Cherokee County scores 66.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by one-third. The county ranks in the top tier nationally for livability, demonstrating broad quality-of-life strength.
2 / 5
Solid Performer Statewide
Cherokee County's 66.3 score sits near Oklahoma's 68.4 state average, placing it comfortably in the upper-middle tier of Oklahoma counties. The county maintains competitive livability across the state.
3 / 5
Minimal Taxes, Maximum Affordability
Cherokee County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.565%) among these eight counties and the highest cost score (83.4), making it exceptionally affordable. Home values average $160,300 and monthly rent just $803.
4 / 5
Low Income and Moderate Health Concerns
The county's income score of 18.4 is among the lowest, reflecting a median household income of only $53,668. Health outcomes also trail at 53.7, suggesting limited medical infrastructure or workforce challenges.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-Maximizing Lower-Income Families
Cherokee County suits families earning modest incomes who need to stretch every dollar without the burden of heavy taxation. It offers excellent affordability but requires self-sufficiency given limited income growth prospects.
Cherokee County scores 66.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0 by one-third. The county ranks in the top tier nationally for livability, demonstrating broad quality-of-life strength.
Solid Performer Statewide
Cherokee County's 66.3 score sits near Oklahoma's 68.4 state average, placing it comfortably in the upper-middle tier of Oklahoma counties. The county maintains competitive livability across the state.
Minimal Taxes, Maximum Affordability
Cherokee County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.565%) among these eight counties and the highest cost score (83.4), making it exceptionally affordable. Home values average $160,300 and monthly rent just $803.
Low Income and Moderate Health Concerns
The county's income score of 18.4 is among the lowest, reflecting a median household income of only $53,668. Health outcomes also trail at 53.7, suggesting limited medical infrastructure or workforce challenges.
Best for Budget-Maximizing Lower-Income Families
Cherokee County suits families earning modest incomes who need to stretch every dollar without the burden of heavy taxation. It offers excellent affordability but requires self-sufficiency given limited income growth prospects.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.565%, Cherokee County's effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.652%, placing it in the bottom half of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay just $905 annually on a median home valued at $160,300—far below the national median tax of $2,690.
Among Oklahoma's lowest-tax counties
Cherokee County ranks in the lower quartile of Oklahoma counties with an effective rate of 0.565%, well below the state average of 0.652%. Few Oklahoma counties offer more favorable property tax treatment.
Lower than all major neighbors
Cherokee County's 0.565% rate undercuts Canadian County (0.981%), Carter County (0.772%), and Comanche County (0.898%), making it a tax haven in the region. For property owners, this is a significant advantage over surrounding areas.
Just $905 per year on median home
Cherokee County homeowners pay approximately $905 annually on a median home value of $160,300. With a mortgage, expect $1,161 as taxes are escrowed; without, the bill drops to $651.
Still worth checking your assessment
Even in low-tax counties, incorrect assessments happen—roughly one in five nationwide contain discrepancies. A quick appeal review costs nothing and may provide additional savings on your already favorable tax bill.
Cherokee County slightly above national affordability threshold
At 17.9%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the federal 15% ideal but remains below the 30% stress threshold, making housing reasonably accessible. The county's median household income of $53,668 trails the national median by $21,087, putting less cushion in monthly budgets.
Near-average affordability across Oklahoma
Cherokee County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the middle-tier of county affordability. Median rent of $803 runs just below the state benchmark of $814.
Most affordable rents in this comparison set
Cherokee County's $803 median rent is among the lowest in the region, trailing only Choctaw County ($676) and Cimarron County ($682). Despite lean incomes, renters here enjoy some of the region's lowest housing costs.
Homeownership slightly cheaper than renting
Renters pay $803 monthly while homeowners carry $694 mortgages on homes valued at $160,300, making ownership a better deal for those who can access credit. Housing consumes roughly 18% of the $53,668 median household income either way.
Budget-conscious movers should explore Cherokee
If housing affordability is your top concern, Cherokee County delivers some of Oklahoma's lowest rents without sacrificing state-average income levels. Pair this with Cimarron County's even lower costs or Carter County's slightly higher income opportunities to find your best fit.
Cherokee County's median household income of $53,668 falls $21,087 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it in the lower quarter nationally. This 28% gap reflects the economic realities of rural southeastern Oklahoma.
Below average for Oklahoma counties
Cherokee County's median household income of $53,668 sits below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $4,605. Per capita income of $30,080 nearly matches the state average of $30,609, indicating lower household sizes rather than individual poverty.
Struggling among regional peers
Cherokee County's $53,668 income ranks lower than Comanche ($59,000) and Carter County ($58,856), but above struggling Choctaw County ($45,456). The county faces steeper income headwinds than wealthier northern Oklahoma regions.
Housing affordable despite lower wages
Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% remains healthy and well below affordability thresholds, providing rental flexibility. Median home value of $160,300 requires discipline but remains within reach for working families.
Start small, build discipline with savings
Lower incomes demand intentional financial planning, but even $25 to $50 monthly contributions to savings add up over decades. Prioritize an emergency fund first, then explore low-cost investment options suited to modest budgets.
Life expectancy of 73.0 years slightly exceeds Oklahoma's average but falls short of the U.S. average by 0.5 years. At 25.4%, the poor/fair health rate is notably high, indicating a significant proportion of residents living with chronic illness or disabilities.
Mid-tier health challenges in Oklahoma
Cherokee County's 73.0-year life expectancy ranks just above state average, but the 25.4% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's higher-burden counties. This gap between longevity and perceived health suggests substantial underlying chronic disease.
Struggling compared to peers
Cherokee County's 25.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest among comparable counties and its 73.0-year life expectancy ranks below Comanche (73.2) and well behind Canadian (77.7). The 17.1% uninsured rate also exceeds state average, compounding health disparities.
With 74 primary care and 492 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Cherokee County has above-average healthcare infrastructure. Yet 17.1% of residents lack insurance coverage, making it difficult for many to utilize these available providers.
Your providers are ready—get insured
Cherokee County has invested in healthcare providers, but that care only helps when you're covered. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage options and connect with the county's available providers.
Cherokee County's composite risk score of 76.91 places it in the relatively low category but significantly exceeds the national median. The county's risk profile reflects exposure to multiple hazard types that affect many U.S. communities.
Among Oklahoma's higher-risk counties
Cherokee County ranks in the upper portion of Oklahoma's 77 counties for natural disaster risk, with a score well above the state average of 55.47. This positions it as a notably vulnerable area within the state.
Riskier than most southeastern Oklahoma peers
Cherokee County's score of 76.91 exceeds Choctaw County (49.90) but trails Canadian County (83.49) and Comanche County (86.23). The county occupies a middle-to-high-risk position within its regional cluster in southeastern Oklahoma.
Wildfires and tornadoes lead threats
Wildfire risk in Cherokee County reaches 94.59—the highest of any hazard—while tornado risk scores 81.62, making both hazards significant concerns. Flood risk at 77.48 adds a third substantial threat requiring attention.
Multi-hazard coverage is essential
Verify your homeowner's policy covers tornado, wildfire, and flood damage, and consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program given the county's 77.48 flood risk score. Maintain defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire vulnerability.