countyscore
31.3
County Score
Property Tax 55.5Lawn Care 52.2Cost of Living 49.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax55.5Cost49.8Safety10.6Health19.8Schools22.6Income35Risk25.1Water10.8Weather47.3
🏛55.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.2
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 →
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Buchanan County
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Cleveland County
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Nearby counties

Murray County
Oklahoma
44.5
Love County
Oklahoma
44.1
Garvin County
Oklahoma
41.3
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.7
Marshall County
Oklahoma
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Cooke County
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37.1
Jefferson County
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Stephens County
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39.1

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Carter County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Carter County

via HealthByCounty

Carter County faces significant health challenges

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.

Strong provider network, uninsured barrier remains

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serving Carter County Students

Carter County operates 28 public schools, including 15 elementary and 8 high schools, across 9 distinct districts. A total of 8,605 students are enrolled in this traditional public system. There are no charter schools present, focusing educational resources on community-based districts.

Graduation Rates Beat State Benchmarks

The graduation rate of 87.4% sits comfortably above the Oklahoma average of 84.3% and aligns with national figures. Education spending stands at $5,713 per pupil, which is below the state average of $6,520 and significantly lower than the $13,000 national average. Despite lean funding, the county's school score of 49.4 nearly matches the state median.

Ardmore District Anchors the Education System

Ardmore is the county's largest district, enrolling 2,591 students across 6 schools. Lone Grove and Dickson districts also play major roles, serving 1,447 and 1,370 students respectively. These three districts account for a majority of the county's total enrollment.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

With 24 of the 28 schools located in rural areas, the county offers a quiet, intimate learning environment. The average school size is just 307 students, providing a stark contrast to larger urban centers. Ardmore High School is the county's largest facility, housing 751 students.

Small-Town Feel with Strong Academic Results

Families seeking a tight-knit community with solid graduation rates should consider the Ardmore or Lone Grove areas. The predominantly rural setting offers a unique pace of life without sacrificing academic standards. Researching local districts is a smart first step for any homebuyer in Carter County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carter County

via RiskByCounty

Carter County holds moderate national standing

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 31.3 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 #72 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 $1,185, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 55.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Oklahoma is $58,856 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 35/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Carter County scores 31.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 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.

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🏛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.