26.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 48.1Property Tax 45.3Cost of Living 37.9

County Report Card

About Comanche County, Oklahoma

Facing National Livability Challenges

Comanche County's composite score of 26.7 puts it in the bottom tier of counties nationally compared to the 50.0 median. It lags in almost every category besides water and health.

Trailing Oklahoma State Norms

The county's score of 26.7 is far below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It ranks as one of the most challenged counties in the state regarding school quality and public safety.

Moderate Income and Solid Water

Comanche County maintains a respectable water score of 29.2 and a median household income of $59,000. It also has a moderate tax score of 45.3, with an effective rate of 0.898%.

Severe Struggles in Education

The school score of 5.0 is among the lowest in the state, signaling a major challenge for families. Low safety (13.4) and risk scores (13.8) further complicate the local living environment.

Best for Adults Without Children

Due to low school scores, this county is best suited for adults without children or those who can utilize private education. It offers a moderate income floor but requires careful consideration of local safety.

Score breakdown

Tax45.3Cost37.9Safety13.4Health28.6Schools5Income35.6Risk13.8Water29.2Weather48.1
🏛45.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠37.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡13.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
28.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
13.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧29.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤48.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨29.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱33.2
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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Deep Dives

Comanche County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Comanche County

via TaxByCounty

Comanche County taxes moderately above average

Comanche County's effective tax rate of 0.898% exceeds the national median of 0.652%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $1,386 annually on a median home of $154,300—less than the national median tax due to lower home values.

Third-highest taxes in Oklahoma

Comanche County ranks third among Oklahoma's 77 counties with an effective rate of 0.898%, trailing only Cleveland County (1.027%) and Canadian County (0.981%). This places it well above the state average of 0.652%.

Higher than most regional peers

Comanche County's 0.898% rate exceeds Cherokee County (0.565%), Carter County (0.772%), and Coal County (0.584%), but trails Canadian County (0.981%). It occupies the upper range of surrounding counties' tax burdens.

Annual tax bill averages $1,386

On Comanche County's median home value of $154,300, property taxes total approximately $1,386 per year. With a mortgage, escrow adjustments push this to $1,560; without, expect closer to $1,161.

Appeal options worth exploring

Comanche County's above-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy particularly important for household budgets. If your home's assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales in your area, filing a no-cost appeal could recover meaningful annual savings.

Cost of Living in Comanche County

via CostByCounty

Comanche County rents strain renters slightly

At 19.1%, Comanche County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national comfort zone, meaning renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of income to housing costs. The county's median household income of $59,000 trails the national median by $15,755, creating tighter household budgets.

Above-average affordability pressure in Oklahoma

Comanche County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. While rents of $940 sit just above the state median of $814, lower local incomes magnify affordability pressure.

Mid-range rents with higher affordability strain

Comanche County's $940 median rent falls between Carter County ($945) and Cleveland County ($1,128), but its lower income base means renters here face proportionally more stress. Housing costs bite harder in Comanche than in wealthier neighboring areas.

Renters pay more than homeowners, proportionally

Renters spend $940 monthly while homeowners carry $905 mortgages on $154,300 median-valued homes, a near-tie reflecting balanced affordability. However, both consume meaningful portions of the $59,000 median income, leaving relatively tight room for discretionary spending.

Comanche County: proceed with income clarity

Relocating to Comanche County requires confident employment prospects, as housing costs place notable pressure on the county's income levels. Renters should compare this against more affordable options like Choctaw or Coal counties, or against higher-income areas like Canadian County.

Income & Jobs in Comanche County

via IncomeByCounty

Comanche County below national income standard

Comanche County's median household income of $59,000 falls $15,755 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking in the lower-middle tier nationally. This 21% gap reflects rural southwestern Oklahoma economic patterns.

Just above Oklahoma state average

Comanche County's median household income of $59,000 slightly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $727, placing it near the state median. Per capita income of $30,670 nearly matches the state average of $30,609.

Mid-tier among regional peer counties

Comanche County's $59,000 income matches Carter County ($58,856) nearly identically and exceeds Cherokee County ($53,668) by $5,332. The county ranks behind Cleveland ($74,446) and Canadian County ($85,427) but ahead of struggling rural neighbors.

Housing costs manageable on county wages

Comanche County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing renters financial flexibility. Median home value of $154,300 remains accessible for working families earning the county median.

Build savings on stable, moderate income

Comanche County's income near state averages provides a stable platform for modest wealth-building through consistent savings and retirement contributions. Target employer 401(k) matches first, then open a Roth IRA for tax-advantaged growth.

Safety in Comanche County

via CrimeByCounty

Comanche County mirrors national crime trends

Comanche County holds a safety score of 96.1, which is slightly higher than the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. The total crime rate of 2,494.7 per 100,000 is very close to the national average of 2,385.5.

A typical safety profile for Oklahoma

With a total crime rate of 2,494.7, Comanche County sits slightly below the state average of 2,647.7. Eleven reporting agencies provide data, reflecting a comprehensive look at the county's public safety landscape.

Higher crime volume than nearby Cleveland County

Comanche County’s rate of 2,494.7 is higher than Cleveland County's rate of 2,074.8. However, it remains significantly safer than Canadian County, where crime rates are much higher.

Violent crime rate requires attention

The violent crime rate of 672.5 is nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is slightly lower than the national average at 1,822.2, showing that personal safety is a key focus for local residents.

Improving home security in Comanche County

Given the higher violent crime rate, residents may prioritize home alarm systems and enhanced exterior lighting. Using security signage and maintaining clear lines of sight around the property can discourage potential intruders.

Health in Comanche County

via HealthByCounty

Comanche County tracks near national averages

Life expectancy of 73.2 years sits close to the U.S. average of 72.5 years, representing solid health outcomes for the county. At 22.0%, the poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average, suggesting moderate chronic disease burden across the population.

Slightly above Oklahoma's health baseline

Comanche County's 73.2-year life expectancy edges above Oklahoma's 72.7-year average, positioning it as a mid-tier performer statewide. The 22.0% poor/fair health rate is close to state benchmarks, reflecting typical health challenges for Oklahoma.

Mid-tier performance among peer counties

Comanche County's 73.2-year life expectancy ranks above struggling counties like Coal (70.0) and Choctaw (68.3) but well behind high performers like Canadian (77.7) and Cleveland (77.6). The 12.7% uninsured rate is below state average and among the better-insured counties analyzed.

Strong provider access, good insurance coverage

Comanche County offers 71 primary care and 378 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—both above-average capacity for the region. At 12.7% uninsured, the county has strong insurance penetration, enabling residents to access available providers effectively.

Strengthen coverage for all residents

Comanche County has built solid healthcare infrastructure and achieved good insurance rates. For the 12.7% of residents still uninsured, healthcare.gov offers straightforward enrollment to complete the county's healthcare coverage story.

Schools in Comanche County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Urban System in Lawton

Comanche County features a large network of 44 public schools across 11 districts, serving 21,147 students. The system is diverse, containing 26 elementary, 7 middle, and 10 high schools. It also hosts one charter school, which accounts for about 2.3% of the county's total schools.

Challenges in Outcomes Despite System Size

The county faces significant academic hurdles, with a graduation rate of 69.2% that sits far below the 84.3% state average. Spending is also lean at $5,730 per pupil, which is lower than the Oklahoma average of $6,520. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 39.8, below state and national medians.

Lawton District Anchors Local Education

The Lawton district is the primary provider for the county, operating 23 schools for 13,979 students. Elgin and Cache are also significant, serving 2,507 and 2,101 students respectively. These districts vary greatly in size and student demographics across the region.

City and Rural Settings Meet

With 25 city schools and 19 rural schools, the county offers a distinct split between urban and country learning. The average school size is 481 students, but Lawton High School houses 1,417 students. Freedom Elementary is also a massive primary campus, serving 1,285 students in Lawton.

Explore Diverse Communities in Lawton

Comanche County offers a wide range of educational settings, from large city high schools to small rural campuses. Families should research specific districts like Elgin or Cache, which offer different environments than the larger Lawton system. School choice is a major factor for those considering real estate in this active Oklahoma region.

Disaster Risk in Comanche County

via RiskByCounty

Comanche County faces high national risk

Comanche County's composite risk score of 86.23 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. The county's combined hazard profile ranks among the nation's more vulnerable areas.

Second-highest risk in Oklahoma

Comanche County ranks among Oklahoma's most at-risk counties with a score of 86.23, surpassed only by Cleveland County (91.28) among the state's 77 counties. This places residents in one of the state's most hazard-prone regions.

Riskier than most southwestern peers

Comanche County's score of 86.23 exceeds Canadian County (83.49) and Carter County (74.87), making it the most vulnerable county in the southwestern Oklahoma cluster. Only Cleveland County exceeds Comanche's risk profile statewide.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate threats

Tornado risk reaches 95.52 in Comanche County—among the nation's highest—while earthquake risk scores 83.72, creating a powerful dual threat. Wildfire risk at 92.88 and flood risk at 83.62 add substantial secondary hazards.

Multi-hazard coverage is critical

Ensure your homeowner's policy covers tornado and wildfire damage, and obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program given the county's 83.62 flood score. Earthquake coverage should also be considered given Comanche's 83.72 earthquake risk score.

Weather & Climate in Comanche County

via WeatherByCounty

Heat and wind in the southwest

Comanche County maintains a 62.0°F annual average, making it significantly warmer than the national median. This region is known for its rugged terrain and intense summer sun.

Hotter and drier than average

The county's 62.0°F average exceeds the state norm of 60.4°F. It is also drier than most of Oklahoma, receiving 31.3 inches of rain compared to the state's 37.2-inch average.

The sun-scorched plains

Comanche County is much drier than central counties like Cleveland. It experiences more extreme heat days than almost any of its northern or eastern neighbors.

The state's extreme heat leader

Summer is punishing with 91 days over 90°F and a July average of 84.0°F. Winter is very dry and mild, averaging 41.7°F with a negligible 1.3 inches of snowfall.

Prioritize heat safety and irrigation

With three full months of 90°F+ weather, high-performance cooling and sun protection are mandatory. Gardeners should choose drought-tolerant plants to survive the low 31.3-inch annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Comanche County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils near the Wichita Mountains

Comanche County features a pH of 5.83, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is common for the region and often requires lime for pasture and crop optimization. The soil score of 29.9 indicates it is slightly more challenging than the state average of 35.3.

Sandy-silt texture with variable structure

The soil contains 34.6% sand and 31.9% silt, providing a relatively light texture that is generally easy to work. With a clay content of 18.5%, it has enough body to hold nutrients but may dry out quickly during the wind-heavy days of Southwest Oklahoma. The 'variable' texture indicates the diverse topography of the county.

Below average water capacity and matter

At 1.48%, the organic matter content is slightly below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity is 0.133 in/in, which is also below the state average of 0.144 in/in. These levels mean that drought management is particularly important for successful growing in this county.

High runoff and slow infiltration

Hydrologic Group D soils here mean that water moves very slowly through the soil profile when it is wet. This can lead to flash flooding and high runoff rates during the intense thunderstorms typical of the plains. Land management should focus on minimizing erosion and capturing what little rainfall occurs.

Hardy gardening in zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone allows for a long summer of growing heat-resistant crops like cantaloupes and okra. Because the soil's water capacity is lower, using mulch is vital to keep roots cool and moist. It is a great place to start a garden if you prioritize water conservation and soil enrichment.

Lawn Care in Comanche County

via LawnByCounty

Comanche County Faces Extreme Lawn Difficulty

With a score of only 33.2, Comanche County is one of the most difficult places in the state to maintain a lawn. This score is far below both the national median and the Oklahoma average of 46.1. Homeowners in this Zone 7b region must combat high heat and persistent drought to keep their properties green.

The State Leader in Extreme Heat Days

Comanche County endures a grueling 91 days of extreme heat each year, far exceeding the state average of 76 days. This heat is coupled with a relatively low 31.3 inches of annual precipitation, making it a very thirsty environment for grass. A high count of 5,474 growing degree days means that when grass grows, it grows fast, but only if it survives the sun.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Requires Careful Prep

The soil pH of 5.83 is on the acidic side, sitting just below the preferred 6.0 threshold for peak lawn health. The soil contains 34.6% sand and 18.5% clay, a combination that can lead to rapid drainage and frequent drying out. Adding organic matter to the soil is vital here to increase water-holding capacity during those 91 days of heat.

Long-Term Drought Stress in Southwest Oklahoma

Comanche County has spent 34 weeks in drought over the last year, and 78.1% of the area is currently in severe drought. These persistent conditions make water-wise gardening a necessity rather than an option. Setting your mower height higher can help shade the soil, reducing evaporation and protecting the grass crowns from the intense heat.

Choose the Hardiest Grass for High Heat

Bermuda grass is the most practical choice for Comanche County because of its superior heat and drought tolerance. Plan to seed or sod after the April 1 frost to take advantage of the long growing season that extends to November 6. Focus on building a deep root system early in the spring to survive the nearly three months of 90-degree weather ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Comanche County's county score?
Comanche County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 26.7 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 Comanche County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Comanche County ranks #77 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 Comanche County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Comanche County is $1,386, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Comanche County a tax score of 45.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Comanche County?
The median household income in Comanche County, Oklahoma is $59,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Comanche County earns an income score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Comanche County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Comanche County scores 26.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Comanche 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 Comanche County with other counties side by side.