countyscore
41.3
County Score
Property Tax 78.6Cost of Living 66.5Weather & Climate 54.9

County Report Card

About Garvin County, Oklahoma

Below National Median Standards

Garvin County earns a composite score of 41.3, trailing behind the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high affordability and significant infrastructure needs.

Slightly Underperforming the Oklahoma Average

Garvin sits just below the Oklahoma state average composite score of 43.0. While it maintains local competitive status, it struggles to outpace its neighbors in key quality-of-life metrics.

A Low-Tax Haven for Homeowners

The county boasts a strong Tax Score of 78.6, fueled by a very low effective tax rate of 0.566%. Homeowners benefit from a Cost Score of 66.5, with median home values sitting at an accessible $132,600.

Critical Gaps in Infrastructure and Health

Water quality and access present a major hurdle, evidenced by a low Water Score of 2.8. Additionally, the Safety Score of 12.7 and Health Score of 14.5 suggest significant room for community-level improvement.

Affordable Living for Self-Reliant Families

This county best suits families seeking low property taxes and affordable housing who are comfortable navigating local health service limitations. It offers a budget-friendly lifestyle for those prioritizing financial flexibility over public amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax78.6Cost66.5Safety12.7Health14.5Schools44.6Income30.7Risk38.3Water2.8Weather54.9
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.3
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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Nearby counties

Murray County
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44.5
Carter County
Oklahoma
31.3
McClain County
Oklahoma
39.8
Stephens County
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Pontotoc County
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Grady County
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Cleveland County
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Pottawatomie County
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Deep Dives

Garvin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Garvin County

via TaxByCounty

Garvin's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.566%, Garvin County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay substantially less than their counterparts across the country. The median property tax of $750 is less than a third of the national median of $2,690, placing Garvin in the lowest quartile for property tax burden nationwide.

Among Oklahoma's most affordable counties

Garvin County ranks favorably within Oklahoma, with an effective rate of 0.566% compared to the state average of 0.652%. The median tax bill of $750 is notably lower than Oklahoma's state median of $959, making Garvin one of the state's lighter-taxed counties.

Competitive with surrounding Panhandle counties

Garvin's 0.566% rate compares favorably to Grady County (0.703%), Grant County (0.604%), and Greer County (0.570%). Among this regional cluster, Garvin offers some of the most affordable property tax rates, though median home values vary significantly across these neighbors.

A $750 annual bill on typical homes

The median Garvin County home valued at $132,600 carries an estimated annual property tax of $750—or $1,042 if you have an outstanding mortgage. This means homeowners spend roughly $63 per month in taxes on a median-value property.

Check if your assessment is accurate

Many Oklahoma homeowners pay more than they should due to inflated property assessments. If your home's assessed value seems high, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could significantly reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garvin County

via CostByCounty

Garvin renters spend slightly more than America

Garvin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% edges above the national average of 17.0%, meaning renters here dedicate a slightly larger share of their paychecks to housing. The median household income of $57,127 falls well short of the national median of $74,755, putting downward pressure on affordability across the county.

Ranked mid-pack in Oklahoma affordability

Garvin County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, indicating moderate housing pressure relative to peers. The median rent of $828 exceeds the state average of $814, but income levels here are lower than state benchmarks.

Similar costs to surrounding counties

Garvin County's median rent of $828 sits between neighboring Grant County ($856) and Greer County ($624), reflecting regional consistency in rental markets. Incomes vary more dramatically across neighbors—Garvin's $57,127 trails Grady County's $75,730 but exceeds Hughes County's $47,923.

Rent and ownership costs split income

Renters in Garvin County pay $828 monthly on median incomes of $57,127 (17.4% of income), while homeowners dedicate $650 monthly to ownership costs (13.7% of income). Median home values of $132,600 make ownership more accessible than renting relative to local incomes, a pattern that reverses national trends.

Consider Garvin for balanced homeownership

If you're relocating from higher-cost metros, Garvin County offers modest rents and affordable home values, though income growth opportunities may be limited. Compare the 17.4% rent burden here against Grant County's 16.6% or Greer County's lower 12.4% if maximum affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garvin County

via IncomeByCounty

Garvin trails the national median

At $57,127, Garvin County's median household income sits 23.6% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, though comparable to many rural Oklahoma communities facing similar economic headwinds.

Slightly below Oklahoma average

Garvin County earns $57,127 compared to Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, ranking it near the middle of the state's 77 counties. The $1,146 gap is modest, suggesting Garvin's economy aligns closely with statewide trends.

Mid-range within its region

Garvin's $57,127 median income sits between nearby Grant County ($61,824) to the north and Greer County ($60,183) to the southwest. The county earns more than struggling Harmon ($54,286) and Haskell ($49,930) counties, reflecting a modest regional position.

Rents are manageable at 17.4%

Garvin County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% is comfortably below the national affordability threshold of 30%, suggesting housing costs remain reasonable relative to earnings. With a median home value of $132,600, homeownership remains accessible for many households earning at or near the median.

Build financial security now

With median income at $57,127 and housing costs well-managed at 17.4% of income, Garvin County households have room to invest and save. Consider directing 10-15% of household earnings toward retirement accounts, emergency funds, and long-term wealth building to strengthen financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garvin County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living Beyond the National Average

Garvin County maintains a strong safety score of 96.0 out of 100, indicating a secure community environment. Its total crime rate of 2549.8 per 100,000 residents is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county remains safer than many urban hubs across the country.

Outperforming State Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 2549.8 is lower than the Oklahoma state average of 2647.7. With a safety score of 96.0, Garvin County ranks as a more secure option than the state average of 95.8.

Comparing Garvin to Nearby Grady County

While Garvin County is secure, its crime rate of 2549.8 is higher than neighboring Grady County at 1986.9. Residents here experience a slightly different safety profile than those just to the northwest.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime in Garvin sits at 360.4 per 100,000, which is slightly below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 2189.4, meaning most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and burglary.

Securing Your Garvin County Property

Since property crime is the primary concern, homeowners should consider installing outdoor motion lighting. Simple security measures help maintain the high safety standards the county currently enjoys.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garvin County

via HealthByCounty

Garvin lags behind national health outcomes

At 70.5 years, Garvin County's life expectancy falls 6.3 years short of the U.S. average of 76.8 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (22.9%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.2%.

Below Oklahoma's health average

Garvin County residents live 2.2 years less than the state average of 72.7 years. The county's poor/fair health rate exceeds Oklahoma's average, placing it in the lower half of state counties.

Garvin faces steeper health challenges

Garvin County's 70.5-year life expectancy trails nearby Grady County (74.1 years) and Grant County (73.5 years). Its poor/fair health rate of 22.9% is notably higher than Grady's 18.6%, signaling more significant health burdens in Garvin.

Healthcare access remains limited

Garvin County has 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state average—and 16.3% of residents lack health insurance, topping Oklahoma's 15.3% uninsured rate. Mental health providers are relatively available at 182 per 100K, but gaps in primary care slow early disease prevention.

Explore coverage options today

With 16.3% uninsured, many Garvin County residents qualify for Medicaid or marketplace plans at reduced cost. Contact local health departments or visit Healthcare.gov to find plans and subsidies that fit your family's budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garvin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Network of Community Schools

Garvin County supports a diverse education infrastructure consisting of 21 public schools across eight different districts. The system serves 5,217 students through a balanced mix of eight elementary, six middle, and seven high schools. These campuses provide essential coverage for the county's growing student population.

High Graduation Rates and Competitive Performance

The county boasts an impressive 92.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Oklahoma average of 84.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,047, the composite school score of 52.9 remains above the state and national medians. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency despite lower spending compared to the $13,000 national average.

Spotlight on Pauls Valley and Lindsay

Pauls Valley is the county's largest district, managing four schools and 1,396 students. Lindsay follows closely with 1,164 students across three campuses. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, with all 21 institutions operating as traditional public schools.

Small-Town Feel in a Rural Setting

With 15 rural and six town-based schools, the county offers a quintessential community-focused environment. Schools maintain an average size of 248 students, ranging from smaller rural sites to larger hubs like Lindsay ES, which enrolls 606 students. This intimate scale allows for personalized attention that larger suburban districts often lack.

Education Excellence for Your Next Move

Families looking for high graduation rates and a tight-knit community often find Garvin County to be an ideal fit. Explore homes near top-rated schools like Pauls Valley Elementary to secure a spot in these high-performing districts. Your real estate journey should start where quality education is the priority.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garvin County

via RiskByCounty

Garvin ranks below the national average

With a composite risk score of 61.70, Garvin County sits in the relatively low risk category—notably safer than the typical U.S. county. However, this score masks significant variation in hazard types, with wildfire and tornado risks both exceeding 85, indicating real threats worth monitoring.

Middle of the pack for Oklahoma

Garvin's score of 61.70 sits above the state average of 55.47, putting it in the upper half of Oklahoma counties. This positioning reflects the state's overall exposure to tornadoes and wildfires, which pose outsized risks across most of Oklahoma.

Riskier than nearby Grant County

Garvin faces significantly higher hazard exposure than its western neighbor Grant County (27.77 score), primarily due to elevated wildfire and tornado risks. Compared to Grady County to the west (75.73), Garvin remains the safer option, though both counties face substantial weather-related threats.

Wildfire and tornado exposure here

Garvin's wildfire risk of 87.21 and tornado risk of 85.08 represent the county's primary natural disaster threats. Flood risk (54.90) and earthquake risk (57.57) pose secondary but manageable concerns for residents and property owners.

Secure coverage for wind and fire

Given Garvin's high tornado and wildfire exposure, homeowners should verify their wind and fire coverage is comprehensive and current. Review your policy limits annually, maintain defensible space around structures, and ensure you're enrolled in early warning systems for severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garvin County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Southern Warmth and Sunshine

Garvin County averages 60.9°F annually, which is well above the national median temperature. This reflects a climate dominated by long, warm seasons.

Average Rainfall with Above-Average Heat

The county's 37.2 inches of rain perfectly matches the state average. However, its 60.9°F temperature is slightly warmer than the typical Oklahoma county.

Consistently Warm Central Oklahoma Profile

Garvin County stays warmer than its northern neighbors while maintaining similar rainfall levels. It lacks the extreme aridity found in the state's western reaches.

Hot Summers and Tiny Snowfalls

The county records 80 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are very mild, with only 2.4 inches of annual snowfall and a 41.0°F average.

Embrace the Long Outdoor Season

The 82.5°F July average requires reliable cooling, but mild winters make outdoor activities possible year-round. Snow gear is rarely needed given the low 2.4-inch average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garvin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Garvin County

Garvin County soils maintain an average pH of 5.95, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level sits slightly below the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the landscape's profile suggests a distinct chemical character that shapes local land use.

A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil contains 39.6% sand, 31.6% silt, and 18.9% clay, creating a medium-textured profile. This composition generally allows for decent workability while the clay content helps retain essential nutrients. The sand-heavy mix ensures the ground doesn't become overly compacted during heavy rains.

Solid Water Capacity with Lean Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.52%, trailing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity matches the state average exactly at 0.144 in/in. This suggests that while the soil needs some amendment for nutrients, it holds moisture reliably for crops.

Slow Infiltration in Hydrologic Group D

The county's soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, which indicates very slow infiltration rates and high runoff potential. While specific drainage class data is unavailable, this group often requires careful management to prevent ponding. Builders and farmers should account for this slow drainage when planning infrastructure or irrigation.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7b

Garvin County's climate and soil support a variety of crops, with Zone 7b offering a long growing season. Native pecans and various forage grasses thrive in this environment. With its 36.6 soil score, this land provides a productive baseline for home gardeners who add a little organic compost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garvin County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Garvin County's Competitive Lawn Landscape

Garvin County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.3, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it is slightly more challenging than the U.S. average, it remains easier to maintain than the typical Oklahoma yard, which scores 46.1. This Zone 7b region offers a moderate growing environment compared to its state neighbors.

Heat Pressure Meets Average Rainfall

The county receives 37.2 inches of annual precipitation, matching the state average exactly. However, residents face 80 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher, which is four days more than the state benchmark. With 5,172 growing degree days, lawns here require consistent monitoring during peak summer months.

Acidic Soil Needs Careful Calibration

Soil here has a pH of 5.95, sitting just below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most turfgrasses. The ground is composed of 18.9% clay and 39.6% sand, necessitating regular organic matter additions to improve texture. While specific drainage data is limited, the acidic profile suggests lime treatments may be beneficial.

Navigating Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Water conservation is critical here, as 72.1% of the county currently faces severe drought or worse. The region spent 22 weeks in drought over the past year, impacting root depth and resilience. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass survive these 100% abnormally dry conditions.

Timing Your Zone 7b Turf Transition

Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in this climate, with the best seeding window opening after the last spring frost on April 13. Your growing season begins in earnest as the soil warms toward May. Prepare for dormancy after the first fall frost, typically arriving around November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garvin County's county score?
Garvin County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 41.3 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 Garvin County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Garvin County ranks #45 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 Garvin County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Garvin County is $750, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Garvin County a tax score of 78.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garvin County?
The median household income in Garvin County, Oklahoma is $57,127 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garvin County earns an income score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garvin County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Garvin County scores 41.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Garvin 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 Garvin County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.