countyscore
58.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 78Cost of Living 69.7

County Report Card

About Harper County, Oklahoma

Exceeding the National Standard

Harper County scores a 58.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall quality of life across several measured dimensions.

A Top Tier Oklahoma County

With a composite score nearly 16 points above the state average of 43.0, Harper is an elite performer in Oklahoma. It balances infrastructure quality with rural affordability.

Clean Water and High Safety

Harper County boasts a rare Water Score of 86.0 and a Safety Score of 78.0. These scores indicate a well-managed community with high personal security and reliable utilities.

Moderate Income and School Scores

The county’s School Score of 33.5 suggests room for educational investment. Meanwhile, the Income Score of 36.3 shows that local wages are moderate, despite the high quality of life.

Best for Families Seeking Security

Harper County is a premier choice for families who prioritize safety and clean infrastructure. It offers a high-functioning rural lifestyle that is increasingly hard to find.

2040608010066.669.77842.233.536.354.38646.4Tax66.6Cost69.7Safety78Health42.2Schools33.5Income36.3Risk54.3Water86Weather46.458.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Harper County DNA

Foverall

How Harper County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Harper County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Schools (33.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
66.6+14.599999999999994
Cost
69.7+21.700000000000003
Safety
78+23
Health
42.2
Schools
33.5-20.5
Income
36.3-14.700000000000003
Risk
54.3
Water
86+28
Weather
46.4-9.600000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Harper County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$99,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$791/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$99,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,191/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Nearby counties

Clark County
Kansas
49
Comanche County
Kansas
58.2
Woodward County
Oklahoma
38.1
Woods County
Oklahoma
56.8
Beaver County
Oklahoma
53.2
Kiowa County
Kansas
59
Ellis County
Oklahoma
54.6
Lipscomb County
Texas
51.2

Deep Dives

Harper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harper County

via TaxByCounty

Harper's rate sits well below the nation

Harper County's effective tax rate of 0.668% remains substantially lower than national averages, with a median property tax of $663. This is less than a quarter of the national median tax of $2,690, ranking Harper among the nation's lowest-tax counties.

Slightly above Oklahoma's state average

Harper County's 0.668% rate edges above Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, though its median tax of $663 is below the state median of $959. The county maintains a modest tax burden relative to statewide comparisons.

Mid-range rate in this cluster

Harper's 0.668% rate ranks third among its peers, behind Grady (0.703%) and Harmon (0.698%), but above Garvin (0.566%), Grant (0.604%), and Greer (0.570%). The median home value of $99,300 keeps tax bills moderate.

Median tax bill reaches $663 annually

A median Harper County home valued at $99,300 carries an estimated annual property tax of $663—or $834 when mortgage taxes are included. That's approximately $55 per month in taxes for homeowners with typical properties.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Many Oklahoma homeowners discover their properties are overassessed after comparing assessments to recent sales prices. Harper County residents should verify their assessed value and consider filing an appeal if it appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harper County

via CostByCounty

Harper rents track national affordability

Harper County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% sits just below the national average of 17.0%, providing slight affordability advantages for renters. The median household income of $59,191 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $15,500, limiting overall economic capacity despite manageable rent burdens.

Slightly above Oklahoma average burden

Harper County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio runs slightly below Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, though its median rent of $791 closely tracks the state average of $814. The county occupies the middle ground of Oklahoma's affordability spectrum.

Average costs across the region

Harper County's $791 median rent falls squarely between Greer County's $624 and Grant County's $856, while its $59,191 income represents the regional middle tier. The county offers a balanced, unremarkable affordability profile compared to its neighbors.

Renters pay slightly more than owners

Harper County renters allocate $791 monthly (16.0% of their $59,191 income) to housing, while homeowners spend $671 monthly (13.6%) on median-priced homes of $99,300. The modest ownership advantage suggests that buying, if feasible, improves long-term affordability.

Harper offers solid, unremarkable value

Harper County doesn't stand out as a bargain destination, but it provides reasonable rental and ownership options for those seeking stability over exceptional savings. Compare this county against lower-rent alternatives like Greer or Harmon if maximum affordability matters; consider it versus higher-income areas like Grady if wage growth is a priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harper County

via IncomeByCounty

Harper income lags national median

Harper County's median household income of $59,191 sits 20.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap is typical for rural Oklahoma counties competing in a national economy increasingly driven by service and knowledge-based industries.

Near Oklahoma state average

At $59,191, Harper County slightly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by just $918. The county performs at the state baseline, neither notably stronger nor weaker than typical Oklahoma economies.

Mid-range county performer

Harper County's $59,191 ranks between stronger performers like Grant ($61,824) and Greer ($60,183) and lower-earning counties like Garvin ($57,127) and Harmon ($54,286). The county represents a typical rural Oklahoma income profile.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Harper County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is below the 30% affordability benchmark, and median home value of $99,300 is accessible to median-earning households. Housing remains a manageable expense relative to income.

Moderate income supports steady growth

With income at $59,191 and controlled housing costs at 16% of income, Harper County households have modest room to save and invest. Prioritize building a 6-month emergency fund, then gradually increase retirement contributions and explore real estate equity building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harper County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Peace in Harper County

Harper County is one of the safest places in the country, with a nearly perfect safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 519.6 per 100,000 is a fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

The Gold Standard for Oklahoma Safety

While Oklahoma averages 2647.7 crimes per 100,000 residents, Harper County reports only 519.6. It ranks significantly higher in safety than the state's average score of 95.8.

Leading the Region in Security

Harper County is much safer than other rural counties like Grant County, which has a crime rate of 1372.9. It represents the pinnacle of public safety in the Oklahoma panhandle region.

Virtually No Violent Crime Reported

Violent crime is incredibly rare, occurring at a rate of just 30.6 per 100,000. Property crime is also minimal at 489.0, meaning crime is an outlier rather than a common occurrence.

Preserving Your Safe Environment

In such a safe area, basic vigilance is usually enough to maintain security. Keeping doors locked and being an active neighbor helps ensure these low crime rates continue.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Harper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Essential Education in the Panhandle Region

Harper County maintains four public schools across two school districts to serve its 735 students. The system consists of two elementary and two high schools, providing a direct educational ladder for local youth. These institutions are vital pillars of the county's small, distributed communities.

Strong Graduation Outcomes and Steady Progress

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. With a school score of 51.5, the county remains competitive against the Oklahoma median of 49.5. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $6,075, focusing resources on core academic success.

Laverne and Buffalo District Hubs

Laverne is the larger of the two districts, enrolling 468 students across two campuses. Buffalo manages the remaining 267 students within its own two-school system. Both districts consist entirely of traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available in the area.

Compact and Exclusively Rural Campuses

Every school in Harper County is situated in a rural locale, fostering an average school size of 184 students. Laverne ES is the largest institution with 335 students, while Buffalo HS is the smallest with 83 students. This scale ensures that every student is well-known by faculty and the community at large.

Small Schools, Big Results in Harper

Harper County's 90% graduation rate makes it an attractive destination for families seeking academic reliability. Whether you look for a home in Laverne or Buffalo, you will be near schools that exceed state performance standards. Discover the benefits of panhandle living where education is personalized and effective.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harper County

via RiskByCounty

Harper's risk slightly below average

Harper County's composite risk score of 45.67 places it in the relatively low category, sitting modestly below the national average. However, wildfire risk of 81.93 significantly exceeds national norms, requiring focused preparedness.

Harper safer than Oklahoma average

At 45.67, Harper's score sits below the state average of 55.47, making it one of Oklahoma's comparatively safer counties. The low tornado risk (30.57) and minimal flood exposure (6.81) distinguish it from the state's broader hazard profile.

Harper less risky than panhandle peers

Harper's 45.67 score sits between Grant County's safety (27.77) and Grady's higher exposure (75.73), positioning it as a moderate-risk option in northwestern Oklahoma. However, wildfire threat exceeds most neighboring counties.

Wildfire dominates the risk profile

Harper's wildfire risk of 81.93 stands as its overwhelmingly dominant hazard, while tornado (30.57), flood (6.81), and earthquake (16.51) remain minimal. Hurricane exposure (28.66) adds a distant but manageable secondary concern.

Wildfire coverage is essential here

Homeowners should ensure fire insurance coverage is comprehensive and verify property fire resilience given Harper's substantial wildfire exposure. Create and maintain defensible space, keep gutters clear, and establish emergency plans focused on evacuation readiness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Harper County

via WaterByCounty

Harper County Achieves Perfect Compliance

Harper County leads the region with a Grade A for drinking water compliance, recording zero health violations over the last five years. With a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000, it performs exceptionally better than the Oklahoma state average of 960.4. This reflects a high standard of safety for local drinking water systems.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending

There is currently no ATTAINS data for Harper County, as its water bodies have not yet been assessed under the §303(d) cycle. No impairment status or specific pollutants are officially listed for local streams at this time. Data gaps exist regarding the ecological health of the county's surface waters.

Monitoring Focuses on Nutrient Levels

Four monitoring sites in Harper County have collected 2,696 measurements over the past five years. Researchers primarily focus on physical characteristics and nutrient levels within these water bodies. This monitoring provides a baseline for understanding how agricultural runoff might affect local water quality.

Cimarron River Flows Below Average

The Cimarron River near Buffalo is currently flowing at 36 cfs, which is 35% of its long-term mean of 102 cfs. This below-average flow indicates a current deficit in surface water volume for the region. Reduced flow can impact local ecosystems and the concentration of nutrients in the water.

Maintain High Standards Despite Low Flows

Harper County's Grade A compliance suggests that drinking water is currently very safe, but residents should watch for changes during low flow periods. The Cimarron River's low levels could increase the concentration of natural minerals or nutrients. Protecting source water from runoff will help maintain the county's excellent compliance record.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harper County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and dry northern plains

Harper County is one of the state's coolest regions with a 57.9°F annual average. Its 22.5 inches of precipitation is significantly lower than the Oklahoma state average of 37.2 inches.

Cooler and drier than the state

Harper ranks as a cooler Oklahoma county, sitting 2.5 degrees below the state average of 60.4°F. It also receives nearly 15 inches less rain than the state norm.

A hub for winter snow

This county is much snowier than its southern neighbors, recording a significant 15.5 inches annually. Its 22.5 inches of rain makes it one of the driest counties in the state.

Vast temperature and weather swings

Harper experiences extreme swings, from 98 days of 90°F heat in summer to 15.5 inches of snow in winter. The January average drops to 34.7°F, reflecting its exposed northern location.

Plan for snow and sun

Residents need both heavy-duty snow removal equipment and efficient cooling for the 98 extreme heat days. Moisture-retaining soil additives can help gardens survive the dry 22.5-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harper County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet Soils of the High Plains

Harper County features an average pH of 7.15, making it the most alkaline soil in this group and significantly higher than the national 6.5 median. This 'sweet' soil is common in drier climates where minerals aren't leached away by heavy rain. The overall soil score of 31.9 is slightly below the state average of 35.3.

Sand-Heavy Plains Composition

The soil is comprised of 46.7% sand, 31.4% silt, and 16.9% clay. This high sand ratio provides an open structure that prevents heavy compaction, though the low clay content means fewer sites for nutrient binding. The dominant texture is influenced heavily by the presence of water features and riparian corridors.

Average Water Capacity in Harper

Harper County achieves an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, slightly exceeding the Oklahoma state average. However, organic matter remains low at 1.28% compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. This means the soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture, even if it is lean on nutrients.

Group D Infiltration Challenges

The county's soil is categorized in Hydrologic Group D, which typically exhibits slow infiltration and high runoff rates. This suggests that during heavy downpours, the soil surface can quickly become saturated. Proper land grading is essential to manage water flow and prevent localized flooding.

Growing in the 7a Hardiness Zone

In Zone 7a, Harper County is well-suited for alfalfa and other deep-rooted forage crops that can tap into stored moisture. Gardeners should look for plants that tolerate alkaline conditions, such as asparagus or certain varieties of beans. Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the 31.9 soil score for home gardening.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harper County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Plains Lawn Difficulty

Harper County faces a lawn difficulty score of 41.5, placing it below both the Oklahoma average of 46.1 and the national median of 50.0. As a Zone 7a region, it experiences a mix of high-heat summers and cold winters. Maintaining turf here requires extra effort compared to many other parts of the state.

Dry Air and Intense Summer Sun

With only 22.5 inches of annual rainfall, Harper is significantly drier than the state average of 37.2 inches. The county also sees 98 extreme heat days per year, putting heavy stress on cool-season grasses. The 4,661 growing degree days suggest a vigorous but moisture-starved growing season.

Alkaline Soil in a Sandy Landscape

The soil pH is 7.15, which is slightly alkaline and may require sulfur amendments to bring it into the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil is quite sandy at 46.7%, facilitating fast drainage but poor nutrient retention. Homeowners should focus on building soil health to help lawns survive the low 22.5-inch annual rainfall.

Monitoring Moisture in the High Plains

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, although it has managed to avoid severe drought categories recently. Over the past year, the region spent 15 weeks in drought conditions. Using drought-resistant native grasses can help mitigate the impact of the frequent dry spells typical of this area.

Starting Your Harper County Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Buffalograss are ideal for these dry, alkaline conditions. Your planting window begins after the last spring frost on April 17 and extends through the warm summer months. Prepare for the end of the season as the first frost typically arrives by October 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harper County's county score?
Harper County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Harper County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Harper County ranks #2 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 Harper County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Harper County is $663, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Harper County a tax score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harper County?
The median household income in Harper County, Oklahoma is $59,191 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harper County earns an income score of 36.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harper County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Harper County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Harper 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 Harper County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.