countyscore
45.4
County Score
Cost of Living 94.9Property Tax 73Disaster Risk 66

County Report Card

About Hughes County, Oklahoma

Below the National Benchmark

Hughes County holds a composite score of 45.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it offers extreme affordability, other livability factors pull the average down.

Above Average for Oklahoma

The county exceeds the state average of 43.0, proving to be more livable than many of its Oklahoma neighbors. Its value proposition is primarily rooted in its exceptionally low costs.

Remarkable Affordability and Low Risk

An incredible Cost Score of 94.9 is anchored by rents of $615 and home values under $95,000. It also remains relatively safe from natural disasters with a Risk Score of 66.0.

Economic and Utility Hurdles

Income and Health scores both sit near 10, highlighting significant economic distress. The Water Score of 2.6 also points toward a lack of reliable public utility infrastructure.

Best for Extreme Budget Seekers

Hughes County is a match for those who need the lowest possible cost of living in Oklahoma. It is particularly suited for individuals with external funding sources who want to own a home with minimal financial overhead.

204060801007394.918.810.235.310.9662.654.9Tax73Cost94.9Safety18.8Health10.2Schools35.3Income10.9Risk66Water2.6Weather54.945.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Hughes County DNA

Foverall

How Hughes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hughes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (94.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73+21
Cost
94.9+46.900000000000006
Safety
18.8-36.2
Health
10.2-39.8
Schools
35.3-18.700000000000003
Income
10.9-40.1
Risk
66+19
Water
2.6-55.4
Weather
54.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Hughes County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$615/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,923/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

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Deep Dives

Hughes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hughes County

via TaxByCounty

Hughes ranks low on the national stage

Hughes County's effective tax rate of 0.611% is well below the national median, with a median property tax of $580. This represents just 22% of the national median tax of $2,690, placing Hughes among America's most affordable counties for property taxes.

Below Oklahoma's state average

Hughes County's 0.611% rate falls below Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, and its median tax of $580 is substantially lower than the state median of $959. The county offers homeowners a favorable tax climate relative to statewide norms.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Hughes's 0.611% rate is lower than Grady (0.703%), Harmon (0.698%), and Harper (0.668%), but slightly higher than Garvin (0.566%), Grant (0.604%), Greer (0.570%), and Haskell (0.455%). The median home value of $94,900 keeps tax bills moderate.

Median tax bill stands at $580 yearly

A median Hughes County property valued at $94,900 incurs an estimated annual property tax of $580—or $789 when mortgage taxes are included. At roughly $48 per month, homeowners here maintain relatively low tax obligations.

Appeal if your assessment is too high

Oklahoma homeowners frequently overpay due to inflated assessments, and Hughes County residents are no exception. Reviewing your assessment notice and filing an appeal when warranted could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hughes County

via CostByCounty

Hughes offers moderate rental affordability

Hughes County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% sits below the national average of 17.0%, delivering modest affordability gains for renters. The median household income of $47,923 is among the nation's lowest, trailing the national median of $74,755 by roughly $27,000, yet the county's $615 monthly rent is exceptionally affordable.

Below state average despite low incomes

Hughes County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, and its median rent of $615 is the lowest across all eight counties surveyed. The county's ultra-low rents partially compensate for income levels among the state's weakest.

Lowest rents with lowest incomes

Hughes County's $615 median rent is the region's absolute lowest, yet its $47,923 median income is the lowest as well, creating a mixed affordability picture. The county offers rock-bottom rents but minimal income growth prospects, making it suitable only for those with stable outside earnings.

Both renters and owners find relief

Hughes County renters pay just $615 monthly (15.4% of their $47,923 income), while homeowners spend $503 monthly (12.6%) on median-valued homes of $94,900. The county's exceptionally low housing costs—both rental and ownership—benefit those who can secure employment or other income sources.

Hughes for remote workers seeking refuge

Hughes County delivers the region's lowest absolute housing costs, making it ideal for remote workers, retirees, or those with independent income seeking maximum savings. Renters prioritizing affordability over income opportunities will find Hughes's $615 rent transformative, saving $200+ monthly versus nearby Greer County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hughes County

via IncomeByCounty

Hughes faces severe income gap

Hughes County's median household income of $47,923 sits a stark 35.9% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it among America's lowest-income counties. This gap reflects profound economic challenges rooted in limited employment and historical disinvestment.

Lowest in Oklahoma

At $47,923, Hughes County earns $10,350 less than Oklahoma's state average of $58,273—a 17.8% deficit. The county ranks at or near the bottom of Oklahoma's 77 counties, facing the state's most acute income crisis.

Clear regional economic leader missing

Hughes County ($47,923) ranks lowest among all eight counties analyzed, trailing even Haskell ($49,930) by nearly $2,000. Every neighbor—from Grady ($75,730) to Harmon ($54,286)—earns substantially more per household.

Housing strains already-tight budgets

Hughes County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% and median home value of $94,900 sound affordable in isolation, but represent significant burdens on the nation's lowest county incomes. Limited income leaves little margin for other essential expenses.

Economic recovery must come first

Hughes County households earning $47,923 face urgent financial pressure that supersedes investment planning. Work with local nonprofits and government programs on job training, debt counseling, and emergency assistance before attempting wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hughes County

via CrimeByCounty

Hughes County Outperforms National Safety Scores

Hughes County maintains a solid safety score of 96.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2147.8 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a secure community.

Reliable Security Within Oklahoma

Hughes County is safer than the state average, with a crime rate of 2147.8 compared to Oklahoma's 2647.7. Its 96.6 safety score also exceeds the state average score of 95.8.

Comparing Safety to Nearby Counties

Hughes County is safer than Garvin County (2549.8) but sees more activity than Haskell County (1055.7). It occupies a middle ground of safety for the region.

Property Crime as the Main Factor

Violent crime is low at 223.7, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent at 1924.1 per 100,000, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement calls.

Effective Home Security Strategies

Focus on protecting your valuables from theft by using alarm systems and secure locks. Preventing property crime helps maintain the county's reputation as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hughes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Thirteen Schools Across the Hughes Region

Hughes County manages 13 public schools, which include six elementary, one middle, and six high schools. A total of 2,177 students are enrolled across six different school districts. This network provides a high number of schools relative to the student population, ensuring smaller local campuses.

Investing in Student Growth and Success

Hughes County invests $7,601 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,520. While the graduation rate of 82.7% trails the state average slightly, the school score of 51.0 remains above the state median. This investment suggests a focus on improving outcomes and maintaining campus quality.

Holdenville Leads the County Districts

Holdenville is the largest district in Hughes County, serving 979 students across three primary campuses. Smaller districts like Calvin and Graham-Dustin also provide essential services to more rural populations. The county's education is entirely traditional, with no charter schools among the 13 institutions.

Deeply Rural with Small Student Bodies

The county is primarily rural with 11 schools in rural settings and two in towns, maintaining an average size of 167 students. Thomas IES in Holdenville is the largest school with 361 students, while many other schools serve fewer than 200. This smaller scale supports an environment where students and teachers maintain close community ties.

Build a Future Near Holdenville Schools

For those seeking higher-than-average per-pupil investment, Hughes County offers several enticing options. Look for homes in the Holdenville or Wetumka areas to be near the county's largest and most established schools. Secure your next home in a community that values its local education infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hughes County

via RiskByCounty

Hughes sits below national average

Hughes County's composite risk score of 34.03 places it in the very low category, meaningfully safer than the national average. Wildfire risk of 89.69 and tornado risk of 64.28 represent notable exposures, but overall vulnerability remains modest.

Hughes safer than state average

At 34.03, Hughes ranks below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's lower-risk counties. The central location and distance from panhandle wildfire zones contribute to this favorable profile.

Hughes mid-tier for region

Hughes's 34.03 score sits between Grant County (27.77) to the west and Haskell County (30.50) to the south, representing typical east-central Oklahoma risk. All three counties sit substantially below state average.

Wildfire and tornado are dual threats

Hughes faces notable wildfire risk (89.69) and moderate tornado exposure (64.28), making wind and fire the county's primary hazards. Earthquake (36.39), flood (17.53), and hurricane (37.92) risks remain secondary concerns.

Balance wildfire and wind coverage

Hughes residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers both wind damage and wildfire exposure, given the county's dual threats. Maintain defensible space around structures and review coverage limits annually to reflect property value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hughes County

via WaterByCounty

Hughes County Records High Violation Rate

Hughes County earns a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 179 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 1,428.7 per 100,000 residents sits well above the Oklahoma average of 960.4. These figures point to significant hurdles in providing safe, compliant drinking water to the community.

Full Impairment for Assessed Water Bodies

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of assessed water bodies in Hughes County were found to be impaired. Major concerns include mercury, chlorophyll-a, and turbidity, which affect every stream currently tracked. This total impairment rate is significantly higher than the state average of 76.7%.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 21 Sites

Hughes County maintains a strong monitoring footprint with 21 sites recording 16,865 measurements over five years. This data primarily tracks physical attributes and nutrient levels across the county. The high density of monitoring helps local officials identify specific areas where impairment causes are most severe.

Canadian River at Calvin Flowing at 19%

Current discharge at the Canadian River gauge at Calvin is 316 cfs, compared to a long-term mean of 1,667 cfs. This flow is only 19% of the typical volume, signaling a significant regional dry spell. Lower water volumes can exacerbate the 100% impairment rate by concentrating pollutants like mercury.

High Risk Signals Require Water Filtration

With total watershed impairment and high compliance violations, residents should be extremely proactive about water safety. Installing filters that target mercury and organic pollutants like chlorophyll-a is highly recommended. The current low streamflow on the Canadian River suggests that source water quality remains under pressure.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hughes County

via WeatherByCounty

Lush and warm central plains

Hughes County averages 61.1°F annually, making it warmer than the national median. It is wetter than many of its neighbors, receiving 41.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and wetter than average

With a 61.1°F average, Hughes sits slightly above the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. Its rainfall is also notably higher than the state average of 37.2 inches.

High rainfall for the region

Hughes is much wetter than Greer or Harmon to the west, receiving over 14 inches more rain annually. Its temperature remains consistent with other central Oklahoma counties like Grady.

Wet years and mild winters

The county experiences 78 days of 90°F heat, paired with a July average of 82.7°F. Winters are mild with only 2.1 inches of snow and a 41.0°F average.

Manage moisture and heat

Homeowners should ensure proper drainage and gutter maintenance to handle the high 41.3-inch annual rainfall. HVAC systems will work hardest during the 78 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hughes County

via SoilByCounty

The Mollisol Grasslands of Hughes

Hughes County is characterized by Mollisols, the dark, nutrient-rich soils often associated with historic grasslands. However, the current pH of 5.50 is quite acidic compared to the national 6.5 median. Despite the high-quality soil order, the county receives a soil score of 27.0, indicating some modern management hurdles.

Silt Loam for Smooth Workability

The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 45.9% sand and 28.7% silt with a low clay content of 16.1%. This creates a soil that is exceptionally easy to work and doesn't get as waterlogged as heavier clay soils. It provides an excellent medium for root expansion in young plants.

Consistent Moisture for Native Growth

The available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.144 in/in. Organic matter is 1.47%, which is higher than some western neighbors but still below the state average of 1.72%. This balance supports stable growth for native Oklahoma prairie grasses.

Moderate Drainage and Group B Hydrology

Hughes County soils are typically 'Well drained' and fall into Hydrologic Group B. This moderate infiltration rate helps prevent the standing water issues seen in Group D soils. It makes the land more versatile for varied uses, from agricultural fields to residential gardens.

Prime Zone 7b Growing Conditions

The 7b hardiness zone and silt loam texture make this a great spot for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Because the soil is acidic, gardeners should test their pH before planting alkaline-loving greens like kale or spinach. It’s a rewarding environment for anyone looking to cultivate a diverse backyard homestead.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hughes County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging but Rewarding Lawn Climate

Hughes County holds a lawn difficulty score of 45.7, which is nearly identical to the Oklahoma state average of 46.1. This indicates a moderately difficult environment compared to the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 7b area must navigate both high humidity and intense drought cycles.

Ample Rainfall Meets High Thermal Demand

The county receives a generous 41.3 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 37.2 inches. However, 78 extreme heat days and 5,244 growing degree days mean that lawns stay active and thirsty. This balance of high rain and high heat can lead to increased disease pressure in the turf.

Silt Loam Soil with Acidic Tendencies

The soil pH in Hughes County is 5.50, meaning it is more acidic than the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. The texture is a silt loam, containing 45.9% sand and 16.1% clay, which provides a good balance of drainage and water retention. Lime is frequently needed to raise the pH level and ensure fertilizers are effective.

Battling Extreme Severe Drought Coverage

Nearly the entire county—99.4%—is currently under severe drought conditions, creating a high-stress environment for lawns. This follows a year where the county spent 22 weeks in drought. Despite the high annual rainfall of 41.3 inches, the current lack of moisture requires careful, prioritized irrigation.

Maximize Your Growth in Hughes County

Zoysia or Bermuda grasses are excellent choices to handle the heat and silt loam soils of the region. Plan to begin seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on April 6. Your lawn will likely stay green until the first fall frost, which typically occurs on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hughes County's county score?
Hughes County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 45.4 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 Hughes County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Hughes County ranks #25 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 Hughes County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Hughes County is $580, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Hughes County a tax score of 73/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hughes County?
The median household income in Hughes County, Oklahoma is $47,923 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hughes County earns an income score of 10.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hughes County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Hughes County scores 45.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Hughes 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 Hughes 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.