countyscore
46.2
County Score
Property Tax 92.7Cost of Living 87.5Disaster Risk 50.1

County Report Card

About Choctaw County, Oklahoma

Competitive Scores in Rural Oklahoma

Choctaw County earns a 46.2 composite score, coming within striking distance of the national median of 50.0. While it excels in cost-of-living metrics, its infrastructure and income levels weigh it down.

Exceeding the State Average

At 46.2, Choctaw County outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It serves as a regional leader in affordability, even as it faces health and education challenges.

Incredible Tax and Housing Value

The county boasts a near-perfect tax score of 92.7 and a housing cost score of 87.5. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.419% and median home values of just $119,700.

Significant Health and Water Needs

Infrastructure is a major concern, highlighted by a water score of 0.3. The income score is also very low at 7.8, reflecting a median household income of $45,456.

Best for Thrifty Retirees

Choctaw County is ideal for retirees or those on a fixed income who want to maximize their purchasing power. However, potential residents must be prepared for limited local healthcare and infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax92.7Cost87.5Safety18.2Health9.1Schools39.6Income7.8Risk50.1Water0.3Weather47.7
🏛92.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.8
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

Lamar County
Texas
36.5
Pushmataha County
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51.6
Red River County
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49.7
Fannin County
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Delta County
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Bryan County
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Atoka County
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McCurtain County
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Deep Dives

Choctaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Choctaw County

via TaxByCounty

Choctaw County has minimal property taxes

Choctaw County's effective tax rate of 0.419% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.652%. At just $502 per year on a median home value of $119,700, property taxes here are roughly 19% of the national median bill.

Oklahoma's lowest-tax county

Choctaw County boasts Oklahoma's lowest effective tax rate at 0.419%, a full 0.233 percentage points below the state average of 0.652%. This is a stark contrast to peers and a defining economic advantage for the county.

Lowest tax burden in the region

Choctaw County's 0.419% rate vastly undercuts all neighbors—Cimarron County (0.408%) is nearly identical, but Canadian County (0.981%) and Comanche County (0.898%) are more than double. Few regions in Oklahoma offer tax relief comparable to Choctaw.

Minimal $502 annual tax bill

On Choctaw County's median home value of $119,700, property taxes amount to just $502 per year. With a mortgage, that rises to $813; without one, it falls to $403—among the lowest in the state.

Worth a quick assessment check

Although Choctaw County offers exceptional tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments, as misvaluations can occur even in low-tax counties. A simple appeal could confirm your home is properly valued or unlock modest additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Choctaw County

via CostByCounty

Choctaw County offers budget-friendly housing relief

At 17.9%, Choctaw County's rent-to-income ratio matches affordability standards while offering some of Oklahoma's lowest absolute rents at $676 monthly. The median household income of $45,456 ranks among the state's lowest, yet housing costs remain remarkably accessible.

Solid middle ground for Oklahoma affordability

Choctaw County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the state average of 17.0%, while its median rent of $676 significantly undercuts Oklahoma's $814 state median. This county demonstrates how lower absolute costs can offset lower incomes.

Lowest rents in the broader region

Choctaw County's $676 median rent ranks among the absolute lowest across these eight counties, beaten only by Cimarron County's $682. For renters prioritizing maximum savings, this county delivers exceptional value.

Housing costs minimal in percentage terms

Renters spend just $676 monthly while homeowners pay $582, with median homes valued under $120,000—extraordinary affordability in national context. At roughly 18% of the $45,456 median household income, housing leaves substantial resources for other needs despite lean earnings.

Choctaw County: maximum housing affordability

Relocating here means the lowest absolute housing costs across this county set, freeing up income for savings, family support, or investments. However, verify employment opportunities carefully, as lower incomes suggest a smaller local job market than more prosperous neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Choctaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Choctaw County faces significant income gap

Choctaw County's median household income of $45,456 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $29,299—a stark 39% shortfall. This places the county among the lowest-earning regions in the nation.

Lowest income county in Oklahoma

Choctaw County's median household income of $45,456 ranks as the lowest among Oklahoma's counties, running 22% below the state average of $58,273. Per capita income of $26,272 also trails the state average of $30,609 by 14%.

Significantly lagging all regional peers

Choctaw County's $45,456 income trails Cherokee County ($53,668) by $8,212 and falls $13,544 below Coal County ($48,162). The county faces the steepest economic challenges in its region.

Housing costs strain limited budgets

Despite a rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% that appears manageable, Choctaw County's low median income of $45,456 leaves little margin for unexpected expenses. Median home value of $119,700 is affordable in absolute terms, but difficult on these wages.

Focus on stability before aggressive investing

With incomes significantly below state and national averages, Choctaw County residents should prioritize stable employment and emergency savings over investment portfolios. Local economic development and workforce training programs may offer the fastest path to income growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Choctaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Choctaw County remains safer than average

Choctaw County achieves a safety score of 96.6, beating both the state and national averages. Its total crime rate of 2,177.1 per 100,000 is approximately 9% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger safety performance than state average

With a total crime rate of 2,177.1, the county sits below the Oklahoma average of 2,647.7. This suggests that Choctaw County provides a safer environment than many of its urban and rural peers.

Competing well with neighboring Cleveland County

Choctaw County's crime rate of 2,177.1 is very comparable to Cleveland County's rate of 2,074.8. Both counties maintain safety scores above 96, indicating consistent security across these regions.

A closer look at local crime types

The violent crime rate of 392.0 is slightly above the national average of 369.8, but property crime is much lower at 1,785.1. This means the majority of law enforcement activity centers on theft and property concerns.

Protecting your property in Choctaw County

Residents should focus on preventing property crimes by securing outbuildings and using timer-based lighting. Even in safer counties, basic home security habits are the first line of defense against burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Choctaw County

via HealthByCounty

Choctaw County faces critical health crisis

Life expectancy of 68.3 years ranks among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average by 4.2 years and Oklahoma's average by 4.4 years. At 25.8%, the poor/fair health rate is one of the highest, reflecting severe chronic disease burden across the population.

Oklahoma's health warning sign

Choctaw County's 68.3-year life expectancy is the lowest among all counties analyzed here and represents a major public health concern within Oklahoma. The 25.8% poor/fair health rate signals that more than one in four residents struggle with health daily.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Choctaw County's 68.3-year life expectancy and 25.8% poor/fair health rate are substantially worse than all peer counties, including Coal (70.0 years) and Carter (71.7 years). The 15.4% uninsured rate sits near state average, but health challenges run far deeper than insurance alone.

Unusual mental health resources, primary care shortfall

Choctaw County has exceptionally high mental health provider capacity at 827 per 100,000—the highest in the state—yet only 42 primary care providers per 100K, suggesting a mismatch between available specialists and primary care access. This imbalance likely reflects either specific program investments or severe primary care shortages.

Coverage is essential—take action today

With life expectancy well below state average, every resident deserves healthcare access. If you're uninsured, enroll immediately at healthcare.gov or contact local federally qualified health centers to begin turning these statistics around.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Choctaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated and High-Achieving System

Choctaw County operates 12 public schools within 4 districts, serving 2,159 total students. The system is comprised of 5 elementary, 3 middle, and 4 high schools. No charter schools exist in the county, as the area relies entirely on traditional district structures.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and School Scores

The county achieves an impressive 89.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 84.3%. Its school score of 52.8 also outperforms the national median of 50.0. Per-pupil spending is $6,773, which is well above the Oklahoma state average.

Hugo District Manages Most Students

Hugo is the largest district by far, educating 1,219 students across 4 schools. Boswell and Fort Towson follow, serving 307 and 303 students respectively. These small districts allow for a focused approach to education across the county.

Intimate Schools in Quiet Rural Locales

Education in Choctaw County is characterized by its small scale, with an average school size of just 180 students. Nine schools are located in rural areas, while three are in town settings. Hugo Elementary is the largest school in the county with 452 students, reflecting the area's small-town feel.

Success in a Small-Town Setting

For families who value high academic scores and small class sizes, Choctaw County is a standout choice. The Hugo area offers the most concentrated school resources in a region known for superior graduation rates. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes student achievement.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Choctaw County

via RiskByCounty

Choctaw County ranks below national average

With a composite risk score of 49.90, Choctaw County sits in the relatively low category and performs better than many U.S. counties for overall natural disaster exposure. This lower score reflects reduced vulnerability compared to the national median.

Among Oklahoma's safest counties

Choctaw County ranks well below the state average of 55.47 and falls in the lower-risk tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties. This positions it as one of the state's more protected areas from natural hazards.

One of the region's safer options

Choctaw County's score of 49.90 is notably lower than Canadian County (83.49), Cherokee County (76.91), and Comanche County (86.23). The county is considerably less vulnerable than most of its regional peers in southern Oklahoma.

Tornadoes pose the primary threat

Tornado risk reaches 80.63 in Choctaw County, making it the dominant natural hazard despite the county's overall lower risk profile. Wildfire risk at 65.14 and hurricane risk at 43.72 present secondary concerns.

Focus on tornado preparedness foremost

Ensure your homeowner's policy covers tornado damage and identify a safe shelter or reinforced room in your home for severe weather events. While Choctaw County faces lower overall risk, tornado season preparation remains essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Choctaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Sun-drenched southeast Oklahoma

Choctaw County is one of the warmest spots in the nation with a 63.7°F average annual temperature. This puts it nearly 10 degrees above the national median, creating a near-subtropical environment.

Leading the state in warmth

The county's 63.7°F average is significantly higher than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. While precipitation data is limited, the temperature profile suggests a consistently hot and humid climate.

The warm heart of the southeast

Choctaw averages nearly three degrees warmer than nearby Coal County. It serves as a gateway to the hotter Texas borderlands, maintaining high temperatures throughout the year.

Mild winters and long summers

Winter is exceptionally mild here, with a January average of 43.2°F and virtually no recorded snowfall. Summer dominates the calendar with 71 days above 90°F and a July average of 82.2°F.

Dress for year-round warmth

Heavy winter gear is rarely needed given the 45.3°F winter average, but light, breathable clothing is a must for the long summer. Homeowners should focus on attic insulation and ventilation to manage the persistent heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Choctaw County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils typical of the region

Choctaw County soils have an average pH of 5.99, which sits just below the state average of 6.06. This level is moderately acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, meaning some pH adjustment is often needed for optimal crop yields. The overall soil score of 35.1 is right in line with the Oklahoma state average.

Higher clay content for better structure

The soil contains 23.9% clay, which is higher than many neighboring counties, along with 39.5% sand. This relatively high clay content helps the soil retain nutrients and provides better physical structure for plant roots. However, it can also make the soil more difficult to till when it is either too wet or too dry.

Average water capacity and organic matter

Organic matter content is 1.40%, slightly lower than the state average of 1.72% and the national benchmark of 2.0%. The available water capacity perfectly matches the state average at 0.144 in/in. This means the soil provides a reliable, standard baseline for agricultural productivity in the region.

Slow drainage and high runoff

Falling into Hydrologic Group D, the soil in this county has a very slow infiltration rate when saturated. This can lead to significant surface runoff during the heavy rain events common to Southeastern Oklahoma. Managing water through terracing or drainage ditches is often necessary for large-scale farming.

Warm weather crops in zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a very long growing season, giving gardeners plenty of time to harvest heat-loving crops. Peas, beans, and corn all perform well in these soils with regular moisture management. It is a great location for starting a home garden or even a small fruit orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Choctaw County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Hardiness Meets Moderate Difficulty

Choctaw County has a lawn difficulty score of 37.8, reflecting a tougher environment than the national average. As a Zone 8a region, it enjoys warmer winters, but maintaining a lush lawn requires overcoming regional soil and drought pressures. It remains below the Oklahoma state average score of 46.1, indicating that local gardeners have their work cut out for them.

Long Growing Seasons and Intense Warmth

The county boasts 5,725 growing degree days, the highest in the region, which fuels rapid turf development. While annual precipitation data is limited for this specific area, the 71 days of extreme heat require a focus on heat-tolerant grass varieties. The growing window is expansive, starting early with a final spring frost on March 15.

Solid Foundation with Slightly Acidic Soil

The soil pH sits at 5.99, nearly touching the ideal range for most Oklahoma lawns. A soil composition of 23.9% clay and 39.5% sand provides a dense foundation that can hold onto nutrients but may drain slowly. Adding organic matter can help improve the structure, allowing roots to navigate the clay more effectively.

Severe Drought Grips Choctaw County

Currently, 64.5% of the county suffers from severe drought, and 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Having endured 21 weeks of drought over the past year, lawns are under constant moisture stress. Implementing a drip irrigation system for landscaped edges or using rain barrels can help supplement lawn needs during water restrictions.

Early Start for Heat-Loving Grasses

With the last spring frost occurring early on March 15, Choctaw County offers an early start for seeding Bermuda or Zoysia. These warm-season grasses will thrive in the 8a hardiness zone and take full advantage of the long season ending November 15. The extended warmth allows for multiple growing cycles if the lawn is properly hydrated.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Choctaw County's county score?
Choctaw County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Choctaw County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Choctaw County ranks #23 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 Choctaw County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Choctaw County is $502, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Choctaw County a tax score of 92.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Choctaw County?
The median household income in Choctaw County, Oklahoma is $45,456 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Choctaw County earns an income score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Choctaw County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Choctaw County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Choctaw 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 Choctaw 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.