countyscore
42
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.1Cost of Living 75.3Property Tax 71.1

County Report Card

About Cotton County, Oklahoma

Cotton County Trails the National Median

Cotton County earns a composite score of 42.0, placing it eight points below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile that struggles to match national standards in infrastructure and healthcare accessibility.

A Middle-of-the-Pack Performer in Oklahoma

The county's overall score sits just below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. While it remains competitive within the state, it falls short of the top-tier Oklahoma counties due to lower school performance.

Low Environmental Risk and High Affordability

Cotton County excels in environmental safety with a Risk Score of 95.1, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. It also offers significant affordability, backed by a Cost Score of 75.3 and a modest median gross rent of $742.

Infrastructure and Education Need Attention

Water quality and school systems are the primary hurdles here, with scores of 1.5 and 15.8 respectively. Residents also face health access challenges, as reflected by a Health Score of only 16.8.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Outdoor Enthusiasts

This county suits residents who value peace of mind regarding natural disasters and low living costs. It is less ideal for families who prioritize high-performing school districts or proximity to major medical hubs.

2040608010071.175.320.716.815.840.195.11.546.3Tax71.1Cost75.3Safety20.7Health16.8Schools15.8Income40.1Risk95.1Water1.5Weather46.342/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Cotton County DNA

Foverall

How Cotton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cotton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.1+19.099999999999994
Cost
75.3+27.299999999999997
Safety
20.7-34.3
Health
16.8-33.2
Schools
15.8-38.2
Income
40.1-10.899999999999999
Risk
95.1+48.099999999999994
Water
1.5-56.5
Weather
46.3-9.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$742/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,313/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.5

per 100K

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

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Texas
44.3
Clay County
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39.4
Comanche County
Oklahoma
26.7
Tillman County
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43.6
Stephens County
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Jefferson County
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Archer County
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Montague County
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40.8

Deep Dives

Cotton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Cotton County

via CrimeByCounty

Cotton County Safety Scores Beat National Averages

Cotton County maintains a total crime rate of 2,058.9 per 100,000 residents, which is notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 96.7 out of 100.

Exceeding Oklahoma's State Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 96.7 surpasses the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. With crime rates well below the state average of 2,647.7, Cotton County remains a relatively secure corner of Oklahoma.

Safety Comparisons with Surrounding Regions

Cotton County is significantly safer than Garfield County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2,902.9. Residents here benefit from lower activity levels than many of their regional neighbors.

Analyzing Property vs. Violent Crime in Cotton

Property crime accounts for 1,751.9 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 307.0. While violent crime is lower than the national 369.8 average, property theft remains the primary local concern.

Staying Vigilant in Cotton County

Even in high-safety areas, protecting your property is essential to maintaining local security. Ensure your home is well-lit and consider basic alarm systems to deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cotton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Network

Cotton County operates seven public schools across three districts, serving a total student population of 995. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Graduation Rates and Local Investment

The county reports a 76.7% graduation rate, which sits below the Oklahoma average of 84.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Annual per-pupil spending of $6,462 is nearly identical to the state average but less than half of the $13,000 national median.

Focus on the Walters District

The Walters school district is the county's largest, educating 610 students across its three campuses. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings, as there are currently no charter schools in operation.

Rural Roots and Intimate Classrooms

Attending school here feels personal, with an average enrollment of just 142 students per school across rural and town settings. Walters Elementary is the largest campus with 274 students, while Temple Elementary serves only 137 students.

Find a Home in a Close-Knit Community

Prospective homeowners looking for small class sizes and town-centered life should explore properties within these three local districts. School quality remains a vital factor for families investing in Cotton County real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Cotton County

via WaterByCounty

Violations Surge Above State Averages

Cotton County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance with 158 health violations over five years. The county's violation rate of 2,204.5 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Oklahoma state average of 960.4. This high frequency of Safe Drinking Water Act infractions indicates significant systemic challenges in local water treatment.

Total Impairment in Assessed Waters

According to the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of assessed water bodies in Cotton County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 76.7%. The primary stressors identified in these local systems are high turbidity and elevated chlorophyll-a levels.

Active Monitoring Tracks Physical Conditions

Technicians manage 7 monitoring sites across the county, collecting 2,958 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection focuses on physical characteristics and nutrient levels to track shifts in water quality. These records provide the essential baseline for addressing the county's turbidity issues.

East Cache Creek Flows Critically Low

The USGS gauge on East Cache Creek near Walters currently records a discharge of only 27 cfs. This flow represents just 12% of the long-term mean for this site, indicating severe hydrologic stress. Low volumes often lead to higher concentrations of pollutants in the remaining surface water.

Mitigating High Violation Risks

With drinking water violations far exceeding state norms, residents should prioritize home filtration and regular private testing. Because low streamflow can worsen turbidity and nutrient concentrations, staying informed on East Cache Creek levels is vital for those relying on surface water. Targeted filtration can help address the physical contaminants reported in recent watershed assessments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cotton County

via WeatherByCounty

Above National Averages for Warmth

Cotton County maintains a 62.2°F annual average temperature, which is significantly warmer than the national median. This climate reflects the county's position in the southern plains.

Warmer Than the Oklahoma Average

The county's 62.2°F average exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It stands out as one of the warmer regions in the state.

Hotter and Drier Than Eastern Neighbors

With 32.2 inches of annual rain, Cotton County is drier than many counties to its east. It also experiences more intense summer heat than most northern neighbors.

Blistering Summers and Mild Winters

The county endures 97 days of extreme heat above 90°F each year. Conversely, winters are gentle, averaging only 2.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

High-efficiency HVAC is a necessity to manage the 83.9°F July average. Residents can generally skip heavy winter gear given the mild 41.9°F winter mean.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cotton County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Soils in Cotton County

Cotton County features a variable soil texture with an average pH of 6.35, which sits just below the national median of 6.5. This pH is notably higher than the Oklahoma state average of 6.06, providing a more neutral environment for diverse plant life.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil contains 36.1% sand, 32.9% silt, and 20.9% clay, creating a complex and well-distributed mix. This composition offers moderate workability and decent nutrient retention for local agricultural efforts.

Steady Moisture Capacity and Average Fertility

At 1.53%, the organic matter falls slightly below the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.144, supporting resilient growing potential during dry spells.

High Runoff Potential Requires Water Management

The county is classified under Hydrologic Group D, indicating high runoff potential and slower water infiltration. While specific drainage class data is limited, this hydrologic profile suggests that careful irrigation management is essential for farming and building.

Thriving in Heat-Tolerant Zone 8a

Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, this county is perfectly suited for heat-tolerant vegetables and southern staples. With a soil score of 44.7 that easily beats the state average of 35.3, it is a great place to start a productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cotton County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Heat Challenges Cotton County Lawns

Cotton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 40.4, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. This region sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, where intense southern heat puts constant pressure on turf resilience.

Intense Summer Heat Shapes Watering Needs

The county endures 97 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the Oklahoma state average of 76 days. While 32.2 inches of annual precipitation is near the ideal range, 5,530 growing degree days require a rigorous mowing and irrigation schedule.

Reliable Soil pH Simplifies Nutrient Planning

A soil pH of 6.35 falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. The soil contains 20.9% clay and 36.1% sand, offering a variable texture that typically requires core aeration to manage compaction.

Severe Drought Requires Smart Water Tactics

With 74.2% of the county currently in severe drought, water conservation is a critical priority for local homeowners. The area has spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year, making deep, infrequent watering essential for root survival.

Warm-Season Grasses Thrive in Zone 8a

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate, as they withstand the high temperatures better than cool-season varieties. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 1 to give your lawn a strong head start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cotton County's county score?
Cotton County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42 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 Cotton County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Cotton County ranks #39 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 Cotton County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Cotton County is $712, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Cotton County a tax score of 71.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cotton County?
The median household income in Cotton County, Oklahoma is $60,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cotton County earns an income score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cotton County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Cotton County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Cotton 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 Cotton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.