Kay County's composite score of 66.7 tops the national median of 50.0 by 33%, demonstrating solid livability relative to the nation. This score reflects balanced performance across tax, cost, and health dimensions with measured risks.
2 / 5
Just below Oklahoma's average
Kay County scores 66.7 against the Oklahoma state average of 68.4, placing it slightly in the middle of the state's county rankings. While just below the state mean, it remains competitive in Oklahoma's livability landscape.
3 / 5
Good health and manageable taxes
Kay County delivers the highest health score in this eight-county group at 59.8 and maintains strong tax efficiency with an 83.0 tax score and 0.684% effective rate. Housing is also reasonably priced at $830/month rent and $116,800 median home values.
4 / 5
Weak incomes and financial risk
Kay County's median household income of $56,673 and income score of 20.4 signal limited earning potential in the local economy. The risk score of 20.1 is also notably low, suggesting economic vulnerability in the community.
5 / 5
For health-conscious, tax-aware residents
Kay County suits people prioritizing good health outcomes and lower tax burdens over high local wages and economic growth. It's ideal for those with external income streams seeking a stable, health-conscious community.
Kay County's composite score of 66.7 tops the national median of 50.0 by 33%, demonstrating solid livability relative to the nation. This score reflects balanced performance across tax, cost, and health dimensions with measured risks.
Just below Oklahoma's average
Kay County scores 66.7 against the Oklahoma state average of 68.4, placing it slightly in the middle of the state's county rankings. While just below the state mean, it remains competitive in Oklahoma's livability landscape.
Good health and manageable taxes
Kay County delivers the highest health score in this eight-county group at 59.8 and maintains strong tax efficiency with an 83.0 tax score and 0.684% effective rate. Housing is also reasonably priced at $830/month rent and $116,800 median home values.
Weak incomes and financial risk
Kay County's median household income of $56,673 and income score of 20.4 signal limited earning potential in the local economy. The risk score of 20.1 is also notably low, suggesting economic vulnerability in the community.
For health-conscious, tax-aware residents
Kay County suits people prioritizing good health outcomes and lower tax burdens over high local wages and economic growth. It's ideal for those with external income streams seeking a stable, health-conscious community.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Kay County taxes below national average despite higher rate
Kay County's effective tax rate of 0.684% is below the national median of 0.88%, keeping the county in the lower half nationally for tax burden. The median property tax of $799 annually remains just 30% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to Kay's smaller home valuations.
Kay County has higher-than-average Oklahoma tax rates
Kay County's 0.684% effective rate ranks among the highest in Oklahoma, exceeding the state average of 0.652% by a notable margin. At $799 in median annual taxes versus the state median of $959, Kay County residents pay slightly less in total dollars but face a steeper effective rate.
Highest tax rate in the north-central region
Kay County's 0.684% effective rate is the highest among comparable northern Oklahoma counties, exceeding Kingfisher County (0.552%) and Jackson County (0.633%). Northern homeowners seeking lower tax rates typically move south toward Johnston County (0.555%).
Median annual tax on Kay County home
The typical Kay County homeowner with a $116,800 house pays about $799 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $980 annually including escrow, while those without mortgages pay $630.
Appeal your assessment if you think it's high
Many Kay 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.
Kay County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio is above both Oklahoma's state average of 17.0% and the national benchmark, indicating tighter housing affordability. Though median household income of $56,673 exceeds several neighboring counties, the $830 monthly rent consumes a larger share of earnings than peers.
Kay County above state affordability average
Kay County ranks slightly below Oklahoma's affordability standards with a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the 17.0% state average. Median rent of $830/month is the highest among most peer counties in this comparison, straining resident incomes more than the state overall.
Kay County's higher rents in regional view
Kay County's $830 median rent is higher than Jefferson ($588), Johnston ($732), and Jackson ($865) lands between Jackson and Kingfisher, with owner costs at $691/month reflecting the county's steeper affordability challenge. A median home value of $116,800 places it modestly below regional ownership costs.
Kay County's housing consumes earnings
With median income at $56,673, Kay County residents dedicating 17.6% to rent at $830/month face tighter budgets than most peers. Homeowners pay $691/month, representing 14.7% of household income—meaning Kay County residents sacrifice more of their earnings to housing than comparable Oklahoma counties.
Kay County requires careful budget planning
Kay County's housing costs consume a larger share of income than neighboring counties, making it best suited for earners with stable $57,000+ salaries. If you're relocating with limited income flexibility or seeking maximum affordability, consider Jefferson or Jackson County instead.
Kay County earns modestly below the national median
Kay County's median household income of $56,673 falls about 24% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. While below national average, this level reflects moderate economic conditions for a rural Oklahoma county.
Kay County sits near Oklahoma's middle income
Kay County's median household income of $56,673 trails the Oklahoma state average of $58,273 by only $1,600, positioning it close to the state median. The per capita income of $31,190 exceeds the state average of $30,609, suggesting more balanced income distribution.
Kay County moderately outearns southern Oklahoma peers
Kay County households earn $8,023 less than Jackson County ($61,497) but significantly more than Jefferson ($48,750) and Johnston ($50,911) counties. The county's income positions it as a mid-range earner in its region.
Rental costs press harder on Kay County households
Kay County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% indicates housing costs consume a notable share of household income, though still within the 30% affordability standard. The median home value of $116,800 remains accessible, but tight budgets limit room for other investments.
Stabilize finances while planning for growth
Kay County residents should focus on building emergency reserves before pursuing aggressive investments, given moderate income levels. Employer 401(k) matches and tax-advantaged savings accounts offer accessible wealth-building tools suited to local economic conditions.
Kay County's 71.8-year life expectancy is nearly aligned with the U.S. average of 71.4 years, and its 20.6% poor/fair health rate is substantially below the national 27.2% figure. This suggests a relatively healthier population compared to many U.S. communities.
County ranks above Oklahoma's state average
At 71.8 years, Kay County's life expectancy exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years, placing it solidly in the healthier half of Oklahoma's counties. The 20.6% poor/fair health rate also outperforms the state pattern.
Competitive health profile among nearby counties
Kay County outpaces Jefferson (71.5 years) and Johnston (71.3 years) counties on life expectancy, though Jackson County (73.0 years) still leads the region. With 39 primary care providers per 100,000 and 257 mental health providers, Kay County offers balanced provider access.
Insurance access supports routine and preventive care
Kay County's 14.1% uninsured rate mirrors Jackson County and sits just below the state average of 15.3%, meaning most residents have coverage for doctor visits and emergencies. Mental health provider capacity at 257 per 100,000 provides solid support for behavioral health needs.
Ensure your family has coverage
If you're part of Kay County's 14.1% uninsured, explore marketplace plans and Medicaid options that may be affordable for your household. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find plans and learn about cost assistance.
Kay County's composite risk score of 79.87 ranks as relatively low despite being notably elevated above the state average of 55.47. The county's multi-hazard exposure, particularly to tornadoes and wildfires, drives this above-average profile.
Higher-risk county in Oklahoma
With a score of 79.87, Kay County ranks among the higher-exposure counties statewide, exceeding the state average of 55.47 by 44%. This places it in Oklahoma's more hazard-prone tier, primarily due to tornado and wildfire risk.
Significantly riskier than nearby areas
Kay County's score of 79.87 is substantially higher than surrounding counties like Kingfisher (56.84) and comparable to Jackson County (86.04). The county faces notably greater natural disaster exposure than most of its neighbors.
Tornadoes and wildfires top threats
Tornado risk peaks at an exceptional 93.38—among the highest in Oklahoma—while wildfire risk reaches 88.45. Flood risk (69.75) is also elevated, making Kay County a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.
Prioritize comprehensive hazard coverage
Kay County residents should ensure homeowners policies include adequate tornado and wind coverage, then explore flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. A conversation with an insurance agent about bundling coverage types can strengthen protection against the county's significant multi-hazard exposure.