countyscore
39.4
County Score
Property Tax 76.1Cost of Living 67.8Weather & Climate 60.5

County Report Card

About Craig County, Oklahoma

Falling Short of National Livability Standards

Craig County scores a 39.4, trailing the national median composite score of 50.0 by more than ten points. This indicates significant room for growth compared to higher-performing counties across the United States.

Below the Oklahoma State Average

At 39.4, Craig County sits below the state average of 43.0 for Oklahoma. It ranks in the bottom half of the state's counties, primarily due to lower income levels and infrastructure scores.

Low Tax Burden and Affordable Housing

The county boasts a strong Tax Score of 76.1, supported by a very low effective tax rate of 0.583%. Housing remains accessible, with a Cost Score of 67.8 and a median home value of $132,900.

Income and Infrastructure Hurdles

An Income Score of 14.9 highlights a median household income of just $50,182, which is significantly lower than national averages. Water quality and healthcare access also rank low, scoring 8.5 and 14.2 respectively.

A Haven for the Tax-Sensitive

Craig County is best suited for retirees or individuals with fixed incomes who benefit from the very low property tax rates. Those seeking upward career mobility or high-end infrastructure may find better matches elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax76.1Cost67.8Safety22.3Health14.2Schools21.4Income14.9Risk44.5Water8.5Weather60.5
🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.8
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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Compare Craig County with Wicomico County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Ottawa County
Oklahoma
35.2
Nowata County
Oklahoma
39.5
Labette County
Kansas
40.4
Cherokee County
Kansas
42.1
Delaware County
Oklahoma
39
Mayes County
Oklahoma
37.8
Washington County
Oklahoma
42.2
Rogers County
Oklahoma
32.5

Deep Dives

Craig County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Craig County

via TaxByCounty

Craig County beats national tax burden

Craig County's effective rate of 0.583% ranks in the nation's lowest quartile, significantly below the 0.73% national median. The median property tax of $775 is 71% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rate in Oklahoma

Craig County has Oklahoma's second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.583%, trailing only a handful of counties statewide. The median tax bill of $775 is 19% below the state average of $959.

Most affordable in the northeast region

Craig County's 0.583% rate is the lowest among Oklahoma's northeast counties, including Cotton County (0.629%) and Delaware County (0.589%). This makes it one of the state's best bargains for property owners.

Median home taxed at just $775 yearly

A property valued at the median of $132,900 generates a property tax of approximately $775 per year. With a mortgage, that bill grows to $905 once additional assessments apply.

Verify your assessment with the assessor

Even in Craig County's low-tax environment, some homeowners may be paying more than they should. Contact your county assessor to request a free reassessment if you suspect your home's value is overstated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Craig County

via CostByCounty

Craig County rent bites harder

Craig County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio signals tighter housing affordability compared to national standards, where 28% is the typical ceiling for sustainable rent burdens. Residents earning a median of $50,182 pay $826 monthly in rent—a squeeze that reflects lower regional incomes paired with higher costs.

Above-average rent pressure in Oklahoma

Craig County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it among the less affordable counties for renters in the state. For a county with below-average household income, this affordability gap warrants attention from policy makers and prospective residents alike.

Rents climb in the northeastern corner

Craig County's $826 rent is the second-highest in this regional grouping, edging Creek County ($910) but outpacing Cotton County ($742) and Ellis County ($728). Despite these higher rents, median home values ($132,900) remain competitive for buyers seeking rural Oklahoma property.

Renters shoulder a heavier load

Craig County renters spend nearly 20% of their $50,182 income on a median rent of $826, while homeowners commit roughly 15.1% to monthly ownership costs of $630. The gap between renter and owner burden highlights why homeownership becomes increasingly attractive as residents age and build equity.

Craig County: Plan wisely before moving

If you're considering Craig County, prioritize homeownership over renting to maximize affordability—median owner costs are significantly lower than rents. Prospective residents should compare this county's $50,182 median income against their own earning power, as housing affordability here depends heavily on job prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Craig County

via IncomeByCounty

Craig County faces an income gap

Craig County's median household income of $50,182 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $25,000, representing a 33% shortfall. This is among the larger gaps in rural Oklahoma.

Among Oklahoma's lowest-income counties

Craig County ranks in the lower third of Oklahoma counties, falling $8,000 below the state median of $58,273. Economic development and job diversity remain critical challenges for household earnings here.

Struggles compared to adjacent peers

Craig County's $50,182 median income ranks lowest among its regional neighbors, falling well behind Delaware County ($55,114), Custer County ($57,562), and Cotton County ($60,313). This income disparity reflects differences in local job markets and industry mix.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Craig County households dedicate 19.8% of income to rent—approaching the affordability warning zone. With per capita income of just $26,443, housing affordability requires careful budgeting despite median home values of $132,900.

Start small, build momentum in Craig County

Even modest incomes benefit from consistent saving habits and employer benefits enrollment. Craig County residents should prioritize emergency funds and seek employer matching programs, which provide immediate returns regardless of salary level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Craig County

via CrimeByCounty

Craig County Shows Strong National Safety Profile

Craig County reports a total crime rate of 1,993.8 per 100,000, placing it well below the national mark of 2,385.5. The county's impressive safety score of 96.9 reflects a secure environment for its residents.

Strong Ranking Among Oklahoma Counties

With a safety score of 96.9, Craig County outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate is over 600 points lower than the state average of 2,647.7 per 100,000.

Craig County Relative to Regional Neighbors

Craig County's crime rate of 1,993.8 is similar to Delaware County's rate of 1,890.2. Both counties represent a safer alternative to Oklahoma’s larger urban centers and the state average.

A Focus on Local Crime Trends

Violent crime in Craig County is low at 219.2 per 100,000, significantly beating the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 1,774.6 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Simple Security for Craig County Residents

Focusing on home security can keep property crime rates even lower in the future. Securing entry points and using smart surveillance are effective ways to protect your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Craig County

via HealthByCounty

Craig County Health Trails National Standard

Craig County's life expectancy of 72.5 years falls short of the U.S. average of 76 years by 3.5 years. With 27.3% of residents reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 18%—the county faces a significant public health burden.

Middle of the Pack in Oklahoma

Craig County's 72.5-year life expectancy sits just below Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years. However, its 27.3% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst, indicating health outcomes lag despite near-average life expectancy figures.

Craig Faces Highest Health Burden

Craig County's 27.3% poor/fair health rate is the highest among comparable Oklahoma counties—exceeding Custer County (20.3%) and Ellis County (19.5%) by a significant margin. Its life expectancy of 72.5 years matches similar counties but masks deeper chronic health challenges.

Strong Provider Presence, Persistent Gaps

Craig County offers strong mental health resources with 586 providers per 100,000 residents—among Oklahoma's best—and 43 primary care providers per 100,000. Yet 15.4% of residents remain uninsured, meaning many cannot access these available services.

Get Health Insurance Today

Despite robust healthcare infrastructure, 1 in 7 Craig County residents lacks coverage. Visit HealthCare.gov or contact a local federally qualified health center to find affordable options that unlock access to primary and mental health care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Craig County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Rural School System

Five school districts manage 13 public schools that serve 2,428 students across Craig County. The system includes five elementary, four middle, and four high schools to support the region's families.

Academic Outcomes and Funding Levels

The graduation rate of 76.6% trails the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 84.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,923, which exceeds the state average of $6,520 but remains far below the national average of $13,000.

Vinita Leads the County Districts

The Vinita district stands as the largest provider, educating 1,321 students in its three local schools. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus entirely on traditional neighborhood public districts.

Rural Learning at a Modest Scale

Ten of the county's 13 schools are located in rural areas, contributing to a quiet, focused learning environment with an average size of 187 students. Vinita Elementary is the largest school with 595 students, while Bluejacket manages significantly smaller cohorts.

Settle Near Top Local Schools

Homebuyers seeking a rural lifestyle will find diverse options near established districts like Vinita and Ketchum. High-quality local schools are a primary driver for families moving into this corner of Oklahoma.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Craig County

via RiskByCounty

Craig County's risk mirrors the U.S. average

Craig County's composite risk score of 55.50 places it right at the national baseline for natural disaster exposure. Your county faces moderate, balanced threats across multiple hazard types—neither exceptionally safe nor exceptionally vulnerable compared to the typical American county. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects moderate but manageable risk across the hazard spectrum.

Middle-of-the-road risk within Oklahoma

Craig County's 55.50 score sits almost exactly at Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's disaster risk hierarchy. You face neither the exceptional safety of counties like Cotton nor the elevated threats of high-risk counties like Delaware. Craig County's position reflects Oklahoma's typical risk profile.

Slightly safer than Delaware and Creek

Craig County's 55.50 composite score runs lower than nearby Delaware County (82.67) and Creek County (83.24), but higher than Cotton County (4.90) and Ellis County (24.78). Among your immediate region, Craig occupies a middle tier of risk. The wide range among neighbors shows that disaster vulnerability varies significantly within this part of Oklahoma.

Tornado, wildfire, and flood dangers present real threats

Tornadoes (66.83), wildfires (60.43), and flooding (55.06) all pose substantial risks to Craig County residents. Earthquake (50.48) and hurricane (32.33) risks remain secondary but still measurable concerns. The convergence of three major hazard types means comprehensive preparedness requires attention to multiple disaster types.

Bundle coverage for tornado, flood, and wildfire

Craig County homeowners need standard coverage for tornado damage and separate policies for flood and wildfire—most standard policies exclude both. Review your coverage annually, especially before spring severe weather season, and confirm your deductibles are manageable. Many insurers offer multi-hazard discounts when you bundle policies, making comprehensive protection more affordable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Craig County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Forest-Ready Soils

Craig County soils are notably acidic with a pH of 5.78, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement also falls below the Oklahoma state average of 6.06, favoring acid-loving crops and native shrubs.

Silt-Heavy Composition Drives Texture

Silt dominates the profile at 49.3%, paired with 21.3% sand and 22.4% clay. This silty mix provides excellent nutrient retention, though it can be prone to compaction if worked while the ground is wet.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

The county boasts an impressive 4.30% organic matter, more than double the national average of 2.0%. Combined with a high available water capacity of 0.173 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile compared to most of the state.

High Moisture Retention for Crops

While specific drainage class data is unavailable for this area, the high silt content typically suggests strong moisture retention. These soils generally hold water effectively, though they require monitoring to ensure proper aeration.

Productive Gardening in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide variety of both cool-season and warm-season crops. Thanks to a high soil score of 57.8, Craig County is one of the most naturally productive regions in Oklahoma for home growers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Craig County

via LawnByCounty

Craig County Lawns Outperform National Averages

With a lawn difficulty score of 59.8, Craig County is one of the easier places in the state to keep a green yard. It sits in Zone 7a, offering a more temperate growing environment than the southern half of Oklahoma.

Predicting Patterns Despite Regional Data Gaps

While specific local precipitation and temperature data are limited, the county benefits from the milder trends of the northeast Oklahoma border. Homeowners should monitor local weather stations to adjust their schedules for the transition into summer.

Acidic Soils May Need Lime Adjustments

The local soil pH of 5.78 is slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit nutrient availability. Since the soil is a balanced mix of 22.4% clay and 21.3% sand, adding lime can help neutralize acidity and improve grass health.

Managing Extreme Drought Pressures in Craig

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, and residents have faced 17 weeks of drought over the last year. Mulching clippings back into the lawn helps retain moisture and protects the soil surface from drying out.

Reliable Grass Selections for Northeast Oklahoma

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass perform well in Zone 7a, providing versatility for both sun and partial shade. Start your lawn projects once the ground thaws to take advantage of the spring growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craig County's county score?
Craig County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Craig County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Craig County ranks #51 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 Craig County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Craig County is $775, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Craig County a tax score of 76.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Craig County?
The median household income in Craig County, Oklahoma is $50,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Craig County earns an income score of 14.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Craig County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Craig County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Craig 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 Craig 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.