44
County Score
Property Tax 79.7Disaster Risk 67.7Cost of Living 65

County Report Card

About Blaine County, Oklahoma

Blaine County Below National Median

Blaine County earns a composite score of 44.0, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the 38th percentile for overall livability in the United States.

Slightly Ahead of State Averages

While trailing nationally, Blaine County exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It provides a more favorable tax and risk profile than many of its immediate neighbors.

Low Taxes and Natural Resilience

The county excels with a tax score of 79.7, benefiting from a low 0.556% effective tax rate. A risk score of 67.7 indicates that the area is relatively well-prepared for natural disasters.

Struggles with Water and Health

Water quality is a significant challenge with a score of only 9.3. Health metrics also remain low at 12.9, indicating limited access to high-quality medical care.

Suited for Independent Rural Living

Blaine County is a good fit for those who prioritize a low tax burden and environmental safety. It appeals to residents who are comfortable managing their own utility needs in exchange for fiscal benefits.

2040608010079.76519.512.944.336.867.79.357.6Tax79.7Cost65Safety19.5Health12.9Schools44.3Income36.8Risk67.7Water9.3Weather57.644/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Blaine County DNA

Foverall

How Blaine County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Blaine County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (79.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.7+27.700000000000003
Cost
65+17
Safety
19.5-35.5
Health
12.9-37.1
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
36.8-14.200000000000003
Risk
67.7+20.700000000000003
Water
9.3-48.7
Weather
57.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Blaine County

Whether buying or refinancing in Blaine County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$126,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$842/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$126,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,304/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Blaine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Blaine County

via TaxByCounty

Blaine's rate remains below national median

Blaine County's 0.556% effective tax rate falls well below the national median of 0.87%, ranking it around the 30th percentile nationally. Homes valued at $126,200 generate affordable tax bills in national context.

Blaine ranks lower-middle in Oklahoma

At 0.556%, Blaine County sits about 15% below Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, placing it in the lower quarter of all counties statewide. Blaine homeowners enjoy noticeably lighter tax burdens than typical Oklahomans.

Blaine pairs well against region peers

Blaine's 0.556% rate ties with Atoka County and significantly undercuts Beaver County (0.761%) by 20 percentage points. Among Oklahoma's central panhandle, Blaine offers moderate taxation.

Annual bill on $126,200 home

The median Blaine County home generates $702 in yearly property taxes—about $1.92 per day. Total annual costs with mortgage-related fees reach $958, keeping Blaine homeowners below state averages.

Verify your assessment's accuracy

Blaine County residents should cross-check their assessed value against recent local sales to ensure fair taxation. A reassessment request costs nothing and may uncover inflated valuations that reduce your annual bill.

Cost of Living in Blaine County

via CostByCounty

Blaine matches Oklahoma's affordability baseline

Blaine County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio exactly mirrors Oklahoma's state average, with $842 monthly rent eating a standard slice of the $59,304 median income. The county sits squarely in the middle of national affordability ranges for rural areas.

Right at Oklahoma's statewide average

At 17.0%, Blaine's rent-to-income ratio perfectly matches Oklahoma's state average, making it a benchmark county for the region. The $842 rent is higher than the state average of $814, offset by a stronger median income of $59,304.

Higher rent, higher income balance

Blaine's $842 monthly rent is the second-highest in the region after Beckham County at $821, yet its $59,304 income provides better cushioning. The $649 owner cost remains competitive for someone seeking to buy.

Blaine's housing split favors homebuyers

Renters pay $842 monthly (17.0% of income) while owners pay $649 (13.1% of income), creating a significant advantage for those who can purchase. Combined, typical housing consumes roughly 30% of Blaine's median household income.

Blaine rewards first-time homebuyers

If you're ready to buy, Blaine's $649 monthly cost and $126,200 median home value make it an attractive option. Renters should note the $842 rate and compare it against cheaper nearby counties like Adair or Alfalfa.

Income & Jobs in Blaine County

via IncomeByCounty

Blaine's income approaches national median

Blaine County's median household income of $59,304 is 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but represents solid earning capacity for a rural Oklahoma county. The panhandle region's agricultural ties support this moderate income level.

Slightly above Oklahoma average

At $59,304, Blaine's median household income edges out Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by 2%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier among Oklahoma's 77 counties. The county's economy shows modest strength relative to state peers.

Blaine ranks mid-tier among peers

Blaine's $59,304 income trails Alfalfa ($67,870) and Beaver ($64,266) but exceeds Adair ($48,028) and Atoka ($52,034). The county sits between panhandle strength and southern/eastern county weakness.

Housing costs rise here

Blaine's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% is moderate but edging higher, and median home values of $126,200 exceed several neighboring counties. Families planning to buy should carefully assess affordability relative to the $59,304 median income.

Steady wealth building for Blaine

With median income of $59,304 and moderate housing costs, Blaine residents can build wealth through consistent saving. Open a high-yield savings account for emergencies, then funnel surplus income into low-cost index funds or retirement accounts.

Safety in Blaine County

via CrimeByCounty

Blaine County remains safer than average

Blaine County earns a safety score of 96.7, reflecting a peaceful community relative to national trends. The total crime rate is 2,101.4 per 100,000, comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Ahead of Oklahoma's safety benchmarks

Blaine County's safety score of 96.7 is nearly a full point higher than the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Six reporting agencies work together to keep crime below the state average of 2,647.7.

Consistent safety with neighboring counties

Blaine's crime rate of 2,101.4 is almost identical to Caddo County's rate of 2,103.3. Both counties represent a safer alternative to the higher crime rates found in Oklahoma's metropolitan centers.

Breaking down the crime data

The property crime rate of 1,812.7 is lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also lower than national figures, coming in at 288.7 per 100,000 residents.

Effective home security strategies

Maintaining the county's safety requires residents to stay vigilant about property protection. Simple improvements like upgrading door locks and adding motion sensors can discourage local theft and burglary.

Schools in Blaine County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in Blaine County

Blaine County provides a complete educational ladder with 14 public schools across five districts. The system serves 2,146 students through five elementary schools, four middle schools, and five high schools.

High Scores and Solid Graduation Rates

Blaine County earns a school score of 53.3, which is significantly higher than the state average of 49.5. The graduation rate of 86.3% also outperforms the state, supported by a healthy $7,793 per-pupil expenditure.

Hydro-Eakly and Okeene Districts

The Hydro-Eakly district is the largest in the county with 487 students, followed by Okeene with 328 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings, as there are no charter schools available.

Rural Focus with Town Hubs

Eleven of the county's schools are rural, but three are located in town settings, offering some variety in environment. Average school size is 153 students, with Watonga Elementary serving as the largest campus with 351 students.

Find Your Home in Blaine County

Blaine County's combination of high school scores and above-average graduation rates makes it a smart choice for families. Look for homes in Watonga or Hydro to be near the county’s largest educational centers.

Disaster Risk in Blaine County

via RiskByCounty

Blaine ranks well below national risk average

Blaine County scores 32.35 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the "Very Low" category and notably safer than typical U.S. counties. This favorable profile reflects manageable exposure across most hazard types.

Among Oklahoma's lowest-risk counties

At 32.35 versus Oklahoma's 55.47 average, Blaine ranks well below state baseline, positioning it among the state's safest counties. This advantage spans flood, earthquake, and hurricane categories.

Blaine is regionally quite safe

Blaine's 32.35 score places it near Atoka (30.41) as one of the region's safest counties, significantly outperforming higher-risk neighbors like Adair (53.82). The county's consistency across low hazard categories is a regional strength.

Wildfire and tornado pose modest threats

Wildfire risk of 63.14 is Blaine's most elevated hazard, though it remains moderate compared to state averages. Tornado risk at 51.69 indicates typical seasonal storm activity requiring standard preparedness.

Maintain standard protective insurance coverage

Blaine County residents should carry homeowner's insurance that includes wildfire and tornado/wind coverage appropriate to the county's moderate exposure. Focus on basic preparedness including a family emergency plan and clearing dead vegetation from around your home.

Water Quality in Blaine County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F for drinking water safety

Blaine County receives an F grade based on 28 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 366.0 per 100,000 remains better than the Oklahoma state average of 960.4.

Partial impairment in local waterways

The 2022 ATTAINS data shows that 50% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. Turbidity is identified as the primary cause for failing to meet Clean Water Act standards.

Sparse monitoring at four local sites

Blaine County has a relatively small monitoring footprint with only 1,081 measurements recorded at four sites. These records focus on physical properties and biological indicators like algae and nutrients.

North Canadian River flow is low

The gauge near Watonga shows the North Canadian River flowing at 9 cfs, just 6% of its typical volume. This reflects a significant deficit for a river system draining over 13,000 square miles.

Filtering for turbidity and clarity

Because half of local waters suffer from high turbidity, residents should use sediment filters to protect plumbing and improve water quality. Low river flows may also affect the consistency of municipal water sources during dry spells.

Weather & Climate in Blaine County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Variable Rainfall

Blaine County averages 59.8°F annually, which is warmer than the national median. It receives 31.1 inches of annual precipitation, placing it in a temperate but occasionally dry climatic zone.

A Representative Oklahoma Climate

Blaine County's annual temperature of 59.8°F is nearly identical to the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. Its 31.1 inches of rain is slightly lower than the state's 37.2-inch average, reflecting its central-west location.

Transitioning Toward the Western Plains

With 7.5 inches of snow, Blaine County sees more winter accumulation than southern counties but less than the panhandle. It shares a similar extreme heat profile with its neighbors, averaging 78 days above 90°F.

Strong Summer Heat and Crisp Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with 78 days of extreme heat and a July average of 82.4°F. Winter brings relief but also cold, with January temperatures averaging 37.5°F and regular snowfall of 7.5 inches.

HVAC Resilience for Year-Round Comfort

Home systems must be ready for 78 days of 90°F+ heat and winter lows that support 7.5 inches of snow. Seasonal maintenance for heating and cooling units is highly recommended to manage the variable Oklahoma weather.

Soil Quality in Blaine County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH in Blaine

Blaine County soil is almost perfectly balanced with a pH of 6.46, very close to the national 6.5 median. This is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.06, making it highly adaptable.

Strong Physical Soil Structure

The soil contains 45.9% sand, 30.8% silt, and 17.0% clay. This blend offers good physical structure, providing enough clay for nutrient retention while the sand ensures easy plowing.

Competitive State-Level Fertility

Organic matter sits at 1.42%, trailing the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. However, the water capacity of 0.141 in/in is quite competitive, nearly matching the state benchmark of 0.144 in/in.

Managing High Runoff Risks

Belonging to Hydrologic Group D, the soil exhibits high runoff potential during heavy rains. Local growers should manage the land to prevent erosion, as specific drainage class data is currently limited.

Diverse Gardens in Zone 7b

Zone 7b supports a variety of garden staples from tomatoes to legumes. The soil's balanced pH and decent water capacity make it a great place to start a backyard vegetable plot.

Lawn Care in Blaine County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Blaine County

Blaine County scores a 52.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than in much of the state. This Zone 7b county offers a solid environment for those looking to establish a lush landscape.

Typical Oklahoma Heat and Rain

The county receives 31.1 inches of rain and experiences 78 extreme heat days, closely mirroring state averages. These conditions support 4,974 growing degree days, providing a long window for lawn development and maintenance.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Uptake

The soil pH of 6.46 is excellent for turf, as most nutrients are readily available to plants in this range. A blend of 45.9% sand and 17.0% clay creates a soil foundation that drains well while maintaining enough body to support growth.

Managing 19 Weeks of Dryness

While Blaine County faced 19 weeks of drought last year, only 2.2% of the area is currently in severe drought. Regular monitoring and deep watering can help lawns withstand the 82.4°F average July temperatures.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Recommended grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda should be planted after the April 7 spring frost. With a first fall frost not expected until November 2, there is plenty of time for new lawns to take root.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blaine County's county score?
Blaine County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 44 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 Blaine County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Blaine County ranks #29 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 Blaine County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Blaine County is $702, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Blaine County a tax score of 79.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blaine County?
The median household income in Blaine County, Oklahoma is $59,304 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blaine County earns an income score of 36.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blaine County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Blaine County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Blaine 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 Blaine County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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