Carter County scores 65.0 on the composite index, 30% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks solidly in the upper third nationally for overall livability and quality of life.
2 / 5
Competitive Within Oklahoma
At 65.0, Carter County tracks slightly below Oklahoma's 68.4 average but remains a respectable performer statewide. The county positions itself as a middle-tier option among Oklahoma's county livability rankings.
3 / 5
Affordability Champion of the Region
Carter County excels at affordability with the second-highest cost score (80.2) and the lowest effective tax rate (0.772%) among these eight counties. Renters enjoy particularly low costs at $945/month, and home values average $153,500.
4 / 5
Low Incomes Constrain Opportunity
The county's income score of 21.8 is severely limited, with median household income at just $58,856. Health outcomes also lag at 56.9, and environmental risk scores at 25.1 warrant attention.
5 / 5
Ideal for Frugal, Fixed-Income Residents
Carter County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and anyone seeking minimal living costs with low taxes. It's less suitable for professionals seeking higher incomes or those prioritizing robust health infrastructure.
Carter County scores 65.0 on the composite index, 30% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks solidly in the upper third nationally for overall livability and quality of life.
Competitive Within Oklahoma
At 65.0, Carter County tracks slightly below Oklahoma's 68.4 average but remains a respectable performer statewide. The county positions itself as a middle-tier option among Oklahoma's county livability rankings.
Affordability Champion of the Region
Carter County excels at affordability with the second-highest cost score (80.2) and the lowest effective tax rate (0.772%) among these eight counties. Renters enjoy particularly low costs at $945/month, and home values average $153,500.
Low Incomes Constrain Opportunity
The county's income score of 21.8 is severely limited, with median household income at just $58,856. Health outcomes also lag at 56.9, and environmental risk scores at 25.1 warrant attention.
Ideal for Frugal, Fixed-Income Residents
Carter County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and anyone seeking minimal living costs with low taxes. It's less suitable for professionals seeking higher incomes or those prioritizing robust health infrastructure.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Carter County renters strain slightly above average
At 19.3%, Carter County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability standard, meaning renters here dedicate nearly one-fifth of income to housing. The county's median household income of $58,856 lags the national average of $74,755, compressing room in family budgets.
Among Oklahoma's least affordable for renters
Carter County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. Renters here face tighter affordability than most of their state neighbors.
Competitive rents in a tight regional market
At $945 monthly, Carter County rents sit between Choctaw County ($676) and Canadian County ($1,208), offering a middle option for renters in the region. However, Carter's lower median income ($58,856) makes these rents proportionally more burdensome than in wealthier neighboring areas.
Renters squeezed more than homeowners here
Renters spend $945 monthly while homeowners pay $733, a reversal that reflects lower home values ($153,500) and an unusual affordability pattern where renting costs more than owning. Both consume meaningful portions of the $58,856 median income, limiting discretionary spending.
Carter County: lower costs, but budget carefully
Job seekers considering relocation should note that while rents are moderate, Carter County's income levels mean housing costs take a larger bite than state or national norms. Compare opportunities carefully against higher-income counties like Canadian if housing affordability is your priority.
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.
At 71.7 years, life expectancy in Carter County trails the U.S. average by nearly a year and falls below Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years. With 21.7% reporting poor or fair health—nearly at the national average—residents face elevated chronic disease burden.
Below average health outcomes statewide
Carter County ranks below the Oklahoma average on life expectancy and health perception metrics, signaling that residents experience health challenges comparable to or worse than most state peers. The county requires focused attention on preventive care and chronic disease management.
Among Oklahoma's weaker health rankings
Carter County's 71.7-year life expectancy is lower than Comanche (73.2) and Cherokee (73.0), and significantly behind top performers like Canadian (77.7). At 16.0% uninsured, the rate slightly exceeds the state average of 15.3%, limiting healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Carter County boasts 58 primary care and 480 mental health providers per 100,000—well above state standards and among the best access in the region. However, 16.0% of residents remain uninsured, creating a paradox where available providers may be financially out of reach for many.
Don't leave care on the table
With strong healthcare infrastructure in place, the key barrier for Carter County is insurance coverage. If you're among the 16% without insurance, enroll today at healthcare.gov to access the providers and care your county offers.
Carter County's composite risk score of 74.87 places it in the relatively low category, but still substantially above the national median. This means while the county faces genuine disaster risk, it ranks better than many U.S. counties for overall hazard exposure.
Middle-of-the-pack risk within Oklahoma
Carter County ranks in the middle tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score notably higher than the state average of 55.47. This reflects a moderate exposure level compared to other parts of the state.
Less vulnerable than nearby counties
Carter County's 74.87 score is notably lower than Canadian County (83.49) and Comanche County (86.23), though higher than Choctaw (49.90). This positions Carter as a moderate-risk area within its southwestern Oklahoma region.
Tornadoes and wildfires demand attention
Tornado risk in Carter County reaches 94.02, placing it among Oklahoma's most tornado-exposed counties, while wildfire risk scores 88.42. These two hazards substantially outweigh other risks and should drive preparedness priorities for residents.
Prioritize tornado and fire protection
Ensure your homeowner's policy explicitly covers both tornado and wildfire damage, and review coverage limits given Carter County's extreme tornado exposure. A safe room or reinforced shelter can provide crucial protection during severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.