countyscore
59.8
County Score
Cost of Living 90.8Safety 81Property Tax 76.1

County Report Card

About Coal County, Oklahoma

Ranking High Among U.S. Counties

Coal County boasts an impressive composite score of 59.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high level of personal safety and incredible housing value.

A Leader in State Livability

With a 59.8 score, Coal County is a standout in Oklahoma, where the state average is just 43.0. It represents one of the most balanced and safe rural living options in the region.

Exceptional Safety and Housing Value

The county's safety score of 81.0 and cost score of 90.8 are nearly unrivaled. Median home values are a remarkably low $92,500, making ownership highly accessible.

Critical Gaps in Healthcare

Health is the county's biggest hurdle, with a very low score of 6.2. Additionally, the water infrastructure needs attention, as indicated by a water score of 3.5.

Top Choice for Safety-Seekers

Coal County is perfect for families prioritizing safety and homeownership above all else. It is an ideal spot for those who can manage their own healthcare needs while enjoying low-cost rural life.

2040608010076.190.8816.253.411.367.63.558.3Tax76.1Cost90.8Safety81Health6.2Schools53.4Income11.3Risk67.6Water3.5Weather58.359.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Coal County DNA

Foverall

How Coal County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Coal County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.8/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.1+24.099999999999994
Cost
90.8+42.8
Safety
81+26
Health
6.2-43.8
Schools
53.4
Income
11.3-39.7
Risk
67.6+20.599999999999994
Water
3.5-54.5
Weather
58.3
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Many homeowners in Coal County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$92,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$679/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$92,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,162/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Atoka County
Oklahoma
47
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
42.9
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.7
Hughes County
Oklahoma
45.4
Murray County
Oklahoma
44.5
Seminole County
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40.4
Pittsburg County
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36.3
Bryan County
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35

Deep Dives

Coal County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coal County

via TaxByCounty

Coal County has below-average tax rates

Coal County's effective tax rate of 0.584% falls slightly below the national median of 0.652%, positioning it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay just $540 annually on a median home of $92,500—a fraction of the national median tax of $2,690.

Coal County ranks in lower tier statewide

With an effective rate of 0.584%, Coal County sits in the lower quartile of Oklahoma's 77 counties, below the state average of 0.652%. This favorable position reflects modest county service demands and balanced assessments.

Moderate taxes among regional peers

Coal County's 0.584% rate sits between Cherokee County's lower 0.565% and Carter County's higher 0.772%. In the regional landscape, Coal offers competitive tax treatment that favors property owners.

Budget $540 for annual taxes

Coal County homeowners pay approximately $540 per year on a median home value of $92,500. With a mortgage, taxes rise to $752 due to escrow; without, expect $415.

Review your assessment for savings

Even in lower-tax counties, assessment errors are common—roughly one in five nationwide are overstated. A simple appeal could confirm your home's fair value or unlock meaningful savings on an already modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coal County

via CostByCounty

Coal County delivers solid rental affordability

At 16.9%, Coal County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national affordability threshold and ranks among the strongest in this county set. The median household income of $48,162 is lean by national standards, yet modest rents of $679 keep housing costs reasonable.

Better than average across Oklahoma

Coal County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's 17.0% state average by a narrow margin, placing it in the more affordable tier of counties. Median rent of $679 runs significantly below the state median of $814.

Among Oklahoma's most affordable options

Coal County's $679 median rent ranks among the lowest in this regional cluster, beaten only by Cimarron ($682) and Choctaw ($676) counties. Its 16.9% affordability ratio ties it with Choctaw as one of the two best deals for renters.

Homeownership significantly cheaper than renting

Renters pay $679 monthly while homeowners carry just $527 mortgages on homes valued at $92,500—an unusual gap favoring ownership in this lower-cost market. Housing consumes roughly 17% of the $48,162 median income for renters, about 13% for homeowners.

Coal County: affordable and balanced value

Relocating here offers strong rental affordability without the rock-bottom incomes of neighboring counties, making it a balanced choice for budget-conscious movers. Consider this option alongside Cimarron and Choctaw if maximum savings matter, or if you prefer modest income levels over a job-search challenge.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coal County

via IncomeByCounty

Coal County significantly lags national income

Coal County's median household income of $48,162 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $26,593, representing a 36% shortfall. This places the county among the lowest-earning regions in America.

Second-lowest income in Oklahoma

Coal County's median household income of $48,162 ranks second-lowest among Oklahoma's 77 counties, running 17% below the state average of $58,273. Per capita income of $27,073 similarly trails the state average of $30,609 by 11%.

Among the poorest in region

Coal County's $48,162 income exceeds only Choctaw County ($45,456) in its peer group, falling well below Cherokee ($53,668) and Carter County ($58,856). The county faces severe economic headwinds.

Low housing costs offset limited wages

Coal County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% provides surprising affordability, the best in its peer group, helping households stretch limited incomes. Median home value of $92,500 ranks among the lowest in the region, making homeownership feasible.

Leverage low costs for financial stability

Coal County's exceptionally affordable housing creates an opportunity to build savings despite modest incomes—prioritize an emergency fund covering three months of expenses. Even $20 monthly savings compounds meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coal County

via CrimeByCounty

Coal County is an Oklahoma safety leader

With a near-perfect safety score of 99.3, Coal County is exceptionally safe compared to the rest of the nation. Its total crime rate of 454.0 per 100,000 is more than five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Drastically safer than the state average

Coal County's total crime rate of 454.0 is a fraction of the Oklahoma state average of 2,647.7. Three reporting agencies manage this highly secure environment, marking it as a top-tier safety destination.

Setting the safety standard for the region

Coal County's crime rate is significantly lower than that of Cherokee County (1,725.3) and Cimarron County (1,540.5). It currently holds the lowest crime rate among all analyzed counties in this set.

Extremely low violent and property crime

The violent crime rate is just 113.5 per 100,000, while property crime stands at a mere 340.5. These numbers are remarkably low compared to national rates of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Simple precautions for a safe community

While crime is rare, basic safety measures like locking doors and notifying neighbors when traveling are still recommended. Keeping the community engaged helps maintain the high safety score Coal County currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Coal County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Deep Investment

Coal County operates just 6 public schools across 3 districts, serving 1,066 students. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. There are no charter schools, keeping all students within the local district framework.

Exceptional Quality and High Per-Pupil Spending

Coal County stands out with a school score of 55.2, significantly higher than both state and national averages. This success is backed by high per-pupil spending of $8,318, which far exceeds the Oklahoma average of $6,520. The graduation rate of 87.7% also beats state benchmarks.

Coalgate Leads Local Enrollment

The Coalgate district is the largest in the county, managing 3 schools and 700 students. Tupelo and Cottonwood serve the remaining student population with 219 and 147 students, respectively. These small districts ensure that local administration remains very close to the student body.

Purely Rural Education with Personal Attention

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, providing a classic countryside educational experience. The average school size is 178 students, ensuring low student-to-teacher ratios and high visibility for every learner. Emerson Elementary in Coalgate is the largest campus with 374 students.

Discover Top-Rated Rural Schools

If you are looking for a rural home with some of the best school scores in the state, Coal County is a hidden gem. High investment per student and strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for families. Focus your home search in the Coalgate area for the best access to local school resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coal County

via RiskByCounty

Coal County ranks among America's safest

Coal County's composite risk score of 32.41 places it in the very low category, performing far better than the U.S. median for natural disaster exposure. The county enjoys one of the lowest overall risk profiles in the nation.

Oklahoma's safest county by far

Coal County ranks lowest among Oklahoma's 77 counties for natural disaster risk with a score of 32.41, dramatically below the state average of 55.47. No other Oklahoma county comes close to this level of protection from natural hazards.

Far safer than all regional peers

Coal County's score of 32.41 is substantially lower than any neighboring county, including Choctaw (49.90) and Cimarron (47.33). This represents a genuinely exceptional safety advantage within southeastern Oklahoma.

Wildfire is only significant hazard

Wildfire risk reaches 86.83 in Coal County, making it the sole natural hazard of concern in an otherwise exceptionally safe county. Tornado, flood, and earthquake risks all remain negligible at 52.51, 12.12, and 31.62 respectively.

Wildfire coverage completes basic protection

Standard homeowner's insurance with wildfire coverage is adequate for Coal County's minimal risk environment. Maintain defensible space around your property during wildfire season, but flood and earthquake insurance are not necessary precautions here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Coal County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Grade F with Rising Violation Rate

Coal County records 44 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a failing grade. Its violation rate of 1,096.4 per 100,000 residents is higher than the Oklahoma average of 960.4. These numbers indicate that residents are more likely to encounter health-based water issues than the average Oklahoman.

Mercury and Copper Found in Watershed

The 2022 reporting cycle indicates that 100% of assessed water bodies in Coal County are impaired. Mercury, turbidity, and copper are the specific contaminants driving these failures. This total impairment of assessed waters is a significant concern compared to the 76.7% state-wide average.

Eight Sites Monitor Local Biological Health

Agencies have gathered 3,508 measurements from eight monitoring sites across Coal County over the past five years. The data focuses on physical characteristics and biological indicators, such as algae and phytoplankton. These records help track how heavy metals like copper and mercury are affecting local aquatic life.

No Active USGS Gauges in Coal County

There are currently no active USGS streamgages in Coal County to provide real-time flow data. Without live discharge stats, local water quality signals are primarily derived from the county's compliance history and watershed assessments. This lack of live data makes the existing 100% impairment rating even more critical for residents to track.

Heavy Metal Awareness is Essential

The presence of mercury and copper in the watershed suggests residents should use filters capable of removing heavy metals. Given the violation rate is above the state average, staying current with your local water provider's annual quality report is highly recommended. If you use well water, consider a comprehensive test for metallic contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coal County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and rainy southeastern plains

Coal County averages 61.1°F annually, positioning it as a warmer-than-average American county. It enjoys a climate that transitions from the dry plains to the humid southeastern forests.

Standard temperatures with extra rain

While the 61.1°F average is close to the state mean of 60.4°F, the county is much wetter than average. It receives 45.1 inches of rain annually, nearly 8 inches more than the state norm.

Bridge between north and south

Coal County is notably wetter than its neighbor Cleveland County, which receives only 38.3 inches. It provides a slightly cooler alternative to the extreme heat found further south in Choctaw.

Steamy summers and soft winters

July averages 81.3°F with 67 days reaching above 90°F annually. Winter remains soft with an average of 41.7°F and only 3.2 inches of total annual snowfall.

Invest in moisture protection

Due to the 45.1 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear and foundations sealed against water is a top priority. Summer comfort requires managing the humidity that accompanies the 79.7°F seasonal average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coal County

via SoilByCounty

More acidic soils with lower scores

Coal County's soil has a pH of 5.25, which is significantly more acidic than the state average of 6.06. The soil score of 19.1 is one of the lowest in the region, suggesting more challenges for traditional farming. Most crops in this county will benefit from regular soil testing and pH amendments.

Sandy-silt mix with moderate clay

The soil composition is 37.2% sand, 31.0% silt, and 18.8% clay. This mix offers a decent balance for root penetration but can be prone to compaction if worked when too wet. The sand and silt provide some drainage, though the clay helps retain some moisture during the hot summer months.

Lower organic matter and water capacity

Organic matter is 1.37%, falling below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity is also slightly below the state average at 0.140 in/in. These numbers suggest that soil health initiatives, like adding compost, could greatly improve the growing potential of the land.

Slow infiltration and drainage issues

The soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D, meaning it does not absorb water quickly and is prone to runoff. This characteristic can lead to standing water in low-lying areas after heavy rains. Farmers and homeowners should plan for drainage solutions to prevent waterlogged roots or foundation dampness.

Reliable gardening in zone 7b

Coal County resides in hardiness zone 7b, supporting a versatile array of Southern garden staples. Sweet potatoes and watermelons are excellent choices for these soils as they can handle the heat and slightly acidic conditions. Starting a garden here is rewarding if you focus on building up the soil's organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coal County

via LawnByCounty

Facing Harder Conditions in Coal County

Coal County presents a tougher-than-average environment with a lawn difficulty score of 40.6. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0, indicating that growing a lush lawn here requires extra care. Despite being in the temperate Zone 7b, regional factors like soil acidity and drought create a high-maintenance landscape.

High Precipitation and Steady Summer Warmth

Coal County receives 45.1 inches of rain per year, which is significantly more than the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches. There are 67 extreme heat days annually, supported by 5,164 growing degree days that favor warm-season turf. The growing season is reliably long, beginning after the March 31 frost and lasting until November 4.

Acidic Soil Levels Challenge Turf Health

The soil pH in Coal County is a low 5.25, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies in many common grass types. The soil composition consists of 18.8% clay and 37.2% sand, providing a texture that generally manages moisture well but may drain quickly. Regular soil testing and pH adjustments are essential to prevent lawn thinning in these acidic conditions.

Severe Drought Affects Most of the County

Approximately 72.8% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought, despite the high annual rainfall averages. With 22 weeks spent in drought over the last year, moisture management remains a top priority for local residents. Incorporating drought-tolerant landscaping or 'xeriscaping' principles can help reduce the water burden on traditional lawns.

Time Your Planting for Early Spring

With the last spring frost occurring on March 31, you can get an early start on your Zone 7b lawn. Consider Zoysia or Bermuda grass, which can handle the 67 days of heat if the soil pH is properly managed. Planting early allows the root system to deepen before the intense summer heat and the 72.8% severe drought conditions set in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coal County's county score?
Coal County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 59.8 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 Coal County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Coal County ranks #1 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 Coal County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Coal County is $540, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Coal County a tax score of 76.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coal County?
The median household income in Coal County, Oklahoma is $48,162 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coal County earns an income score of 11.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coal County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Coal County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Coal 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 Coal County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.