CountyScore

Cotton County

Oklahoma · OK

#6 in Oklahoma
73.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Cotton County, Oklahoma

Cotton County outpaces the nation

With a composite score of 73.3, Cotton County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 73rd percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability conditions better than three-quarters of U.S. counties, a significant advantage for families seeking stability and affordability.

Top performer in Oklahoma

Cotton County scores 73.3, exceeding Oklahoma's state average of 68.4 by nearly 5 points. Among Oklahoma counties, it ranks among the strongest, demonstrating that livability here competes favorably with the best of the state.

Built on affordability and stability

Cotton County excels in cost (84.9) and tax burden (84.6), with a median home value of $113,200 and an effective tax rate of just 0.629%. The risk score of 95.1 signals a remarkably stable economic and environmental foundation, while a median household income of $60,313 provides modest but steady earning potential.

Income growth lags behind

The income score of 22.8 is the county's weakest dimension, reflecting limited wage growth opportunities relative to national benchmarks. Health outcomes (56.3) also trail ideal levels, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access or quality. Data on schools, safety, and water quality is not yet available.

Ideal for cost-conscious homebuyers

Cotton County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability, low taxes, and economic stability over high incomes or cutting-edge services. This is a county for those who value a secure foundation and modest living costs, rather than rapid career advancement or urban amenities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.6Cost84.9SafetyComing SoonHealth56.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.8Risk95.1WaterComing Soon
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cotton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Teton County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $90,740
Washington County
Idaho
73.3
Median income: $53,608
Grant County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $67,940
Owsley County
Kentucky
73.3
Median income: $31,064
Beauregard Parish
Louisiana
73.3
Median income: $64,995

Deep Dives

Cotton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cotton County

via TaxByCounty

Cotton County taxes rank low nationally

Cotton County's effective tax rate of 0.629% sits well below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is just $712 annually—roughly 73% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among Oklahoma's most affordable

Cotton County's 0.629% rate falls slightly below Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, making it one of the lower-taxed counties statewide. The median tax bill of $712 is also 26% below the state median of $959.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Cotton County's rate of 0.629% is comparable to nearby Craig County (0.583%) and Dewey County (0.603%), though slightly higher than Craig's. All three rank among Oklahoma's most tax-friendly regions.

Median home costs $712 in annual taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($113,200) pays approximately $712 per year in property taxes. That figure climbs to $838 for homeowners with mortgages once mortgage-related assessments are included.

Many homeowners can appeal assessments

Even in low-tax counties, properties may be overassessed relative to market value. Homeowners can request a reassessment through their county assessor's office if they believe their home's taxable value is inaccurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cotton County

via CostByCounty

Cotton County rents: Below national pressure

At 14.8%, Cotton County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national affordability threshold of roughly 28%. Renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than their peers across the country, thanks to a median rent of $742 per month against a median household income of $60,313.

Oklahoma's affordability sweet spot

Cotton County leads the state in housing affordability, ranking among the most livable counties in Oklahoma. Its 14.8% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 17.0%, making it a standout for renters seeking value.

A refuge in the rural panhandle

Cotton County's $742 rent is the lowest among regional peers, undercutting neighboring Ellis County ($728) and Craig County ($826) while matching affordability advantages across the panhandle. Homebuyers will appreciate a median value of $113,200—the lowest in this group and ideal for first-time purchasers.

Rent and mortgages add up fairly

Cotton County renters allocate 14.8% of their $60,313 income to rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 13.4% to a median monthly cost of $675. Together, housing absorbs under 28% of household budgets—well within the recommended threshold for financial stability.

Ready to settle affordably?

Cotton County offers Oklahoma's most balanced housing market for workers seeking lower cost of living without sacrificing access to homeownership. Whether you're renting at $742 or buying at a median home value under $115,000, your housing dollars stretch further here than in most of Oklahoma.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cotton County

via IncomeByCounty

Cotton County earns below the national standard

Cotton County's median household income of $60,313 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $14,400, or 19%. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Oklahoma counties compared to national trends.

Above average for Oklahoma

Cotton County ranks above Oklahoma's state average median income of $58,273, earning roughly $2,000 more per household. This positions the county in the middle tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties for household earnings.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Cotton County's $60,313 median income outpaces Craig County ($50,182) and Delaware County ($55,114), but trails Garfield County ($67,302) and Creek County ($61,849). Local wages reflect the county's agricultural and small-business base.

Housing costs are manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.8%, Cotton County residents spend a relatively modest share of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $113,200 remain accessible for households earning $60,313.

Build financial security in Cotton County

Cotton County households have solid footing to invest in retirement and savings given reasonable housing costs and per capita income of $32,744. Starting early with employer 401(k) plans or IRA contributions can compound long-term wealth regardless of income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cotton County

via HealthByCounty

Cotton County's Life Expectancy Gap

Cotton County residents live an average of 71.1 years—nearly 4 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.2%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, signaling serious underlying health challenges across the county.

Below Average in Oklahoma

At 71.1 years, Cotton County trails Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years and ranks among the state's lower-performing counties on life expectancy. Its 24.2% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the state norm, placing residents at higher risk for chronic disease and early mortality.

Cotton Among Oklahoma's Shortest Lives

Cotton County's 71.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among its comparable Oklahoma counties—nearly 2 years below Dewey County (73.0) and Craig County (72.5). The county's poor health rate of 24.2% also ranks among the highest in its region.

Uninsured and Limited Care Access

Cotton County's 13.8% uninsured rate is below state average, yet healthcare provider data is limited—primary care provider counts are unavailable. With 37 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county struggles to meet behavioral health demand compared to well-resourced neighboring counties.

Check Your Coverage Options Today

Even with below-average uninsured rates, nearly 1 in 8 Cotton County residents lacks health insurance coverage. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center services in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cotton County

via RiskByCounty

Cotton County's risk ranks far below national average

With a composite risk score of 4.90 and a "Very Low" rating, Cotton County sits well below the national baseline for natural disaster exposure. Most U.S. counties face significantly higher combined risks from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes. Your county's low composite score reflects relative resilience across multiple hazard types.

Among Oklahoma's safest counties

Cotton County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Oklahoma, with its 4.90 composite score dramatically below the state average of 55.47. This makes Cotton one of the safest places in the state when measured against all major natural hazards combined. The county's risk profile stands out as exceptional within the Oklahoma landscape.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Cotton County's neighbors face much higher composite risks: Craig County scores 55.50 and Custer County scores 62.02—more than 10 times Cotton's own 4.90 score. Among nearby counties, Cotton stands as a notable exception to Oklahoma's regional disaster vulnerability. This geographic variation highlights Cotton County's relative protection from the hazards that threaten surrounding areas.

Wildfires and earthquakes pose the main threats

Wildfire risk (67.02) and earthquake risk (29.77) are Cotton County's two most significant natural hazard exposures, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk (28.28) and hurricane risk (21.86) are substantially lower. Flood risk (6.49) presents minimal concern for most residents.

Ensure wildfire and earthquake coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and earthquake damage, so Cotton County residents should review their policies and consider separate coverage for these specific hazards. Even in a low-risk county, a single wildfire or seismic event can cause catastrophic losses if you're uninsured. Speaking with a local insurance agent about tailored coverage takes one call and protects your family's largest asset.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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