countyscore
29
County Score
Weather & Climate 56.5Soil Quality 54.3Income & Jobs 51.8

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Oklahoma

Well Below National Livability Benchmarks

Garfield County records a composite score of 29.1, placing it far below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges in safety and public infrastructure compared to the rest of the country.

Struggling Compared to Oklahoma Peers

The county's score of 29.1 is substantially lower than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It ranks near the bottom of the state for overall livability metrics.

Strong Local Incomes and Economic Base

Garfield County's bright spot is its Income Score of 59.7, driven by a median household income of $67,302. This income level is higher than many of its more rural neighbors in the state.

Critical Safety and School Issues

The county faces major challenges with a Safety Score of 8.7 and a School Score of 10.9. These factors, combined with a high environmental risk, significantly impact the overall quality of life.

Suited for High-Earning Individuals

Garfield County is best for professionals who can leverage the strong local economy while potentially seeking private alternatives for schools and safety. It is a challenging environment for families with young children.

2040608010045.545.98.724.810.951.817.929.256.5Tax45.5Cost45.9Safety8.7Health24.8Schools10.9Income51.8Risk17.9Water29.2Weather56.529/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Garfield County DNA

Foverall

How Garfield County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Garfield County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (8.7/100), though Income (51.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.5
Cost
45.9
Safety
8.7-46.3
Health
24.8-25.2
Schools
10.9-43.1
Income
51.8
Risk
17.9-29.1
Water
29.2-28.8
Weather
56.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Garfield County?

Many homeowners in Garfield County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$160,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$919/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$160,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,182/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.0

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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Counties with similar scores

Pulaski County
Arkansas
Median income: $62,873
29
Calhoun County
Michigan
Median income: $63,177
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Montgomery County
Ohio
Median income: $66,139
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Canadian County
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Median income: $87,751
28.9
Brazoria County
Texas
Median income: $97,993
28.9
Kaufman County
Texas
Median income: $89,485
29.1
Clarke County
Georgia
Median income: $53,625
29.2
Muscogee County
Georgia
Median income: $58,073
28.8

Nearby counties

Grant County
Oklahoma
54.4
Kingfisher County
Oklahoma
52.1
Logan County
Oklahoma
40.7
Noble County
Oklahoma
41.6
Alfalfa County
Oklahoma
57.4
Major County
Oklahoma
58.4
Kay County
Oklahoma
35
Payne County
Oklahoma
30.2

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield County has highest state taxes

Garfield County's effective rate of 0.888% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.73%, ranking it in the highest tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,331 remains 51% lower than the national median of $2,690, due to lower property values in Oklahoma.

Highest tax burden in Oklahoma

Garfield County has the highest effective tax rate in Oklahoma at 0.888%, a full 36% above the state average of 0.652%. The median tax bill of $1,331 is 39% above Oklahoma's median of $959, the most significant in the state.

Far exceeds surrounding counties

Garfield County's 0.888% rate far surpasses neighboring Ellis County (0.748%) and Custer County (0.676%), making it the tax leader in the northwest region. Property owners here bear substantially higher burdens than adjacent counties.

Median home costs $1,331 annually

A homeowner with the median-valued property of $149,800 pays approximately $1,331 per year in property taxes—the highest median in the state. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $1,420.

Challenge inflated assessments aggressively

Garfield County homeowners should prioritize assessment reviews given the high tax rates. An appeal is your primary tool to reduce the tax burden; the assessor's office can adjust values if they exceed fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield County approaches national income levels

Garfield County's median household income of $67,302 comes within $7,400 of the national median of $74,755, a much smaller gap than most Oklahoma counties. This positions Garfield as one of the state's stronger-earning regions.

Among Oklahoma's highest-earning counties

Garfield County's median income of $67,302 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by more than $9,000 per household. The county ranks in the top tier of Oklahoma counties for household earnings and per capita income of $33,818.

Clear leader in this regional peer group

Garfield County's $67,302 median income significantly outpaces all neighboring counties in this comparison, including Creek County ($61,849) and Cotton County ($60,313). Strong employment and diverse industries support these above-average earnings.

Healthy balance of income and housing

Garfield County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% keeps housing costs modest and well below affordability concerns. Median home values of $149,800 are easily accessible for households earning $67,302.

Diversify investments beyond homeownership

Garfield County's above-average income and manageable housing costs create ideal conditions for wealth diversification. Households should maximize retirement account contributions, build investment portfolios, and consider additional asset classes to compound long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Garfield County Crime Rates Above National Average

Garfield County has a total crime rate of 2,902.9 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county's current safety score is 95.4.

Comparing Garfield to Oklahoma State Norms

Garfield County's safety score of 95.4 is slightly below the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. The total crime rate of 2,902.9 is also higher than the state average of 2,647.7.

Higher Crime Activity Than Surrounding Counties

Garfield County reports significantly more crime than neighbors like Ellis, which has a rate of 1,065.2. It is also higher than Custer County's rate of 1,641.3.

Breakdown of Local Crime Statistics

Violent crime sits at 365.1 per 100,000, roughly in line with the national average. Property crime is the main driver of local figures, reaching 2,537.8 per 100,000 residents.

Prioritizing Home Security in Garfield

With property crime rates above both state and national averages, home security is vital. Implementing alarm systems and securing valuables can help residents mitigate local risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Southern Plains Weather Pattern

Garfield County's 59.6°F average annual temperature is comfortably above the national median. It receives a moderate 33.3 inches of precipitation.

A Representative Oklahoma Weather Profile

The county's 59.6°F average is very close to the state mean of 60.4°F. Rainfall is slightly lower than the 37.2-inch state average.

Snowier Than Most Oklahoma Counties

With 9.4 inches of annual snowfall, Garfield is one of the snowier counties in the state. It is cooler in winter than its southern neighbors.

Deep Winter and High Summer

Residents face 80 extreme heat days each year as July averages hit 83.3°F. Winter brings a chilly 35.7°F average in January alongside nearly 10 inches of snow.

Snow Removal and AC Maintenance

Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 9.4-inch annual average. Regular AC service is vital for the nearly three months of temperatures over 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil pH for Versatile Gardening

Garfield County has a near-ideal pH of 6.44, sitting just under the national median of 6.5. This balance is much more neutral than the Oklahoma state average of 6.06, providing a versatile foundation for agriculture.

Silty Mix Offers Excellent Workability

The soil profile contains 30.6% sand, 43.3% silt, and 20.1% clay. This silty mix offers a great balance of moisture retention and ease of work, making it popular for local farming and gardening.

Superior Water Capacity for Healthy Crops

Organic matter is 1.69%, nearly matching the state average. Most importantly, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.144, giving local plants a major hydration advantage.

Potential for Surface Pooling

Classified as Hydrologic Group D, the soil has a high runoff potential and may drain slowly. This indicates that while the soil holds water well for the plants, it may be prone to surface pooling after heavy rains.

Top-Tier Oklahoma Growing in Zone 7a

In Hardiness Zone 7a, gardeners can successfully grow staple crops like corn, wheat, and hearty vegetables. With a strong soil score of 54.3, this county represents some of the best-performing agricultural land in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

Garfield County Faces Typical Oklahoma Challenges

Garfield County’s lawn difficulty score of 45.4 is nearly identical to the state average. Growing conditions in this Zone 7a area are typical for the region, requiring a balance of heat management and soil care.

Summer Heat Dominates the Growing Season

The county experiences 80 extreme heat days annually, slightly above the state average of 76. With 33.3 inches of rain and 5,025 growing degree days, lawns grow vigorously in spring but often struggle in the mid-summer sun.

Balanced Soils Support Strong Turf Growth

A soil pH of 6.44 sits right in the sweet spot for maximum nutrient uptake. The soil contains a healthy 20.1% clay, which helps hold onto moisture during the 80 extreme heat days each year.

Long-Term Drought Stress Impacts Lawns

Garfield County has endured 37 weeks in drought over the last year, one of the longest stretches in the region. Even without current severe drought levels, this history of water stress makes deep-root development essential.

Early Spring Planting for Best Results

Bermuda grass is the standard for Garfield County, though some homeowners find success with Tall Fescue in the shade. Aim to start your lawn projects after the last frost on April 6 to maximize the spring growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 29 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 Garfield County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Garfield County ranks #75 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 Garfield County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $1,389, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Oklahoma is $66,182 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 29/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Garfield 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 Garfield County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.