Harmon County

Oklahoma · OK

#12 in Oklahoma
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Harmon County, Oklahoma

Solid livability well above U.S. median

Harmon County scores 72.2 on the CountyScore composite index, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county ranks in the top 35% of all U.S. counties for livability.

Above-average performer in Oklahoma

At 72.2, Harmon County exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 68.4 by nearly 4 points, placing it among the stronger counties in the state. It punches above its rural weight on the national stage.

Most affordable housing in the region

Harmon County boasts the highest cost score (88.5) among these eight counties, with a median home value of just $75,700 and rent at $663/month. This exceptional affordability is paired with an outstanding risk score of 89.8, indicating strong natural hazard resilience.

Lowest incomes and health concerns

The income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of $54,286, among the lowest in this group. Health score of 51.9 suggests room for improvement in healthcare access and outcomes.

Best for penny-pinchers in safe areas

Harmon County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, and families living on limited budgets who want exceptional safety from natural disasters. If ultra-low housing costs and hazard resilience matter more than local income potential, this county delivers outstanding value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.7Cost88.5SafetyComing SoonHealth51.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.8Risk89.8WaterComing Soon
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠88.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼18.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
89.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Harmon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harmon County

via TaxByCounty

Harmon's taxes rank low nationally

Harmon County's effective tax rate of 0.698% remains substantially below national norms, with a median property tax of $528. At just 20% of the national median tax of $2,690, Harmon ranks among America's most affordable counties for property taxation.

Slightly above Oklahoma's state average

Harmon County's 0.698% rate edges above Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, yet its median tax of $528 is notably below the state median of $959. The county maintains a light tax burden despite a rate that's marginally above the state norm.

Among the region's higher rates

Harmon's 0.698% rate is second-highest in its cluster, behind only Grady (0.703%), and exceeds Garvin (0.566%), Grant (0.604%), and Greer (0.570%). However, Harmon's low median home value keeps actual tax bills competitive.

Annual taxes hover around $528 median

A median Harmon County property valued at $75,700 incurs an estimated annual tax of $528—or $864 with mortgage obligations included. This translates to roughly $44 per month in taxes for a typical homeowner.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Overassessed properties are common across Oklahoma, and Harmon County homeowners shouldn't assume their bill is correct. Filing an appeal with the county assessor can reduce your tax burden if your assessed value exceeds current market conditions.

Cost of Living in Harmon County

via CostByCounty

Harmon rents below national average burden

Harmon County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits comfortably below the national average of 17.0%, offering meaningful relief for renters. The median household income of $54,286 falls notably short of the national median of $74,755, yet the county's modest $663 monthly rent helps offset this income disadvantage.

Below-average rent burden statewide

Harmon County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, and its median rent of $663 undercuts the state average of $814 by $151. This favorable comparison positions Harmon among Oklahoma's more affordable rental markets despite lower local incomes.

Competitive rents, lower incomes

Harmon County's $663 rent is the second-lowest in its region, trailing only Greer County's $624, while its $54,286 income ranks among the lower end of neighboring counties. The strong rent advantage partially compensates for limited income growth opportunities in the area.

Ownership costs match rental burden

Harmon County renters pay $663 monthly (14.7% of income), while homeowners allocate $533 monthly (11.8% of income) on median home values of $75,700. The modest home prices and low ownership costs make purchasing particularly attractive for those able to secure financing.

Harmon suits cost-minimizers and first-buyers

If affordability is your north star, Harmon County delivers low rents and even lower ownership costs, though income growth may be limited. Remote workers and retirees will find this county's $663 rent and affordable home values create substantial savings compared to national averages.

Income & Jobs in Harmon County

via IncomeByCounty

Harmon trails far behind national

At $54,286, Harmon County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by a significant 27.4%. This substantial gap highlights the economic struggles facing many rural Oklahoma communities.

Below Oklahoma state average

Harmon County's $54,286 income falls $3,987 short of Oklahoma's state average of $58,273. The county ranks in the lower third of Oklahoma's 77 counties, facing steeper economic challenges than most of the state.

Among the region's lower earners

Harmon County ($54,286) underperforms most nearby counties, including Greer ($60,183), Grant ($61,824), and Garvin ($57,127). Only Hughes ($47,923) and Haskell ($49,930) counties have lower median incomes in the broader region.

Housing remains affordable

Despite lower income, Harmon County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% remains solidly affordable, and the median home value of $75,700 is among the lowest in the state. Housing costs are well-managed relative to earnings, protecting household budgets.

Smart planning can build security

While income lags at $54,286, Harmon County's affordable housing provides a foundation for financial growth. Focus on budgeting, eliminating high-interest debt, and gradually building emergency savings before pursuing investment opportunities.

Health in Harmon County

via HealthByCounty

Harmon faces the steepest health crisis

At 68.8 years, Harmon County has the lowest life expectancy in this group—8 years below the U.S. average of 76.8 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (23%) report poor or fair health, pushing beyond national norms.

Worst health outcomes in Oklahoma

Harmon County's 68.8-year life expectancy is 3.9 years below Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years. The county ranks among the state's most challenged in both life expectancy and self-reported health status.

Harmon's crisis stands apart

Harmon County's 68.8-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than all nearby counties, trailing even Garvin (70.5 years) by 1.7 years. This disparity signals acute health vulnerabilities requiring urgent intervention.

More providers, yet deep uninsured crisis

Harmon County has the highest primary care provider density (41 per 100K) in this group, yet 17.6% of residents lack insurance—above state average. Mental health providers are scarce at only 42 per 100K, constraining care for behavioral health needs.

Act now on health insurance

With 17.6% of Harmon County residents uninsured, accessing coverage is critical to reversing the county's health crisis. Medicaid eligibility is likely high; contact the county health department or Healthcare.gov immediately to enroll and connect to the primary care available.

Disaster Risk in Harmon County

via RiskByCounty

Harmon ranks as safest in nation

Harmon County's composite risk score of 10.21 places it in the very low category and represents one of America's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. Even its highest-risk hazard, wildfire (57.95), falls below state and national norms.

Oklahoma's safest county

At just 10.21, Harmon's score is the lowest in Oklahoma and less than one-fifth the state average of 55.47. The county's extreme southwestern panhandle location insulates it from tornado corridors and seismic activity that affects the rest of the state.

Harmon far exceeds neighbors' safety

Harmon's 10.21 score marginally edges out Greer County (17.08) to the south, establishing the southwestern panhandle as Oklahoma's safest region. Both counties dramatically outpace eastern and central Oklahoma's hazard exposure.

Wildfire only material concern

Wildfire risk at 57.95 is Harmon's sole noteworthy exposure; tornado (33.65), flood (3.85), earthquake (20.87), and hurricane (16.98) all present negligible threats. The county's geographic isolation and arid climate create an exceptionally benign hazard environment.

Minimal special insurance needs

Harmon residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without premium coverage add-ons or extensive protective upgrades. Basic property maintenance and standard wildfire awareness constitute adequate preparedness for this remarkably safe county.

ByCounty Network

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