39.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.3Property Tax 63Weather & Climate 50.1

County Report Card

About Grady County, Oklahoma

Lagging Behind National Averages

Grady County carries a composite score of 39.7, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a need for broader development to compete on a national level.

Underperforming the State Standard

The county currently sits below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. Despite higher local incomes, it fails to match the balanced performance found in other parts of the state.

High Earnings and Moderate Taxes

With a Median Household Income of $75,730, the county achieves a robust Income Score of 78.3. A Tax Score of 63.0 further enhances the take-home pay for local professionals.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Low scores in Water (12.2) and Safety (22.5) present the most immediate challenges for residents. The Risk Score of 24.3 also suggests the area is more vulnerable to natural hazards than neighboring regions.

Best for Middle-Income Commuters

Grady County is a strong match for career-focused individuals who value higher salary potential while living in Oklahoma. Residents trade lower environmental and safety scores for some of the better income prospects in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax63Cost42.3Safety22.5Health37.8Schools32.7Income78.3Risk24.3Water12.2Weather50.1
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠42.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼78.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡22.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
37.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓32.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
24.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧12.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨40.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱46.2
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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Deep Dives

Grady County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grady County

via TaxByCounty

Grady's rate remains well below national norms

Grady County's effective tax rate of 0.703% is still substantially lower than most American counties, keeping homeowner costs down relative to national standards. The median property tax of $1,321 remains less than half the national median of $2,690, ranking Grady in the bottom half of tax burden nationally.

Above state average but still reasonable

Grady County's 0.703% effective rate edges above Oklahoma's 0.652% average, and its median tax of $1,321 exceeds the state median of $959. Despite being slightly above state averages, Grady remains a moderate-tax county within Oklahoma's comparative landscape.

Highest rate in this regional cluster

At 0.703%, Grady County has the highest effective tax rate among its nearby peers—exceeding Garvin (0.566%), Grant (0.604%), and Greer (0.570%). This higher rate reflects a mix of both higher tax rates and higher median home values in the county.

Median home costs $1,321 in annual taxes

A median Grady County home valued at $187,900 faces an estimated annual property tax of $1,321—or $1,637 with a mortgage included. That's roughly $110 per month in taxes for a typical homeowner.

Appeals can reduce your tax burden

Oklahoma homeowners frequently discover their properties are overassessed, leading to unnecessary tax payments. Grady County residents should review their assessment notices and consider filing an appeal if the listed value doesn't match market conditions.

Cost of Living in Grady County

via CostByCounty

Grady's affordability shines nationally

Grady County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.8%—well below the national average of 17.0%—giving renters genuine breathing room in their budgets. With a median household income of $75,730, Grady actually exceeds the national median of $74,755, creating a rare affordability advantage in rural Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's most affordable county explored

Grady County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Oklahoma, significantly outpacing the state average of 17.0%. The combination of strong local incomes and moderate rents of $874 positions Grady as a standout for affordability seekers within the state.

Higher income, lower burden than peers

Grady County's $75,730 median income substantially exceeds neighboring Garvin County ($57,127) and Grant County ($61,824), while its $874 rent remains competitive. This income advantage translates to the lowest rent-to-income ratio in its regional cluster, making it the clear affordability winner.

Renters and owners both benefit here

Grady County renters pay $874 monthly on $75,730 annual incomes (13.8% burden), while homeowners allocate $919 monthly to ownership (14.5% of income). Median home values of $187,900 remain relatively modest, and the strong income base supports both rental and ownership pathways.

Grady offers rare rural affordability sweet spot

Remote workers and families seeking rural living with above-average affordability should seriously consider Grady County, where incomes exceed national benchmarks and rent burdens stay manageable. You'll find both rental flexibility and ownership opportunity here at costs well below national and regional peers.

Income & Jobs in Grady County

via IncomeByCounty

Grady exceeds national median income

At $75,730, Grady County's median household income slightly edges out the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. This is a notable distinction in a state where most counties trail the national average.

Top earner among Oklahoma counties

Grady County ranks as one of Oklahoma's highest-income counties at $75,730—$17,457 above the state average of $58,273. This 30% advantage reflects a stronger-than-typical economic base and workforce earning potential.

Clear income leader in the region

Grady County's $75,730 income significantly outpaces neighboring Garvin ($57,127), Grant ($61,824), and Greer ($60,183) counties. The county's $14,000+ advantage over most neighbors suggests stronger regional employment opportunities and wage growth.

Low rent burden shows affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.8%—well below the 30% affordability benchmark—Grady County households enjoy substantial housing cost relief. The median home value of $187,900 remains within reach for households earning at the median, supporting building generational wealth through homeownership.

Your income supports aggressive saving

Grady County's above-average income of $75,730 and low housing costs create ideal conditions for wealth accumulation and investment. Households should maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and explore real estate opportunities to capitalize on this economic advantage.

Safety in Grady County

via CrimeByCounty

Grady County Surpasses National Safety Benchmarks

With a high safety score of 96.9, Grady County provides a safer environment than much of the United States. Its total crime rate of 1986.9 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Oklahoma in Public Safety

Grady County is safer than the typical Oklahoma county, boasting a 96.9 safety score compared to the state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate sits well below the state average of 2647.7 per 100,000 residents.

Safer than Eastern and Southern Neighbors

Grady County's crime rate of 1986.9 is lower than both Garvin County (2549.8) and Hughes County (2147.8). This makes it one of the more secure regions in central Oklahoma.

Low Violent Crime Rates Defined

The violent crime rate in Grady is just 218.8, which is 40% lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crimes account for 1768.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, remaining the most common safety concern.

Proactive Steps for Grady Residents

While violent crime is rare, property security remains important to keep rates low. Installing smart doorbells and locking vehicles can effectively deter opportunistic property crimes.

Health in Grady County

via HealthByCounty

Grady outpaces national life expectancy

Grady County's 74.1-year life expectancy sits within 2.7 years of the U.S. average of 76.8 years. Just 18.6% of residents report poor or fair health—notably better than the national rate of 17.2%.

Among Oklahoma's healthiest counties

Grady County residents live 1.4 years longer than Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years. With the lowest uninsured rate among this group at 13.5%, Grady leads the way in insurance coverage and health outcomes.

Grady leads regional health rankings

Grady County's 74.1-year life expectancy tops nearby Garvin (70.5 years) and Grant (73.5 years) counties. Its 18.6% poor/fair health rate is the strongest in the comparison, reflecting better overall health status across the region.

Access challenges despite strong outcomes

While Grady County achieves better health outcomes, it has fewer primary care providers (23 per 100K) than some peers. Only 13.5% of residents are uninsured, the lowest rate among these eight counties, supporting earlier medical intervention.

Keep coverage strong and maintain health

Grady County's low uninsured rate proves coverage works—keep benefiting from preventive care. If you're among the 13.5% without insurance, Oklahoma's marketplace and Medicaid programs offer affordable access to maintain your county's health edge.

Schools in Grady County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Educational Infrastructure Across Twelve Districts

Grady County manages a large network of 33 public schools serving a total enrollment of 9,529 students. The county features a diverse landscape of 16 elementary, eight middle, and nine high schools. This extensive system is divided among 12 local districts to ensure regional accessibility.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Grady County achieves a 90.9% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average of 84.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. Educational investment stands at $5,726 per pupil, contributing to a solid school score of 51.2. This performance places the county's academic outcomes ahead of the state median score of 49.5.

Chickasha and Tuttle Lead the Way

Chickasha is the largest district in the county, serving 2,306 students across five schools. Tuttle and Bridge Creek also represent significant hubs, with 1,974 and 1,812 students respectively. Traditional public education remains the standard here, as the county currently hosts zero charter schools.

Expansive Rural Districts with Central Hubs

The county's character is defined by 28 rural schools and five town-based campuses, with an average school size of 289 students. Chickasha HS stands as the largest institution with 749 students, while Bridge Creek Early Childhood serves 494 young learners. This mix offers families a choice between small rural environments and larger town centers.

Investing in Your Family's Future

With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Grady County is a prime destination for education-focused homebuyers. Local real estate offers proximity to well-regarded institutions like Tuttle High School and Chickasha’s Grand Avenue Elementary. Focus your home search here to benefit from a system that consistently outperforms state averages.

Disaster Risk in Grady County

via RiskByCounty

Grady exceeds national average risk

Grady County's composite risk score of 75.73 places it firmly in the relatively low category but notably above the national average. The county's tornado risk of 93.83 and wildfire risk of 91.54 reflect Oklahoma's outsized exposure to these hazards compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Oklahoma's higher-risk counties

At 75.73, Grady's score substantially exceeds the state average of 55.47, ranking it in the upper tier of Oklahoma counties. Tornado exposure is particularly acute here—93.83 rivals some of the state's most tornado-prone areas.

Grady faces elevated risk vs peers

Grady's 75.73 score significantly exceeds nearby Garvin County (61.70) to the east and Washita County neighbors, reflecting higher tornado and wildfire concentrations. Only western panhandle counties with extreme wildfire exposure rival Grady's composite risk.

Tornadoes and wildfires dominate

Grady County faces the state's most severe tornado risk at 93.83, paired with a wildfire risk of 91.54—a one-two punch of wind and fire hazards. Flood risk (62.69) and earthquake exposure (66.41) add secondary layers of vulnerability.

Prioritize tornado and fire protection

Homeowners in Grady should maintain robust wind and fire insurance coverage given the county's exceptional tornado and wildfire risks. Build or reinforce a safe room, clear vegetation from your property, and stay subscribed to county emergency alerts during severe weather season.

Weather & Climate in Grady County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Grady County features a 61.7°F average annual temperature, placing it well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives 35.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly lower than the Oklahoma state average.

A warmer pocket in central Oklahoma

With an average temperature of 61.7°F, Grady is warmer than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It ranks as one of the warmer central counties, reflecting the state's transition toward southern heat.

Drier than eastern neighbors

Grady is slightly warmer than neighboring Hughes County, which averages 61.1°F. Its 35.2 inches of rain makes it notably drier than the lush counties found in eastern Oklahoma.

Long summers and mild winters

Summers are intense with 88 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 83.2°F. Winters remain mild, averaging 41.8°F with only 2.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for a long cooling season

Residents should maintain HVAC systems to handle nearly three months of extreme summer heat. Low snowfall levels mean winter road preparations are less critical than managing summer energy costs.

Soil Quality in Grady County

via SoilByCounty

A Higher Standard for Grady Soils

Grady County earns a soil score of 40.8, outperforming the state average of 35.3. The average pH of 6.01 is slightly acidic compared to the national 6.5 median but aligns well with typical Oklahoma profiles. This balanced acidity supports a wide range of regional vegetation and agricultural activity.

Sand-Driven Texture for Easy Workability

The soil composition features a high sand content of 44.1% paired with 34.0% silt and 15.1% clay. This relatively low clay percentage makes the soil easier to plow and manage throughout the year. The higher silt and sand ratios provide a structure that resists the heavy clumping seen in clay-dominant regions.

Superior Water Retention Capabilities

With an available water capacity of 0.153 in/in, Grady County exceeds the state average of 0.144 in/in. Organic matter levels reach 1.58%, which is higher than some neighbors but still below the national 2.0% benchmark. This combination indicates a resilient soil that keeps plants hydrated during dry spells.

Managing High Runoff Potential

Classified under Hydrologic Group D, these soils naturally resist rapid water infiltration. This classification suggests that during heavy Oklahoma storms, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in immediately. Site planners must prioritize drainage solutions to prevent erosion and surface saturation.

Thriving in the 7b Heartlands

The 7b hardiness zone allows for a diverse palette of tomatoes, peppers, and hardy perennials. The soil's above-average water capacity makes it an excellent choice for consistent garden yields. Residents can leverage the strong soil score to build robust backyard vegetable plots.

Lawn Care in Grady County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Average Oklahoma Lawn Challenges

Grady County holds a lawn difficulty score of 46.2, aligning almost perfectly with the Oklahoma state average of 46.1. This score indicates a moderately difficult environment that is tougher than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 7b area must contend with significant heat stress to keep grass green.

High Heat and Moderate Rainfall Patterns

The county experiences 88 extreme heat days per year, significantly higher than the state average of 76 days. Annual precipitation of 35.2 inches falls slightly short of the state’s 37.2-inch benchmark. With 5,388 growing degree days, the metabolic rate for turf is high, requiring attentive hydration.

Ideal pH Balanced with Sandy Soil

The soil pH in Grady County is a near-perfect 6.01, fitting right at the threshold of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The texture is dominated by 44.1% sand and 15.1% clay, which often leads to fast drainage and nutrient leaching. Frequent, light fertilization often yields better results in these sandy Oklahoma soils.

Combatting Widespread Severe Drought

Severe drought conditions currently cover 65.4% of the county, making irrigation management a top priority. Grady County endured 22 weeks of drought over the last year, taxing even established root systems. Mulching and maintaining higher mowing heights can help retain precious soil moisture during these dry spells.

Spring Planting for Grady County Lawns

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Buffalograss are excellent choices for this climate and soil type. Aim to start your lawn projects after the last frost on April 4 to maximize the long growing season. The first fall frost usually hits around November 1, marking the end of the active growth cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grady County's county score?
Grady County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 39.7 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 Grady County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Grady County ranks #49 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 Grady County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Grady County is $1,321, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Grady County a tax score of 63/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grady County?
The median household income in Grady County, Oklahoma is $75,730 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grady County earns an income score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grady County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Grady County scores 39.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Grady 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 Grady County with other counties side by side.