countyscore
41.4
County Score
Property Tax 78Cost of Living 68Weather & 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.

20406080100786812.714.544.629.538.32.854.9Tax78Cost68Safety12.7Health14.5Schools44.6Income29.5Risk38.3Water2.8Weather54.941.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Garvin County DNA

Foverall

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

Garvin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (78/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78+26
Cost
68+20
Safety
12.7-42.3
Health
14.5-35.5
Schools
44.6-9.399999999999999
Income
29.5-21.5
Risk
38.3-8.700000000000003
Water
2.8-55.2
Weather
54.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$147,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$825/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,556/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.4

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 Garvin County with St. Clair County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Murray County
Oklahoma
45.6
Carter County
Oklahoma
30.7
McClain County
Oklahoma
39.7
Stephens County
Oklahoma
39.4
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
42.5
Grady County
Oklahoma
39.6
Cleveland County
Oklahoma
31.6
Pottawatomie County
Oklahoma
32.9

Deep Dives

Garvin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 41.4 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 Garvin County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Garvin County ranks #42 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 $818, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Garvin County a tax score of 78/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garvin County?
The median household income in Garvin County, Oklahoma is $58,556 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garvin County earns an income score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garvin County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Garvin County scores 41.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 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.
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.