countyscore
30.7
County Score
Property Tax 56.1Lawn Care 52.2Weather & Climate 47.3

County Report Card

About Carter County, Oklahoma

Navigating a Lower National Ranking

With a composite score of 31.3, Carter County sits roughly 19 points below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant room for improvement across environmental and infrastructure dimensions.

Trailing the State Average

Carter County's overall score of 31.3 remains lower than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It ranks in the bottom half of the state, struggling to match the livability metrics of its higher-performing peers.

Competitive Taxes and Home Prices

The county offers reasonable tax burdens with a score of 55.5 and an effective tax rate of 0.772%. Housing is also relatively accessible, as evidenced by a cost score of 49.8 and a median home value of $153,500.

Concerns in Health and Infrastructure

Health scores are low at 19.8, while the water quality score of 10.8 indicates infrastructure needs. Safety also poses a challenge with a score of only 10.6.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Homebuyers

Carter County is a fit for residents looking for low property taxes and manageable home prices. However, families may need to account for lower health services and public school performance.

2040608010056.146.210.619.822.635.825.110.847.3Tax56.1Cost46.2Safety10.6Health19.8Schools22.6Income35.8Risk25.1Water10.8Weather47.330.7/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Carter County DNA

Foverall

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

Carter County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (10.8/100), though Property Tax (56.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56.1
Cost
46.2
Safety
10.6-44.4
Health
19.8-30.2
Schools
22.6-31.4
Income
35.8-15.200000000000003
Risk
25.1-21.9
Water
10.8-47.2
Weather
47.3-8.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Carter County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$980/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,723/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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Nearby counties

Murray County
Oklahoma
45.6
Love County
Oklahoma
43.7
Garvin County
Oklahoma
41.4
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.1
Marshall County
Oklahoma
39.5
Cooke County
Texas
37.7
Jefferson County
Oklahoma
48.8
Stephens County
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39.4

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carter County

via TaxByCounty

Carter County taxes track near national average

Carter County's effective tax rate of 0.772% sits slightly above the national median of 0.652%, placing it firmly in the middle range of U.S. counties. Median property taxes of $1,185 on a $153,500 home fall well below the national median tax of $2,690.

Carter ranks mid-tier in Oklahoma

With an effective rate of 0.772%, Carter County sits in the middle of Oklahoma's 77 counties, comfortably below the state average of 0.652%—actually slightly above. This moderate position reflects balanced county services and infrastructure funding relative to peers.

Competitive with Cherokee and Comanche

Carter County's 0.772% rate falls between Cherokee County's lower 0.565% and Comanche County's higher 0.898%. Among its regional cohort, Carter offers a middle-ground tax environment for property owners.

Annual tax bill averages $1,185

On a median home value of $153,500, Carter County homeowners pay approximately $1,185 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes climb to $1,589; without, they drop to $749 as escrow and adjustments shift.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Carter County homeowners should review their assessed values, as one in five assessments nationally contain errors favoring the taxing authority. A low-cost appeal could trim your annual bill if your home was assessed above fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carter County

via IncomeByCounty

Carter County slightly below national income

Carter County's median household income of $58,856 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $15,899, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. At 21% below the national average, the county faces typical income challenges of rural Oklahoma.

Middle-ranking among Oklahoma counties

Carter County's median household income slightly edges the state average of $58,273 by just $583, placing it near the middle of Oklahoma's 77 counties. Per capita income of $32,628 runs 6% above the state average of $30,609.

Comparable to Comanche, behind Cleveland

Carter County's $58,856 matches Comanche County ($59,000) nearly identically, while trailing Cleveland County ($74,446) by $15,590. Regional variation suggests proximity to urban centers drives income differences.

Rent remains manageable, housing accessible

Carter County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% stays comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, giving renters breathing room. A median home value of $153,500 makes homeownership achievable for typical households.

Steady income supports modest wealth goals

While Carter County incomes sit below national levels, they're stable enough to support savings and retirement planning. Even modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts and emergency funds compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carter County

via CrimeByCounty

Carter County sits near the national average

Carter County earns a solid safety score of 95.7, aligning closely with the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 2,719.8 per 100,000 residents is only slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

A middle-tier performer in Oklahoma safety

The county's total crime rate of 2,719.8 is very similar to the state average of 2,647.7. Seven different reporting agencies provide the data that maintains this stable safety profile for local communities.

Higher crime volume than nearby Cherokee County

Carter County's crime rate of 2,719.8 is roughly 57% higher than Cherokee County's rate of 1,725.3. Despite this, Carter County maintains a safety score that is nearly identical to the state average.

Violent crime exceeds national benchmarks

The violent crime rate stands at 580.9 per 100,000, which is roughly 57% higher than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of reports at 2,138.9, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,015.7.

Practical steps for Carter County safety

Since property crime is the most frequent occurrence, residents should invest in smart locks and motion-sensor cameras. Simple habits like locking vehicles and keeping garage doors closed can deter opportunistic thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carter County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern warmth in the Arbuckles

Carter County averages 62.9°F annually, placing it well above the national median for temperature. Its position in Southern Oklahoma ensures a long, warm growing season typical of the American South.

Ranks among Oklahoma's warmer counties

With an annual average of 62.9°F, Carter County is notably warmer than the state average of 60.4°F. Its 36.7 inches of rain aligns closely with the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Carter County is significantly warmer than central counties like Cleveland, which averages 60.7°F. This region serves as a transition zone where the Plains meet the hotter Red River valley.

Intense heat and brief winters

The county endures 83 days of extreme heat over 90°F, one of the higher counts in the region. Winters are mild, featuring a January average of 41.1°F and a sparse 2.5 inches of annual snow.

Prioritize summer cooling needs

Outdoor activities require careful planning during the 81.8°F average summer months to avoid heat exhaustion. Property owners can expect minimal snow removal but should prepare for heavy thunderstorms during the spring rain season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carter County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral soils near the national ideal

Carter County features a pH of 6.46, placing it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 6.06. This near-neutral acidity makes the soil highly versatile for a wide range of plants without intensive chemical adjustment. The county earns a solid soil score of 44.6, significantly higher than the Oklahoma average.

Sand-heavy texture with significant clay

The soil composition consists of 40.9% sand and 21.4% clay, providing a unique mix of drainage and structure. The higher clay percentage compared to neighboring counties helps the soil maintain its shape and hold onto minerals. This mix prevents the soil from drying out as rapidly as purely sandy soils might.

Moderate organic matter and water storage

Organic matter content stands at 1.42%, trailing the national average of 2.0% but matching many of its regional neighbors. The available water capacity is 0.142 in/in, which is just slightly below the state average. Farmers may need to focus on adding compost or cover crops to improve these fertility benchmarks over time.

Hydrologic challenges for heavy rain

Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, these soils exhibit very slow infiltration and high runoff potential. This classification suggests that during Oklahoma's heavy spring rains, the soil saturates quickly and sheds excess water. Proper site grading is essential for any construction projects in this area.

Long growing seasons in zone 8a

Located in hardiness zone 8a, Carter County enjoys a long growing season that supports everything from peaches to summer squash. The near-perfect pH level allows for successful ornamental gardening and productive small-scale farming. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to establish a permanent orchard or perennial garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carter County

via LawnByCounty

Carter County Tops State Lawn Difficulty Scores

With a score of 52.2, Carter County is one of the easier places in Oklahoma to grow a lawn, outperforming the national median of 50.0. The transition to Hardiness Zone 8a signals a warmer environment that is particularly hospitable to southern turf varieties. This higher score reflects a more favorable balance of soil and climate than neighboring regions.

Hot Summers and Ample Growing Degree Days

The county experiences 83 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 76 days. This heat is supported by 5,652 growing degree days, providing a robust engine for grass growth throughout the year. Annual precipitation of 36.7 inches almost matches the state average, providing a solid baseline for hydration.

Optimal Soil pH for Southern Grasses

Soil in Carter County hits a near-perfect pH of 6.46, falling squarely within the ideal range for a healthy lawn. The soil composition includes 21.4% clay and 40.9% sand, which offers a decent balance of drainage and nutrient retention. This naturally balanced foundation means homeowners spend less on chemical adjustments compared to more acidic neighboring counties.

Severe Drought Affects One-Third of the County

While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, 35.1% currently faces severe drought conditions. Residents have managed 20 weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation a critical part of lawn maintenance. Mulching clippings back into the lawn can help retain soil moisture during these high-stress periods.

Warm-Season Varieties Thrive in Zone 8a

The mild Zone 8a climate makes St. Augustine or Bermuda grass ideal for local yards. Plan your major lawn projects after the April 6 spring frost to take advantage of the long growing season that lasts until November 14. This extended window gives you plenty of time to establish a thick, heat-resistant canopy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carter County's county score?
Carter County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 30.7 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 Carter County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Carter County ranks #73 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 Carter County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Carter County is $1,244, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Oklahoma is $60,723 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 35.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Carter County scores 30.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Carter 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 Carter 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.