countyscore
42.6
County Score
Property Tax 78.7Cost of Living 65.9Weather & Climate 63.4

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Oklahoma

Approaching National Benchmarks

Cherokee County achieves a composite score of 42.6, narrowing the gap with the national median of 50.0. It performs better than many urban Oklahoma counties but still faces socioeconomic hurdles.

On Par with Oklahoma Norms

The county's 42.6 score is almost identical to the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. This makes it a representative example of the state's typical balance between affordability and lower income levels.

Superior Affordability and Low Taxes

With a tax score of 78.7 and an effective tax rate of only 0.565%, Cherokee County is very friendly to taxpayers. Housing is also quite affordable, with a cost score of 65.9 and a median rent of $803.

Struggles with Health and Income

Low earnings are a hurdle, with an income score of 22.1 and a median household income of $53,668. Health outcomes also lag behind, represented by a score of 16.0.

A Value Pick for Renters

This county is excellent for those prioritizing low tax burdens and cheap rent. It is best suited for individuals who can work remotely or are not dependent on the local high-income job market.

Score breakdown

Tax78.7Cost65.9Safety28.5Health16Schools36.2Income22.1Risk23.1Water6.4Weather63.4
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧6.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.8
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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Nearby counties

Wagoner County
Oklahoma
41.5
Mayes County
Oklahoma
37.8
Muskogee County
Oklahoma
31
Adair County
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Delaware County
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Sequoyah County
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Rogers County
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Haskell County
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Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee County offers tax relief

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee County earns below national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherokee County outpaces national safety scores

Cherokee County boasts a high safety score of 97.3, outperforming the state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 1,725.3 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Ranking high for safety in Oklahoma

The county reports a total crime rate that is approximately 35% lower than the Oklahoma state average of 2,647.7. Five reporting agencies contribute to this positive data, highlighting a relatively secure environment.

Safer than most surrounding Oklahoma counties

Cherokee County’s rate of 1,725.3 is notably lower than Choctaw County's 2,177.1 and Comanche County's 2,494.7. This relative safety makes the county a standout in the eastern region of the state.

Low violent crime rates benefit residents

The violent crime rate is just 183.5 per 100,000, which is about half the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at ,1541.8, well under the national standard of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a secure home in Cherokee County

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but visible security measures like doorbell cameras still serve as effective deterrents. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs to keep these rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Cherokee County confronts health headwinds

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.

Strong provider network, insurance gaps hurt access

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Performing Network of Twenty Schools

Cherokee County features 20 public schools and 12 districts serving a total of 7,075 students. The landscape consists of 14 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools. This infrastructure includes one charter school, representing 5% of the total educational options.

Leading the State in School Quality

Cherokee County earns a school score of 52.1, notably higher than the state average of 49.5 and the national median of 50.0. The 88.2% graduation rate exceeds both state and national benchmarks. Investment is also strong, with per-pupil spending of $6,763 surpassing the Oklahoma average.

Tahlequah Serves as the Education Hub

The Tahlequah district is the dominant force in the county, educating 3,607 students across 6 schools. Other notable districts include Keys and Hulbert, which serve 750 and 550 students respectively. These districts maintain a high standard of performance within the local community.

Rural Foundations with Town Centers

Education here is mostly rural, with 14 schools situated in countryside settings and 6 in town locales. The average school size is 354 students, though Tahlequah High School is much larger with 1,300 students. This mix offers families a choice between small rural campuses and larger, more centralized schools.

Relocate Near Oklahoma's Top-Performing Schools

With school scores and graduation rates consistently beating state averages, Cherokee County is an attractive option for education-focused buyers. Looking for a home near Tahlequah ensures proximity to the county's largest academic resources. High school performance makes this area a sound long-term investment for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee County faces above-average hazards

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and lush eastern hills

Cherokee County reports an annual average temperature of 60.9°F, roughly 6 degrees higher than the national median. This region is defined by its high moisture and rolling green landscapes.

A wet outlier in Oklahoma

The county receives a massive 51.0 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the state average of 37.2 inches. Despite the rain, its average temperature of 60.9°F remains very close to the state mean of 60.4°F.

The moisture capital of the region

Cherokee County is much wetter than neighbors like Coal County, which sees only 45.1 inches of rain. It offers a cooler summer experience than the southern counties, with only 52 extreme heat days.

Moderate heat and damp winters

July averages 81.1°F, but the heavy rainfall helps keep extreme heat in check compared to western Oklahoma. Winters are chilly and damp, with a 41.7°F average and 4.3 inches of snow.

Manage moisture and humidity

High-capacity gutter systems and proper drainage are vital for managing the 51 inches of annual rain. Residents should also invest in dehumidifiers to stay comfortable during the humid 79.2°F summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic and unique soils

Cherokee County soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.92, well below the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is characteristic of woodland or wetland environments and will require significant lime for traditional row crops. Despite the acidity, the soil supports a distinct and specialized ecosystem.

Silt-dominated profile for nutrient capture

Silt makes up 40.7% of the soil, providing a smooth texture that is excellent at holding nutrients. With only 20.8% sand and 15.2% clay, the soil is less prone to the grittiness of western Oklahoma lands. This silty composition creates a fertile environment for native plants adapted to acidic conditions.

Exceptional organic matter levels

The organic matter content is a massive 7.86%, which is nearly four times the national average and over four times the state average. This high level indicates a rich, biologically active soil that is excellent for plant nutrition. However, the available water capacity is 0.131 in/in, suggesting the soil drains more quickly than its organic richness implies.

Subaqueous drainage and slow infiltration

Classified as subaqueous with a Hydrologic Group D rating, this soil is often saturated or associated with shallow water tables. It has very slow infiltration rates, meaning it does not absorb heavy rainfall quickly. These conditions are better suited for wetland preservation or specialized silviculture than for standard basement construction.

Acid-loving plants thrive in 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, this county is a paradise for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas. The high organic matter provides a natural boost for forest-style gardening and native plant restoration. If you want to grow vegetables, focus on raised beds or use lime to bring the pH closer to neutral.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Difficulty in Cherokee County

Cherokee County presents a significant challenge for lawn care with a difficulty score of only 32.8, far below the national median of 50.0. While the county falls within Zone 7b, specific soil and drought issues create a more demanding environment for traditional turf. Homeowners here must be more intentional with their maintenance strategies to achieve a green lawn.

High Rainfall Meets Manageable Heat

Cherokee County receives a generous 51.0 inches of annual precipitation, well above the state average of 37.2 inches. Despite only 52 extreme heat days—the lowest in this group—the 5,106 growing degree days still support active growth. The moisture levels are high, but the timing of that rain often clashes with intense drought cycles.

Highly Acidic Soil Requires Immediate Attention

The soil pH in Cherokee County is a very acidic 4.92, which is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a low sand content of 20.8% and 15.2% clay, the soil structure can be difficult to manage for standard grass types. Most lawns here will require regular lime applications to neutralize acidity and unlock essential nutrients for the roots.

Total County Coverage of Severe Drought

Despite high annual rainfall, 99.9% of the county is currently in a severe drought state. After 24 weeks of drought in the past year, the ground is extremely parched, requiring smart irrigation to prevent turf loss. Focused watering on high-traffic areas and reducing fertilizer during dry spells can help protect stressed grass.

Acid-Tolerant Species and Early Spring Planting

Centipede grass or certain fescue blends may handle the acidic soil better than other varieties in this 7b zone. Mark your calendar for seeding after the April 4 frost, ensuring your lawn is established before the fall frost arrives on October 31. Consistent monitoring of soil pH will be your most important tool for success here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Cherokee County ranks #36 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 Cherokee County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $905, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 78.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Oklahoma is $53,668 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.