Delaware County's composite score of 65.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 65th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates livability that exceeds most U.S. regions, particularly in tax and cost dimensions.
2 / 5
Below Oklahoma's state median
At 65.5, Delaware County scores noticeably below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4. While still competitive, it ranks in the lower half of the state's livability spectrum.
3 / 5
Tax and housing offer great value
Delaware County leads with the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.589% and a strong cost score of 82.8, paired with median home value of $164,900. These attributes create exceptional affordability for homebuyers seeking minimal tax burden.
4 / 5
Income and risk constrain growth
Income (19.4) and risk (17.3) are Delaware County's weakest areas, suggesting limited earning potential and economic vulnerability. Health outcomes (53.8) are also middling. Additional data on schools, safety, and water remain unavailable.
5 / 5
For tax-first homebuyers with modest means
Delaware County best suits retirees and budget-focused buyers who value minimal taxes and affordable housing over income prospects or robust services. It's a practical fit for those seeking shelter at the lowest possible cost.
Delaware County's composite score of 65.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 65th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates livability that exceeds most U.S. regions, particularly in tax and cost dimensions.
Below Oklahoma's state median
At 65.5, Delaware County scores noticeably below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4. While still competitive, it ranks in the lower half of the state's livability spectrum.
Tax and housing offer great value
Delaware County leads with the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.589% and a strong cost score of 82.8, paired with median home value of $164,900. These attributes create exceptional affordability for homebuyers seeking minimal tax burden.
Income and risk constrain growth
Income (19.4) and risk (17.3) are Delaware County's weakest areas, suggesting limited earning potential and economic vulnerability. Health outcomes (53.8) are also middling. Additional data on schools, safety, and water remain unavailable.
For tax-first homebuyers with modest means
Delaware County best suits retirees and budget-focused buyers who value minimal taxes and affordable housing over income prospects or robust services. It's a practical fit for those seeking shelter at the lowest possible cost.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛85.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Delaware County's effective rate of 0.589% falls well below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the lowest 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $971 is 64% lower than the national median of $2,690.
Among Oklahoma's lowest-tax counties
Delaware County's 0.589% rate ranks in Oklahoma's bottom quartile, roughly 10% below the state average of 0.652%. The median tax bill of $971 is just above the state median of $959.
Lower taxes than most of northeast Oklahoma
Delaware County's 0.589% rate is competitive with nearby Craig County (0.583%) and lower than Cotton County (0.629%). The county offers one of the region's most affordable property tax environments.
Median home taxed at $971 yearly
A homeowner with the median-valued property of $164,900 pays approximately $971 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill increases to $1,316.
Double-check your property valuation
Delaware County homeowners should ensure their assessed values reflect actual market conditions. Contact the assessor to request a review if you believe your home is overvalued relative to recent sales in your area.
Delaware County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches the threshold where housing affordability becomes a concern, particularly for residents with lower incomes. Renters earning $55,114 median income allocate nearly one-fifth of their earnings to a median rent of $868 monthly.
Above-average pressure on Delaware renters
Delaware County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it among the less affordable counties for renters across the state. This gap suggests local rents have outpaced wage growth, creating affordability challenges relative to other Oklahoma communities.
Higher rents, mixed affordability advantage
Delaware County's $868 rent ranks high among the eight counties, second only to Creek County's $910, yet its 18.9% rent-to-income burden is lower than Craig County's 19.8%. The difference reflects Delaware's slightly higher median income helping offset elevated rents.
Renters carry more than homeowners
Delaware County renters bear an 18.9% housing burden with median rent of $868, while homeowners commit just 14.3% to a median monthly cost of $656. This stark difference makes homeownership significantly more accessible for those able to qualify, though lower median income may limit buyer pool.
Delaware County demands homeownership planning
For job seekers considering Delaware County, prioritize homeownership as the path to affordability—monthly mortgage costs are $212 cheaper than rents despite a $164,900 median home value. If renting, budget carefully: at $868 monthly, housing will consume nearly a fifth of household income.
Delaware County's median household income of $55,114 is about $19,600 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 26% gap. This is a significant shortfall shared by many rural Oklahoma counties.
Below Oklahoma's state median
Delaware County's median income of $55,114 falls approximately $3,200 short of Oklahoma's state average of $58,273. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of state earnings.
Lowest per capita income in peer group
Delaware County's $55,114 median household income exceeds Craig County ($50,182) but lags Cotton County, Custer County, and Ellis County. However, Delaware County's per capita income of $35,376 is the highest in this regional comparison, suggesting income distribution differences.
Housing takes a larger share here
Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% approaches affordability concerns, with median home values of $164,900 requiring careful budgeting. Households allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing costs.
Prioritize emergency savings in Delaware County
Delaware County residents should focus first on building 3-6 months of emergency reserves given tighter housing cost pressures. Once that foundation is solid, employer retirement plans and automatic payroll deductions make long-term investing achievable.
Delaware County residents live 72.5 years on average—3.5 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76—and face higher disease burden. With 24.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating significant chronic health challenges.
Delaware Struggles in Oklahoma
Delaware County's 72.5-year life expectancy sits slightly below Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years, and its 24.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. The county's health outcomes place it in Oklahoma's lower-performing tier.
Delaware Among Poorest Health Outcomes
Delaware County's 24.4% poor/fair health rate ranks second-worst among comparable counties—only behind Craig County (27.3%)—while its 72.5-year life expectancy trails Dewey (73.0) and Ellis (72.8) counties. The data reveals significant health disparities in this region.
Highest Uninsured Rate in the Region
Delaware County's 17.5% uninsured rate—the highest among comparable counties—directly correlates with its poor health outcomes. The county has 39 primary care providers and 211 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, but uninsured residents struggle to access them.
Uninsured? Get Coverage Now
Nearly 1 in 6 Delaware County residents lacks health insurance, the highest rate in the region and a barrier to care. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace plans, or free/low-cost community health services.
Delaware County faces elevated national disaster risk
Delaware County's composite risk score of 82.67 and "Relatively Moderate" rating place it substantially above the national average for natural disaster exposure. Your county experiences significantly more combined hazard threat than most U.S. counties. This elevated position reflects serious vulnerabilities across multiple disaster types that demand comprehensive preparedness.
Among Oklahoma's most hazardous counties
Delaware County's 82.67 composite score ranks it among the highest-risk counties in Oklahoma, far exceeding the state average of 55.47. Only Creek County (83.24) and Garfield County (82.09) present comparable or slightly higher overall risk. Delaware County sits in Oklahoma's tier of most-hazardous counties.
Highest-risk county in this region
Delaware County's 82.67 score significantly exceeds Craig County (55.50), Custer County (62.02), and Garfield County (82.09)—making it the most hazard-prone area in its immediate region. Only Creek County to the west approaches Delaware's risk level. This concentration of multiple hazards makes Delaware a standout example of Oklahoma's most vulnerable counties.
Floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes all major threats
Delaware County faces a rare convergence of multiple major hazards: flood risk (86.45), tornado risk (86.96), and wildfire risk (90.81) all exceed 85. Earthquake risk (60.46) and hurricane risk (44.64) compound the vulnerability. This four-hazard profile makes Delaware County one of the most multi-threat counties in Oklahoma.
Comprehensive coverage is not optional here
Delaware County residents need standard homeowners insurance, plus separate policies for flood and wildfire damage—a three-layer protection strategy essential for this high-risk county. Consider reinforcing your home's tornado resistance, maintaining flood-zone awareness, and clearing defensible space against wildfire. Meeting with a local insurance agent to review your complete coverage is the most important step you can take.