countyscore
44.5
County Score
Cost of Living 86.9Property Tax 84.3Disaster Risk 65.4

County Report Card

About Latimer County, Oklahoma

Latimer County Near the National Average

Latimer County holds a CountyScore of 44.6, which is just below the national median of 50.0. While it trails slightly on the national stage, its financial scores are notably high. It remains a viable option for those seeking a specific rural lifestyle.

Beating the State Average

The county's 44.6 score is higher than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. This places it in the upper half of Oklahoma counties for overall desirability. Its exceptional tax and housing cost scores are the primary drivers of this relative success.

Some of the Lowest Taxes in Oklahoma

Latimer County shines with a Tax Score of 84.3, supported by a very low effective rate of 0.515%. Housing is equally attractive with a Cost Score of 86.9 and a median home value of $103,300. The Risk Score of 65.4 also suggests a relatively safe environment from natural disasters.

Significant Gaps in Schools and Income

The School Score of 3.9 and Income Score of 3.4 represent major challenges for the county's development. With a median income of $41,048, local economic opportunities appear limited. Water quality also ranks poorly with a score of 1.1, indicating infrastructure needs.

A Haven for the Financially Independent

This county is best suited for retirees or those with independent wealth who want to keep their tax and housing bills at a minimum. It is less ideal for young families due to the current school and income metrics. It offers a peaceful, low-cost life for those who don't require local career paths.

Score breakdown

Tax84.3Cost86.9Safety34.2Health17.7Schools3.9Income3.4Risk65.4Water1.1Weather54.1
🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓3.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Haskell County
Oklahoma
50.7
Le Flore County
Oklahoma
37.7
Pittsburg County
Oklahoma
36.3
Pushmataha County
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51.6
McIntosh County
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Sequoyah County
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Muskogee County
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Sebastian County
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Deep Dives

Latimer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Latimer County

via TaxByCounty

Latimer County offers very low national tax rates

Latimer County's effective tax rate of 0.515% ranks exceptionally low against the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the very bottom of American counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $532 annually is just 20% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Latimer's position as one of the nation's most tax-friendly regions.

Latimer County has lowest effective rate in Oklahoma

Latimer County's 0.515% effective rate is the lowest among these eight counties and ranks among Oklahoma's most favorable, sitting well below the state average of 0.652%. At $532 in median annual taxes versus the state median of $959, Latimer residents enjoy exceptional tax relief.

Most favorable taxes in eastern Oklahoma region

Latimer County's 0.515% rate beats Johnston County (0.555%), Kiowa County (0.573%), and all other nearby counties in the region. For eastern Oklahoma homeowners, Latimer offers the lowest effective property tax rate in the area.

Median annual tax on Latimer County home

The typical Latimer County homeowner with a $103,300 house pays about $532 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $730 annually including escrow, while those without mortgages pay $421.

Appeal your assessment if you think it's high

Many Latimer 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

Cost of Living in Latimer County

via CostByCounty

Latimer County faces Oklahoma's worst affordability

Latimer County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this entire comparison and far above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, signaling a severe housing affordability crisis. With the lowest median household income of $41,048 paired with $720/month rent, Latimer residents experience the region's most strained housing-income relationship.

Latimer ranks as Oklahoma's affordability bottom

Latimer County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among Oklahoma's peer counties and exceeds the state average by 4.1 percentage points, reflecting acute affordability stress. At $720/month rent and $41,048 median income, Latimer demands a larger share of household earnings for shelter than any peer county.

Latimer's income-to-cost crisis vs. peers

Latimer County's $720 rent is moderate, but combined with the second-lowest median income at $41,048, it produces the highest rent-to-income ratio of any county in this group. Even owner costs of $535/month strain budgets, and the $103,300 median home value offers no affordability relief for purchase-ready families.

Latimer's housing consumes critical income

Latimer County renters earning $41,048 annually spend $720/month on rent, allocating 21.1% of gross income to housing—nearly double the recommended 10–12% benchmark. Homeowners paying $535/month still dedicate 15.6% of earnings to mortgages, leaving minimal income for essentials, savings, and emergency expenses.

Latimer County: only for supported relocations

Latimer County's housing crisis makes it viable only for retirees with pensions, workers with significant non-wage income, or those receiving housing assistance. If you're relocating for work, seriously consider Jefferson, Jackson, or Johnston County, where housing consumes 12–17% of income instead of Latimer's unsustainable 21%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Latimer County

via IncomeByCounty

Latimer County faces profound income challenges

Latimer County's median household income of $41,048 is 45% below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing one of the lowest income levels in rural America. This gap reflects deeply rooted economic challenges and limited employment opportunities.

Latimer County ranks lowest among Oklahoma counties

Latimer County's median household income of $41,048 is $17,225 below the Oklahoma state average of $58,273, placing it among the lowest-earning counties statewide. The per capita income of $24,934 trails the state average of $30,609 by nearly 19%.

Latimer County faces the region's most severe income crisis

Latimer County households earn only $1,015 more than Kiowa County ($42,063) but $7,863 less than Jefferson County ($48,750) and $9,863 less than Johnston County ($50,911). The county struggles with the lowest or near-lowest median income in all surrounding areas.

Housing costs create severe financial strain

Latimer County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% is the highest among all comparison counties, indicating housing costs consume more than one-fifth of already-limited household income. The median home value of $103,300 strains budgets further, leaving minimal resources for basic needs.

Access support services and build financial groundwork

Latimer County residents should prioritize connecting with financial assistance programs, nonprofit counseling services, and community resources to establish financial stability. Starting with small emergency savings and exploring low-cost banking options can create a foundation for future wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Latimer County

via CrimeByCounty

Latimer County Reports Strong Safety Numbers

With a total crime rate of 1,530.9 per 100K, Latimer County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a solid safety score of 97.6 out of 100.

Safer than the Oklahoma State Average

Latimer County's crime rate of 1,530.9 per 100K sits well below the state average of 2,647.7. Its 97.6 safety score also beats the Oklahoma average of 95.8, indicating a secure local environment.

Local Agencies Report Lower Incident Levels

Data from 4 reporting agencies indicates that Latimer County remains safer than many other parts of the state. Its crime rate is over 1,100 points lower than the Oklahoma average.

Property Crime Accounts for Most Incidents

Violent crime in the county is low at 167.8 per 100K, which is less than half the national average. Property crime is the main concern at 1,363.1 per 100K, though still below national norms.

Securing Homes in Latimer County

A property crime rate of 1,363.1 per 100K means that home security remains a smart priority for residents. Motion sensors and deadbolts are effective ways to protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Latimer County

via HealthByCounty

Latimer County's life expectancy near national average

At 73.2 years, Latimer County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average of 71.4 years, giving residents a slight longevity advantage. However, 27.4% report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this dataset and well above the national 27.2% figure.

Life expectancy strong, but health perceptions lag

Latimer County's 73.2-year life expectancy exceeds Oklahoma's 72.7-year average, a positive sign for longevity. Yet the 27.4% poor/fair health rate—the worst in this region—suggests residents face significant daily health challenges despite their longer expected lifespans.

Mixed health picture amid regional peers

Latimer County matches Jackson County's life expectancy (73.0 years) but has substantially higher poor/fair health reporting (27.4% vs. 22.0%), indicating a more stressed population. Primary care access is limited at 21 per 100,000, though mental health providers are abundant at 714 per 100,000.

Mental health strength contrasts with primary care scarcity

Latimer County's 714 mental health providers per 100,000 is exceptional and suggests strong behavioral health support, critical given the high poor/fair health reports. Yet only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 create gaps in routine medical care, and the 14.4% uninsured rate leaves some residents without preventive coverage.

Get covered and access preventive care

With the highest poor/fair health rate in the region, Latimer County residents should prioritize health coverage and preventive care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find plans that support routine visits and catch health problems early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Latimer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Latimer County's Eight-School Public Network

Latimer County manages 1,491 students through a system of eight public schools across four districts. This network includes four elementary, one middle, and three high schools.

Education Funding and Graduation Challenges

The graduation rate currently sits at 74.4%, trailing the Oklahoma state average of 84.3%. Funding is also leaner than average, with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,455 compared to the state's $6,520.

Wilburton Serves as the Central District

The Wilburton district is the county's largest, enrolling 885 students across its three campuses. Red Oak and Buffalo Valley also provide vital local schooling, as the county lacks any charter school alternatives.

Diverse Locales for Intimate Learning

Schools are split between five rural and three town settings, maintaining an average school size of 186 students. WILBURTON ES is the largest institution in the county, currently serving 476 students.

Build Your Future in Latimer County

Prospective residents will find a range of home styles near Wilburton's town center or in the quiet rural expanses of Red Oak. Consider local school proximity as you evaluate real estate options in this scenic Oklahoma county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Latimer County

via RiskByCounty

Latimer County has very low risk

Latimer County's composite risk score of 34.64 ranks as very low—well below the national average and substantially under Oklahoma's state average of 55.47. This low-risk profile reflects moderate to low exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Among Oklahoma's safer counties

At 34.64, Latimer County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide, with a score less than two-thirds the state average of 55.47. The county holds a favorable position in Oklahoma's natural disaster risk landscape.

Lower risk than most surrounding areas

Latimer County's score of 34.64 is comparable to Kiowa County (35.78) and substantially lower than Le Flore County (82.70) to the southeast. The county benefits from relatively lower hazard exposure within its region.

Wildfire dominates hazard exposure

Wildfire risk reaches an exceptional 92.62—one of Oklahoma's highest—making it the county's defining hazard, while tornado (52.39) and flood risks (40.59) are moderate. The wildfire score stands out sharply against the county's otherwise low overall risk profile.

Prioritize wildfire coverage

Latimer County residents, particularly those in or near forested areas, should verify their homeowners policies include wildfire damage protection or explore separate wildfire insurance. Standard tornado and wind coverage should also be confirmed to address secondary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Latimer County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Very Wet Climate

Latimer County's 61.8°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. The county is located in a high-precipitation zone, receiving far more rain than the typical U.S. county.

Exceeding State Rainfall Averages

Latimer receives 50.0 inches of rain annually, far outpacing the Oklahoma state average of 37.2 inches. The annual temperature of 61.8°F is also slightly warmer than the 60.4°F state average.

Rain-Heavy Compared to the West

Latimer receives 20 inches more rain per year than Kiowa County, creating a much more humid environment. It mirrors the wet profile of neighboring Le Flore County, with both exceeding 50 inches.

Humid Summers and Mild Winters

Summers bring 73 days of extreme heat and a July average of 81.8°F. While local snowfall data is limited, winters are mild with an average temperature of 42.8°F.

Invest in Drainage and Moisture Control

High-capacity gutters and French drains are essential to manage 50 inches of annual rain. Because of the high humidity and heat, mold prevention and robust HVAC systems are top priorities for homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Latimer County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Soils of the Ouachitas

Latimer County features a notably acidic pH of 5.27, which is much lower than the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical of the forested, high-rainfall regions of eastern Oklahoma. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable, the low pH strongly influences what can grow here.

Silty Texture Near Mountainous Terrain

The soil is composed of 38.8% silt and 37.3% sand, with a lower clay content of 16.7%. This silty-sand mix is often found in valleys and influenced by the local hydrology of the Ouachita Mountains. It is generally easy to work but requires amendments to manage its high acidity.

Typical Organic Matter and Water Storage

The available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, essentially matching the Oklahoma state average of 0.144. Organic matter stands at 1.24%, which is lower than the state benchmark of 1.72%. For better yields, local growers often need to apply lime and organic fertilizers to balance the soil's chemistry.

Slow Infiltration and High Runoff

Classified in hydrologic group D, Latimer County soils have a high runoff potential due to very slow infiltration. This is a critical factor for land management in hilly terrain, as heavy rains can quickly lead to erosion. Careful terracing and ground cover are recommended for any agricultural activity.

A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants

Latimer County's 7b hardiness zone and acidic soil make it a paradise for blueberries, azaleas, and pine trees. While traditional vegetables may need lime, these conditions are perfect for many specialty crops and native forest species. It is a rewarding environment for gardeners who embrace the local ecology.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Latimer County

via LawnByCounty

Rainy but Challenging in Latimer

Despite having the most rainfall in this group, Latimer County has a difficult lawn score of 39.0. Hardiness zone 7b provides a standard growing window, but other factors make lawn care more complex than the score suggests. Soil chemistry is the primary hurdle for local growers.

High Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

Latimer County receives a generous 50.0 inches of rain annually, hitting the very top of the ideal range for grass. Extreme heat is slightly below the state average at 73 days per year. While you won't struggle for moisture, such high rainfall can sometimes lead to nutrient leaching.

Acidic Soil Requires Treatment

The soil pH is a very low 5.27, which is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. This high acidity can lock up essential nutrients and stunt grass growth. You will likely need significant lime applications to balance the pH before seeding.

Low Drought Risk for Your Yard

With only 12 weeks in drought over the last year, Latimer is much more resilient than Western Oklahoma. Currently, zero percent of the county is in severe drought, though the whole area is abnormally dry. Your main concern is managing water runoff rather than surviving long dry spells.

April Planting for Rainy Regions

The last frost typically occurs on April 2, clearing the way for spring planting. Consider acid-tolerant species like Centipede grass or Zoysia that can handle the local soil conditions. Start early to take advantage of the 50 inches of natural rainfall during the establishment phase.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Latimer County's county score?
Latimer County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Latimer County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Latimer County ranks #26 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 Latimer County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Latimer County is $532, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Latimer County a tax score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Latimer County?
The median household income in Latimer County, Oklahoma is $41,048 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Latimer County earns an income score of 3.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Latimer County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Latimer County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Latimer 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 Latimer County with other counties side by side.

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