 22% above the state average of 0.652%. Beckham residents pay significantly more than typical Oklahomans on comparable properties.

Beckham dominates western Oklahoma rates

Beckham's 0.792% rate far exceeds neighboring Beaver County (0.761%) and all other surrounding counties in the Panhandle region. Western Oklahomans relocating to Beckham should expect the state's steepest property tax climb.

What $153,400 home costs yearly

The median Beckham County home triggers $1,215 in annual property taxes—roughly $3.33 daily. With mortgage-related fees, residents pay $1,520 per year, the highest median tax bill among all Oklahoma counties in this analysis.

Challenge assessments to reclaim savings

Beckham County homeowners should carefully verify their assessed values against current market sales, as overassessment costs compound at the county's high rate. Even a small reduction in assessed value can save $100+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Beckham County

via CostByCounty

Beckham County's housing burden runs high

Beckham County residents face an 18.8% rent-to-income ratio—significantly above both Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and most national benchmarks. Despite earning $52,323 annually, renters pay $821 monthly, making Beckham one of the least affordable counties in this analysis.

Among Oklahoma's least affordable counties

Beckham's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Oklahoma, placing it in the affordability basement statewide. The county's median rent of $821 exceeds the state average by roughly $7, compounding the burden on lower incomes.

Beckham's costs outpace regional neighbors

At $821 monthly rent, Beckham is the priciest rental market in this eight-county group, significantly above Beaver County's $782 and Adair's $650. Even owner costs of $786 represent the second-highest burden in the region.

Housing consumes nearly a fifth of income

Median gross rent of $821 and median owner costs of $786 together claim roughly 31% of Beckham's $52,323 annual household income. Renters especially face tight budgets, as rent alone approaches one-fifth of gross earnings.

Beckham challenges tight-budget relocators

Unless your income exceeds Beckham's median of $52,323, or you can purchase a home, budget carefully before relocating here. The county's 18.8% rent burden leaves renters with less financial flexibility than most Oklahoma alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Beckham County

via IncomeByCounty

Beckham's income lags nationally

Beckham County's median household income of $52,323 is 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap is consistent with rural western Oklahoma counties facing limited economic diversification.

Below state average for Oklahoma

At $52,323, Beckham's median household income trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by 10%. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier among Oklahoma's 77 counties by household earnings.

Beckham faces affordability pressure

Beckham's $52,323 income is comparable to Atoka ($52,034) and Caddo ($52,817), but notably lags Beaver ($64,266) and Blaine ($59,304). This clustering reflects the economic divide between panhandle and western/southern counties.

Housing costs strain budgets

Beckham's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% is the highest among these eight counties, indicating housing expenses consume a larger share of household income. Median home values of $153,400 further stress affordability relative to median income.

Strategic planning crucial in Beckham

With median income of $52,323 and elevated housing costs, Beckham families must prioritize budgeting and debt reduction before investing. Focus on building an emergency fund and paying down high-interest debt to free up capital for wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Beckham County

via CrimeByCounty

High safety scores in Beckham County

Beckham County holds a safety score of 97.9, signaling a very secure environment for local families. The total crime rate of 1,327.7 per 100,000 is over 1,000 points lower than the national average.

Outperforming Oklahoma state averages

With a safety score of 97.9, Beckham far exceeds the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Local law enforcement across five agencies maintains a crime rate less than half the state average of 2,647.7.

Leading the region in security

Beckham County reports a crime rate of 1,327.7, proving safer than nearby Blaine and Caddo counties. It maintains one of the strongest safety profiles in the western Oklahoma region.

Violent crime remains very rare

The violent crime rate of 152.5 is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,175.2, which is also well below the national property crime rate.

Proactive protection for your property

Property crime constitutes most of the local reports, making home security a smart investment. Simple steps like parcel lockers and alarm systems help keep Beckham County one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Beckham County

via HealthByCounty

Below national average, but improving

At 72.2 years, Beckham County's life expectancy falls about 3.2 years short of the U.S. average of 75.4 years. Just under 22% report poor or fair health, closer to the national average of 18% than many Oklahoma counties, suggesting manageable health challenges.

Slightly below state average

Beckham County's 72.2-year life expectancy runs 0.5 years below Oklahoma's average of 72.7 years, placing it near the state midpoint. Its 21.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, indicating more chronic disease and preventable illness than typical.

Moderate health standing regionally

Beckham County's 72.2-year life expectancy trails Alfalfa (77.7 years) and Beaver (76.5 years) but exceeds Adair (69.3 years) and Caddo (69.0 years). With 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Beckham offers solid access to routine care compared to neighboring counties.

Moderate coverage, good provider access

At 15.5%, Beckham County's uninsured rate closely mirrors Oklahoma's state average of 15.3%, suggesting healthcare stability for most residents. The county supports 50 primary care providers and 313 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, delivering solid healthcare infrastructure.

Strengthen your safety net

Even though most Beckham County residents are insured, gaps remain—especially for those earning just above eligibility thresholds. Check Healthcare.gov or ChooseOK.org to see if you qualify for subsidies or coverage upgrades that improve your access to preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Beckham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Beckham County’s Robust School System

Beckham County features 13 public schools across five districts, serving nearly 4,000 students. The infrastructure is well-balanced, consisting of five elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Exceptional Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 92.1% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 84.3% and the national 87% benchmark. This high achievement is reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,979, showing remarkable efficiency compared to state and national spending.

Elk City and Sayre Districts

Elk City is the primary district, managing four schools and 2,108 students—over half the county's total enrollment. Sayre follows with 694 students, and like neighboring counties, Beckham operates without any charter schools.

A Mix of Town and Rural Locales

The county offers a diverse locale mix with eight rural schools and five town-based schools. While the average school size is 304 students, Elk City Elementary is a significant hub with 753 students, providing a more populated school experience.

Settle Near Top-Tier Graduation Rates

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Beckham County is a premier choice for education-minded homebuyers. Explore homes in Elk City or Sayre to take advantage of these successful school programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Beckham County

via RiskByCounty

Beckham exceeds national risk baseline noticeably

Beckham County's composite risk score of 57.82 positions it in the "Relatively Low" category but distinctly above typical U.S. county exposure. This elevated score reflects significant tornado and wildfire risks that drive the overall hazard picture.

Slightly above Oklahoma's average risk

Beckham's 57.82 score edges above Oklahoma's 55.47 average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk. The county faces greater tornado exposure than most of its state peers.

Beckham faces elevated regional risk

At 57.82, Beckham scores higher than safer neighbors like Beaver (37.82) but lower than Bryan County (74.55). Its tornado risk of 86.74 stands out as particularly severe within the regional context.

Tornadoes and wildfires threaten Beckham

Tornado risk at 86.74 is exceptionally high, making Beckham one of Oklahoma's tornado-prone counties—residents face significant seasonal storm danger. Wildfire risk of 90.71 compounds the threat, creating a dual hazard environment.

Prioritize tornado shelter and wildfire coverage

Beckham residents must ensure homeowner's insurance covers tornado damage and include wildfire protection, as both hazards pose substantial threats. Invest in a reinforced shelter or safe room designed to withstand tornado winds, and maintain defensible space around your property by clearing vegetation within 30-50 feet of structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Beckham County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Plains Thermal Profile

Beckham County's 59.9°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than the national median. It receives a modest 26.5 inches of precipitation, typical for the transition zone into the western plains.

Aligning Closely with Oklahoma Averages

Beckham County's 59.9°F average temperature sits just below the statewide average of 60.4°F. However, it is notably drier than the state average, receiving about 10 inches less annual precipitation.

Western Dryness with Moderate Snow

Compared to eastern neighbors, Beckham County is significantly drier with 26.5 inches of rain. Its 6.6 inches of annual snowfall represents a middle ground between the snowy panhandle and the nearly snowless south.

Hot Summers and Breezy, Cool Winters

The county records 80 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 81.8°F. Winters are generally cool and dry, with a January average of 38.0°F and roughly 6.6 inches of snow.

Heat Protection and Wind Awareness

Prepare for 80 days of temperatures over 90°F by ensuring your home has high-efficiency cooling and attic insulation. Winterizing pipes is also recommended for the weeks when January temperatures average 38°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Beckham County

via SoilByCounty

Beckham's Neutral Growing Environment

Beckham County maintains a near-neutral pH of 6.68, sitting just above the national median of 6.5. This makes the soil less acidic than the average Oklahoma profile of 6.06.

Versatile Farming Soil Texture

The soil mix consists of 44.1% sand, 29.0% silt, and 17.5% clay. This ratio provides a versatile base for farming, though the high sand content suggests it may dry out faster than more silty soils.

Limited Water Holding Capacity

Organic matter is low at 0.97%, falling well short of the state average of 1.72%. With a water capacity of 0.129 in/in, the soil holds less moisture than the state benchmark of 0.144 in/in.

Potential for Surface Runoff

The land belongs to Hydrologic Group D, indicating that despite the sandy texture, the deeper layers may resist water infiltration. This can lead to surface runoff during intense Western Oklahoma thunderstorms.

Cotton and Peppers in Zone 7b

Zone 7b is ideal for cotton and heat-loving vegetables like peppers. To overcome low organic matter, residents should integrate compost to boost the soil's natural productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Beckham County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the High Plains Turf

Beckham County’s lawn difficulty score of 40.7 reflects the significant challenges of growing grass in Hardiness Zone 7b. It remains more difficult than the national average due to intense drought pressure and lower-than-average rainfall.

Low Rainfall and High Heat

With only 26.5 inches of annual rain, Beckham County falls short of the state average by nearly 11 inches. Eighty extreme heat days combined with 4,927 growing degree days create a demanding environment that requires careful watering schedules.

Stable pH in Sandy Silt

The soil pH of 6.68 is nearly perfect for lawn health, sitting squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The 44.1% sand content helps with aeration, while 17.5% clay provides the structure needed to retain some moisture.

Battling Extreme Drought Conditions

Beckham County spent a grueling 30 weeks in drought over the past year, with 67.3% of the area currently in severe drought. Water conservation is critical here; consider using drip irrigation or xeriscaping to supplement traditional turf.

Plan for a Resilient Lawn

Sow heat-hardy seeds like Bermudagrass after the April 11 frost to capitalize on the 4,927 growing degree days. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost hits around November 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beckham County's county score?
Beckham County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42.9 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 Beckham County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Beckham County ranks #34 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 Beckham County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Beckham County is $1,215, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Beckham County a tax score of 54/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Beckham County?
The median household income in Beckham County, Oklahoma is $52,323 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Beckham County earns an income score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Beckham County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Beckham County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Beckham 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 Beckham County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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