countyscore
41.4
County Score
Property Tax 65.9Weather & Climate 56.9Cost of Living 56

County Report Card

About Custer County, Oklahoma

Closing the Gap with National Medians

Custer County earns a composite score of 41.4, nearly reaching the bottom tier of the national median of 50.0. While still below the mark, it performs better than many other rural Oklahoma counterparts.

Consistent with Oklahoma State Performance

The county's score of 41.4 is just shy of the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It maintains a steady, middle-tier position among the 77 counties in the state.

Balanced Tax and Cost Profiles

Custer County offers a Tax Score of 65.9 and a Cost Score of 56.0, indicating a relatively low cost of living. Renters find value here with a median gross rent of only $779 per month.

Healthcare and School Quality Gaps

Health and school dimensions score 26.6 and 29.0 respectively, showing room for improvement in community services. These scores represent the primary limiting factors for families considering a move to the area.

A Solid Choice for Renters

Custer County is an excellent match for those seeking low-cost rental housing and moderate tax burdens. It provides a stable environment for individuals who do not prioritize top-tier school rankings.

2040608010065.95630.826.62931.83831.656.9Tax65.9Cost56Safety30.8Health26.6Schools29Income31.8Risk38Water31.6Weather56.941.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Custer County DNA

Foverall

How Custer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Custer County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (65.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (31.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.9+13.900000000000006
Cost
56+8
Safety
30.8-24.2
Health
26.6-23.4
Schools
29-25
Income
31.8-19.2
Risk
38-9
Water
31.6-26.4
Weather
56.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$177,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$177,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,562/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.1

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
Compare Custer County with Cross County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cross County
Arkansas
Median income: $47,012
41.4
Bonneville County
Idaho
Median income: $76,646
41.4
St. Joseph County
Indiana
Median income: $64,885
41.4
Cheyenne County
Nebraska
Median income: $57,594
41.4
Buncombe County
North Carolina
Median income: $70,578
41.4
Burke County
North Carolina
Median income: $55,684
41.4
Athens County
Ohio
Median income: $53,837
41.4
Hardin County
Texas
Median income: $72,532
41.4

Nearby counties

Washita County
Oklahoma
53.8
Dewey County
Oklahoma
49.1
Blaine County
Oklahoma
44
Roger Mills County
Oklahoma
58.7
Caddo County
Oklahoma
41.3
Beckham County
Oklahoma
42.9
Kiowa County
Oklahoma
55.5
Ellis County
Oklahoma
54.6

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer County taxes slightly above average

Custer County's effective rate of 0.676% sits just below the national median of 0.73%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,197 remains 56% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Mid-range taxes for Oklahoma

Custer County's 0.676% rate is 4% above Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, reflecting slightly higher local taxing needs. The median tax of $1,197 is 25% above the state median of $959.

Moderate among surrounding counties

Custer County's 0.676% rate sits between Creek County (0.738%) to the east and Garfield County (0.888%) to the northwest. It offers a middle ground in local property tax burdens across the central region.

Median home costs $1,197 per year

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $177,000 pays approximately $1,197 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages can expect that bill to reach $1,475 with additional assessments.

Request a reassessment to lower taxes

Custer County homeowners should verify their assessments match current market conditions. An appeal to the assessor's office is free and can result in substantial savings if your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer County: Moderate national affordability

At 16.2%, Custer County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below national affordability stress thresholds, indicating healthy rents relative to earnings. Residents earning $57,562 median income pay $779 monthly in rent—a manageable burden in the national context.

Better than Oklahoma's average rents

Custer County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, making it a relatively affordable rental market within the state. This modest advantage, combined with below-state-average rents, positions Custer County favorably for renters statewide.

Moderate costs, higher ownership prices

Custer County's $779 rent is mid-range among these eight counties, but its median home value of $177,000 ranks among the highest, suggesting a market tilted toward homeowners. Renters here enjoy lower relative costs while buyers face steeper entry prices compared to counties like Cotton or Ellis.

Ownership costs exceed rental burdens

Custer County renters spend 16.2% of their $57,562 income on rent, while homeowners commit 18.2% to monthly costs of $874. The reversal—where ownership costs outpace rental burdens—reflects the county's elevated home values and suggests renting may be the more affordable option for newcomers.

Custer County: Rent before you buy

If relocating to Custer County, test the market by renting first; at $779 monthly, rental affordability exceeds homeownership costs despite the county's $177,000 median home value. This dynamic is ideal for job seekers exploring the area before committing to a purchase.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer County lags national income benchmarks

Custer County's median household income of $57,562 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $17,200, or 23%. This gap is typical for agricultural and rural Oklahoma counties.

Close to Oklahoma's state average

Custer County's median income of $57,562 falls just below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by about $700. The county ranks near the middle of Oklahoma's economic distribution.

Middle income in the regional mix

Custer County's $57,562 sits between lower-earning Craig County ($50,182) and higher-earning Creek County ($61,849). The county represents a moderate income profile for rural northwestern Oklahoma.

Reasonable housing affordability

At 16.2% of household income, rent costs here are manageable and well below the 30% affordability benchmark. Median home values of $177,000 are accessible for residents earning $57,562 with conventional financing.

Maximize savings potential in Custer County

Custer County households benefit from modest housing burden and should prioritize emergency funds and retirement accounts. Per capita income of $31,487 suggests room for regular investment contributions to build long-term financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Custer County Safety Rating Tops National Average

Custer County reports a total crime rate of 1,641.3 per 100,000 people, significantly undercutting the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This results in a superior safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

A High Rank in Oklahoma Safety

Custer County's safety score of 97.4 sits comfortably above the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. With seven agencies reporting, the data highlights a consistently safe environment for the community.

Comparative Regional Safety in Custer

Custer County is much safer than Garfield County, where the crime rate is nearly double at 2,902.9. It also maintains a lower crime rate than neighbors like Cotton or Delaware.

Detailed Crime Breakdown for Custer

Violent crime is low at 211.3 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 1,430.0 incidents. Both categories are significantly lower than national and state benchmarks.

Securing Your Property in Custer County

Maintain your home's safety by staying aware of property crime trends in your neighborhood. Installing security cameras and joining local watch programs can further discourage criminal activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized and Efficient Education

Custer County supports 5,407 students through 15 public schools organized into four districts. This infrastructure includes six elementary, five middle, and four high schools concentrated in town centers.

Strong Graduation Rates and Results

Custer County excels with an 89.4% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the state average of 84.3% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite this success, per-pupil spending remains lean at $5,872, compared to the $13,000 national average.

The Weatherford and Clinton Districts

Weatherford and Clinton are the primary districts, enrolling 2,388 and 2,080 students respectively. There are zero charter schools in the county, meaning education is driven by these large, established public districts.

Town-Centered Learning Environment

Two-thirds of the county's schools are located in town settings, resulting in a healthy average school size of 360 students. Weatherford High School leads the county with 636 students, while Clinton High School follows closely with 629.

Invest in High-Performance School Zones

With graduation rates exceeding national benchmarks, Custer County is a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Look for residential opportunities in the Weatherford or Clinton areas to take advantage of these strong academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer County's risk exceeds U.S. average

Custer County's composite risk score of 62.02 and "Relatively Low" rating place it moderately above the national average for natural disaster exposure. While your county faces elevated threats compared to the typical American county, the "Relatively Low" designation indicates manageable risk for most residents. The county presents above-average but not extreme disaster vulnerability.

Above-average risk within Oklahoma

Custer County's 62.02 composite score runs above Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 77 counties. You face more hazard exposure than most Oklahomans but less than the state's highest-risk counties. This moderate elevation reflects significant but not extreme vulnerability within the Oklahoma context.

Higher risk than Craig and Cotton, lower than Creek

Custer County (62.02) exceeds the risk profiles of nearby Craig County (55.50) and Cotton County (4.90), but falls below Creek County (83.24) and Delaware County (82.67). Among this regional cluster, Custer occupies a middle-upper position. The variation across neighboring counties highlights Custer's moderate-to-elevated standing within the area.

Tornadoes and wildfires are primary threats

Tornado risk (91.32) dominates Custer County's hazard profile, followed by wildfire risk (76.81)—both substantially elevated threats. Earthquake risk (53.24) and hurricane risk (23.86) are secondary concerns, while flood risk (38.71) remains the lowest exposure. The tornado-wildfire combination accounts for most of Custer's above-average composite score.

Tornado and wildfire coverage essential here

Custer County homeowners should prioritize standard insurance coverage for tornado damage and secure separate wildfire protection for their properties. Developing a family tornado safety plan—including a designated shelter area and communication strategy—can save lives during severe weather. Many insurers offer discounts for storm-resistant roof upgrades, making protection upgrades financially sensible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Custer County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Despite Failing Grade

Custer County holds an F grade for drinking water compliance with 14 health violations recorded over five years. Despite this grade, its violation rate of 58.4 per 100,000 residents is far below the Oklahoma state average of 960.4. This suggests that while compliance issues exist, they are less frequent than in many neighboring counties.

High Turbidity Impacts Assessed Streams

The single water body assessed in Custer County for the 2022 cycle is classified as 100% impaired. High turbidity is the primary cause of this failure to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the Oklahoma average of 76.7%.

Extensive Biological and Algae Testing

Agencies monitor 13 sites across the county, recording 8,447 measurements during the past five years. The monitoring program focuses heavily on physical characteristics, algae, and phytoplankton. This consistent data collection is essential for managing the turbidity issues identified in the local watershed.

Washita River Flows at 12% of Mean

The Washita River near Clinton is currently flowing at just 13 cfs, which is significantly lower than the long-term mean of 111 cfs. This represents only 12% of the typical flow for this period. Such low volumes can exacerbate turbidity issues by concentrating suspended solids in the river.

Turbidity Management for Cleaner Water

Given that 100% of assessed waters are impaired by turbidity, residents using local surface water should consider sediment-reducing filtration. Current low flows in the Washita River may increase the concentration of these impurities. While the violation rate is low, the F grade suggests staying informed about local treatment system updates.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than National Medians

Custer County averages 60.3°F annually, placing it among the warmer counties in the United States. Its 30.3 inches of rain indicates a drier-than-average national profile.

A Perfect Match for State Temperatures

The county's 60.3°F average temperature aligns almost perfectly with Oklahoma's 60.4°F state average. However, it receives 7 inches less rain than the state norm.

Transitioning Toward Western Aridity

Custer County receives 30.3 inches of rain, which is notably less than the central Oklahoma average. It shares the windy, dry characteristics of its western neighbors.

Extreme Heat Defines the Summer

The area records 80 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. Winters are typically dry with a modest 6.5 inches of snowfall.

Drought-Resistant Landscaping is Key

Low precipitation and 82.6°F July averages make water-wise gardening a smart choice. HVAC systems should be serviced for the 80+ days of high heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils Ideal for Gardens

Custer County soils have a pH of 6.38, nearing the national median of 6.5 and comfortably exceeding the state average of 6.06. This near-neutral acidity level is ideal for a wide range of common vegetables and flowers.

Workable Soil with Low Clay Content

The mix includes 39.3% sand, 37.1% silt, and 13.5% clay. This relatively low clay content makes the soil easy to work and less likely to become heavy or sticky after a rainstorm.

Reliable Water Access for Plants

Organic matter is lower at 1.26%, trailing the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity is nearly identical to the state average at 0.145 in/in, providing steady moisture access for root systems.

Runoff Risks in Heavy Rains

The county falls into Hydrologic Group D, suggesting limited water infiltration and higher runoff potential. Local growers should focus on adding compost or mulch to improve soil structure and prevent erosion.

Generous Growing Window in Zone 7b

Zone 7b provides a generous window for everything from leafy greens to summer squashes. With a soil score of 41.7, these lands are more productive than the typical Oklahoma county, making it a great time to plant.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Modern Lawn Challenges in Custer

Custer County has a lawn difficulty score of 46.6, placing it right in line with the Oklahoma state average. This Zone 7b region requires active management to keep turf healthy through fluctuating weather patterns.

Dry Air and Heat Shape Management

Annual precipitation of 30.3 inches sits at the low end of the ideal range for lawns. Combined with 80 extreme heat days and 5,067 growing degree days, lawns here require dedicated irrigation to avoid summer dormancy.

Ideal pH Levels Support Root Health

The soil pH of 6.38 is nearly perfect for nutrient absorption, minimizing the need for chemical corrections. Low clay content at 13.5% and 39.3% sand suggests that while the soil is easy to work, it may require organic matter to boost water retention.

Severe Drought Impacts Three-Quarters of County

Currently, 74.3% of the county faces severe drought, making water conservation a daily necessity. After 25 weeks of drought this past year, choosing drought-tolerant cultivars is the most effective long-term strategy.

Zone 7b Favorites for West-Central Lawns

Buffalograss and Bermuda are excellent choices for Custer County due to their superior drought tolerance. Wait until after the last spring frost on April 13 to begin your planting for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 41.4 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 Custer County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Custer County ranks #43 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 Custer County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $1,197, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, Oklahoma is $57,562 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Custer County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Custer 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 Custer 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.