countyscore
48.8
County Score
Cost of Living 93.5Disaster Risk 79.1Property Tax 68.7

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Oklahoma

Jefferson County Nears the National Median

Jefferson County posts a CountyScore of 49.2, nearly matching the national median score of 50.0. This makes it more competitive than many of its regional neighbors. It offers a balanced profile that sits right in the middle of the national distribution.

Outperforming the Oklahoma Average

The county's 49.2 composite score is significantly higher than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. This puts Jefferson County in the upper tier of the state for overall livability metrics. Its high scores in cost and risk management drive this strong state ranking.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Environmental Risk

Jefferson County excels with a Cost Score of 95.8, driven by a remarkably low median rent of $588. The Risk Score of 79.1 also stands out, suggesting the county is well-protected against various natural hazards. These strengths make it one of the most affordable and stable places in the state.

Limited Income Growth and Water Access

The Income Score of 12.3 reflects a median household income of $48,750, which is low by national standards. Water quality remains a significant concern with a score of only 1.0. Health services also present a challenge with a dimension score of 15.0.

Ideal for Retirees or Remote Workers

This county is a perfect fit for those with fixed or external incomes who want to maximize their purchasing power. The high safety from environmental risks and rock-bottom housing costs are its main draws. It suits anyone looking for a quiet, low-cost life in rural Oklahoma.

2040608010068.793.540.81530.19.479.1138.9Tax68.7Cost93.5Safety40.8Health15Schools30.1Income9.4Risk79.1Water1Weather38.948.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

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

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (93.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.7+16.700000000000003
Cost
93.5+45.5
Safety
40.8-14.200000000000003
Health
15-35
Schools
30.1-23.9
Income
9.4-41.6
Risk
79.1+32.099999999999994
Water
1-57
Weather
38.9-17.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jefferson County?

Many homeowners in Jefferson 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

$82,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$647/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,668/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

74.4

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
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Counties with similar scores

Hawaii County
Hawaii
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Schuylkill County
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Hamilton County
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Graham County
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48.7

Nearby counties

Montague County
Texas
40.5
Clay County
Texas
40.3
Cotton County
Oklahoma
39.1
Stephens County
Oklahoma
39.4
Love County
Oklahoma
43.7
Carter County
Oklahoma
30.7
Cooke County
Texas
37.7
Wichita County
Texas
44.4

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County taxes rank among lowest nationally

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 0.661% is well below the national median of 0.88%, positioning it in the bottom quarter of American counties. With a median property tax of just $512 annually—less than 19% of the national median of $2,690—Jefferson residents enjoy some of the nation's most affordable property taxation.

Among Oklahoma's higher-tax counties by rate

Jefferson County's 0.661% effective rate sits slightly above Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, making it a moderate-tax county within the state. However, the median tax bill of $512 is well below the state median of $959 because homes here are substantially smaller and less valuable than the statewide average.

Higher rate than surrounding rural counties

Jefferson County's 0.661% effective rate edges above Kiowa County (0.573%) and Latimer County (0.515%) to the east, but remains comparable to Le Flore County (0.653%). Among rural southern Oklahoma counties, Jefferson sits in the middle range for tax burden.

Median annual tax on Jefferson County home

The typical Jefferson County homeowner with a $77,500 house pays about $512 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $745 annually including escrow, while those without mortgages pay $382.

Appeal your assessment if you think it's high

Many Jefferson County homeowners are assessed above market value and don't realize they can appeal. If your property feels overvalued, contact the county assessor's office about a formal reassessment—thousands of Oklahomans successfully reduce their tax burden this way each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County lags significantly behind national averages

Jefferson County's median household income of $48,750 falls 35% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationwide. This gap reflects economic challenges common to rural southeastern Oklahoma communities.

Jefferson County ranks among Oklahoma's lowest earners

At $48,750, Jefferson County's median household income falls nearly $10,000 below the Oklahoma state average of $58,273. The county's per capita income of $30,984 sits just slightly above the state average, indicating concentrated lower household earnings.

Jefferson County faces income pressures in its region

Jefferson County households earn $10,746 less annually than neighboring Jackson County ($61,497) and $2,161 less than Johnston County ($50,911). Only Kiowa ($42,063) and Latimer ($41,048) counties show lower median incomes in the surrounding area.

Housing affordability provides a bright spot

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% is among the most favorable in the state, well below the 30% affordability standard. The median home value of $77,500 is highly accessible, though lower overall income limits savings capacity for other needs.

Maximize limited resources through strategic planning

Jefferson County residents can leverage affordable housing costs to build savings despite lower median incomes. Explore low-cost investment options, employer retirement plans, and financial counseling services to create wealth-building pathways suited to the local economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Shows Strong National Safety Results

The county's total crime rate of 1,346.9 per 100K is about 43% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 97.9 out of 100.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Jefferson County's total crime rate of 1,346.9 per 100K is roughly half the Oklahoma state average of 2,647.7. Its 97.9 safety score makes it one of the more secure counties in the state.

Local Agencies Report Lower Incident Rates

Data from 3 reporting agencies indicates a crime rate that is significantly lower than Oklahoma's state average. The county remains a regional leader in keeping total crime incidents low.

Violent Crime Rates Slightly Exceed National Averages

The county records a violent crime rate of 405.9 per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime remains very low at 941.0 per 100K, keeping the overall environment safe.

Secure Your Jefferson County Residence

With property crime sitting at 941.0 per 100K, basic home security can effectively deter opportunistic theft. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting help preserve the county's high safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Oklahoma Climate

Jefferson County maintains a 64.2°F average annual temperature, which is significantly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate is defined by long, hot summers and very brief, mild winters.

Among Oklahoma's Warmest Regions

The county's average temperature of 64.2°F sits nearly four degrees above the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state, largely due to its southern position along the Red River.

Drier and Hotter Than Eastern Neighbors

Jefferson is notably drier than Johnston County, receiving only 32.2 inches of rain compared to Johnston's 42.4 inches. It also records 23 more extreme heat days per year than its neighbor to the east.

One Hundred Days of Extreme Heat

Summers are intense, with 100 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 84.9°F. Winters are exceptionally mild, averaging 44.9°F with only 1.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Prolonged Summer Heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the three months of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning to avoid the triple-digit heat index common in mid-summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Oklahoma Soil Near the Red River

Jefferson County soils maintain a pH of 6.03, which aligns almost perfectly with the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. This level is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Because dominant taxonomic data is unavailable, gardeners should rely on local pH tests to guide their lime applications.

Sandy Profiles Influence Local Hydrology

The soil is comprised of 46.4% sand and 16.1% clay, offering a coarse texture that handles water quickly. This mix is often influenced by its proximity to water-heavy riparian zones along the southern border. The 28.9% silt content helps provide enough structure to keep nutrients from leaching too fast.

Strong Water Retention for Dry Spells

Jefferson County boasts an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.144. While organic matter is 1.57%—trailing the national 2.0% benchmark—the soil holds moisture effectively. This trait is a vital asset for maintaining pastures and crops during Oklahoma’s frequent dry stretches.

High Runoff Potential in Wet Seasons

Falling into hydrologic group D, this soil presents a high runoff potential and very slow infiltration when thoroughly wet. While specific drainage class data is missing, this classification suggests a risk of standing water during heavy rains. Proper site grading is essential for any local construction or gardening project.

Southern Growth in Hardiness Zone 8a

As a zone 8a region, Jefferson County enjoys a long growing season that supports everything from pecans to watermelons. The sandy soil is particularly forgiving for root vegetables and heat-loving perennials. It is a fantastic place to establish a productive home orchard or market garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Warm-Season Success in Jefferson County

A lawn difficulty score of 38.3 indicates a challenging environment compared to the Oklahoma average of 46.1. Located in hardiness zone 8a, your lawn experiences milder winters but intense summer pressure. Maintaining a lush green space here requires focused attention on irrigation and heat management.

Intense Summer Heat and Moderate Rain

With 100 days of extreme heat each year, your grass faces 24 more days of 90-plus degree weather than the typical Oklahoma county. Annual precipitation averages 32.2 inches, barely meeting the minimum threshold for healthy turf. This high evaporation rate necessitates a strict watering schedule during the long growing season.

Sandy Soil Requires Nutrient Focus

The soil pH is 6.03, which is on the lower end of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. High sand content at 46.4% means nutrients and water may leach through the soil quickly. Regular fertilizing and adding compost can help improve the water-holding capacity of your yard.

Water Conservation During Dry Spells

Jefferson County spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn, focus on maintaining a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce water loss. Current severe drought conditions affect roughly 24.5% of the county's area.

Prepare for a March Start

The final spring frost typically arrives by March 24, allowing for an early start to the growing season. Warm-season grasses like Zoysia or Bermuda thrive in zone 8a and handle the 100 heat days better than cool-season alternatives. Plan your sodding or seeding early to beat the July heat spike.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 48.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Jefferson County ranks #20 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 Jefferson County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $517, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Oklahoma is $48,668 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 9.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 48.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.