46.6
County Score
Property Tax 82.4Cost of Living 70.9Weather & Climate 60.6

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Oklahoma

Lincoln County nears the national median score

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 46.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that sits slightly below the middle of the pack for U.S. counties.

A top-tier Oklahoma performer for livability

Lincoln County outperforms the Oklahoma state average composite score of 43.0. Its 46.6 score suggests it is one of the more competitive counties in the state for overall quality of life.

Low taxes and high affordability drive value

The county excels with a Tax Score of 82.4 and a Cost Score of 70.9. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.535% and affordable housing where median rent is only $760.

Infrastructure and school outcomes need attention

Lincoln County faces significant hurdles with a Water Score of 3.3 and a School Score of 27.4. Improving local health outcomes, currently scored at 28.3, remains a priority for long-term growth.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking stability

This county suits residents who prioritize low housing costs and minimal tax burdens over high-end municipal services. It is a strong choice for those looking for a quiet, affordable lifestyle in Oklahoma.

Score breakdown

Tax82.4Cost70.9Safety33.8Health28.3Schools27.4Income37.3Risk28.7Water3.3Weather60.6
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼37.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡33.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
28.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓27.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
28.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧3.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤60.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨40
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱49.9
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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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County's tax burden vs. nation

At 0.535%, Lincoln County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The typical Lincoln County homeowner pays $813 annually in property taxes—less than a third of the national median of $2,690—thanks to both a lower rate and lower home values.

Among Oklahoma's 77 counties

Lincoln County ranks in the middle for property taxes within Oklahoma, with an effective rate of 0.535% slightly below the state average of 0.652%. At $813 in median annual taxes, Lincoln falls below Oklahoma's state median of $959, offering homeowners a moderate tax environment.

How Lincoln stacks up regionally

Lincoln County's 0.535% rate is more affordable than nearby Love County (0.636%) and Mayes County (0.671%), but higher than McCurtain County's exceptional 0.401%. Among its peers, Lincoln offers middle-ground property tax relief for a median-valued home.

What a typical home costs in taxes

On Lincoln County's median home value of $152,000, you'll pay about $813 annually in property taxes—or roughly $68 per month. With a mortgage, insurance and escrow typically add another $289, bringing total annual property costs to $1,102.

You might be paying too much

Many Oklahoma homeowners are overassessed relative to market values; Lincoln County property owners should verify their assessments match recent sales in their area. If your assessed value seems high, a tax appeal could reduce your annual bill—a process worth exploring every few years as property values shift.

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln renters spend less than most Americans

At 15.3%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average of 30%, meaning renters here dedicate a smaller share of their earnings to housing. The median household income of $59,425 is also within reach of most working families, though it trails the national median by $15,330.

More affordable than most Oklahoma counties

Lincoln County ranks favorably within Oklahoma, where the state average rent-to-income ratio is 17.0%—Lincoln's 15.3% beats that mark. Renters here pay $760 monthly, $54 less than the state median of $814.

Among the cheaper options in the region

Lincoln's $760 rent is competitive with nearby Major County ($619) but lower than Love County ($903) and significantly cheaper than McClain County ($964). The median home value of $152,000 positions Lincoln as an affordable ownership option compared to its higher-value neighbors.

Balanced costs across tenure types

Renters spend $760 monthly while homeowners pay $700 for mortgage and taxes, creating roughly equal housing burden at 15.3% for renters and 14.1% for owners. With median income at $59,425, housing costs remain manageable for both renter and owner households.

Consider Lincoln for rural affordability

If you're relocating from a higher-cost metro area, Lincoln County offers stable housing costs without sacrifice—rents and home values stay reasonable while income stretches further. Compare it to nearby Major County for rent or McClain County if you're house-hunting near the Oklahoma City region.

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln trails the national norm

Lincoln County's median household income of $59,425 falls nearly $15,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This 20% income gap reflects broader rural economic patterns across Oklahoma's smaller counties.

Slightly above Oklahoma's middle

Lincoln ranks in the upper half of Oklahoma counties with a median income $1,152 above the state average of $58,273. The county's per capita income of $31,303 edges past the state's $30,609, showing relatively balanced earning power.

Stronger than nearby rural peers

Lincoln's $59,425 median outpaces Marshall County ($56,495) and McCurtain County ($50,175), though it trails Logan County's robust $82,735. Among comparable regional counties, Lincoln holds solid middle ground.

Rent remains manageable here

At 15.3%, Lincoln's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters keep spending in check. With a median home value of $152,000 relative to household income, homeownership remains accessible.

Build financial stability now

Lincoln residents have breathing room to save and invest given the affordable housing landscape. Consider directing surplus income toward retirement accounts, emergency funds, or wealth-building opportunities that compound over time.

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Exceeds National Safety Standards

Lincoln County maintains a high safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1538.5 per 100k residents sits well below the national average of 2385.5.

A Safer Alternative to the State Average

The county outperforms the Oklahoma state average safety score of 95.8. Local law enforcement agencies report significantly lower crime incidents than the state average of 2647.7 per 100k.

Comparing Lincoln and Logan County Safety

Lincoln reports a higher total crime rate at 1538.5 than neighboring Logan County's 1270.0. However, both counties remain significantly safer than the broader state environment.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crime drives local statistics at 1233.2 per 100k, while violent crime remains low at 305.3. These violent crime rates sit below the national average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Home Security in Lincoln County

Even in safe areas, property theft remains the primary concern for residents. Motion-activated lighting and modern security systems provide an effective layer of defense.

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County lives slightly longer than America

At 74.2 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 73.5 years, a modest but meaningful edge. Yet 21.5% of residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 19%, suggesting daily health challenges persist despite longevity gains.

A healthier county in Oklahoma

Lincoln County ranks above Oklahoma's state average with a 74.2-year life expectancy versus the state's 72.7 years. This 1.5-year advantage positions the county among Oklahoma's stronger health performers, though uninsured rates remain nearly identical at 15.5% versus 15.3% statewide.

Lincoln outpaces most regional peers

Lincoln County's 74.2-year life expectancy edges competitors like Major County (74.1 years) and Marshall County (73.3 years), though Logan County significantly leads the region at 77.9 years. Primary care access is robust here at 24 per 100,000, double Love County's sparse 4-provider rate.

Finding doctors isn't the daily bottleneck

With 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Lincoln County has reasonable day-to-day access to routine care. The real barrier for many is insurance: 15.5% of residents remain uninsured, meaning routine checkups and preventive visits often go delayed or avoided.

Coverage options exist for Lincoln residents

If you're among the 15.5% uninsured, now's the time to explore marketplace plans or Medicaid eligibility at healthcare.gov or through Oklahoma's Medicaid program. Even basic coverage dramatically improves your odds of catching health problems early and affording treatment.

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Nine Local Districts

Lincoln County supports 5,308 students through an infrastructure of 24 public schools managed by nine different districts. The network is well-distributed, featuring 10 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 8 high schools to serve the region's youth.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county's 87.4% graduation rate exceeds the Oklahoma average of 84.3% and matches the national benchmark. While per-pupil spending of $6,189 is lower than the national average, the school score of 50.4 indicates solid performance compared to the state's 49.5 median.

Chandler and Meeker Lead District Enrollment

Chandler is the largest district in the county, enrolling 1,120 students across 4 schools. There are currently no charter schools in Lincoln County, as education remains centered around traditional community districts like Meeker and Agra.

Small-Town Learning in a Rural Setting

With 20 schools in rural locales and 4 in towns, the average school size is just 221 students. Prague ES is the largest campus with 534 students, while Chandler HS serves as a central hub with 335 students.

Invest in a Community Dedicated to Education

Families seeking high graduation rates and a close-knit learning environment will find Lincoln County a compelling place to call home. Explore properties near top-rated schools in Prague and Chandler to benefit from strong local district performance.

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County's risk ranks above average

With a composite risk score of 71.31, Lincoln County faces higher natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and tornado activity that exceed national norms.

Well above Oklahoma's average risk

Lincoln County's 71.31 score significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's wildfire and tornado risks are the primary drivers of this above-average exposure.

Riskier than most nearby counties

Lincoln County faces substantially higher risks than neighboring Major County (34.19) and Love County (21.12), but comparable exposure to Logan County (74.68). The difference is most dramatic in wildfire risk, where Lincoln County scores 92.81 versus Major County's 66.09.

Wildfire and tornado dominate here

Wildfire risk scores 92.81—among the highest in the state—followed by tornado risk at 88.64, creating a potent two-part threat. Flood and earthquake risks remain moderate, with scores of 50.45 and 50.13 respectively.

Strengthen insurance for fire and wind

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive coverage for wildfire damage and ensure wind/tornado protection is included in their policies. Consider reviewing whether your current coverage limits reflect the cost to rebuild, especially given the county's elevated fire risk.

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Four-Season Climate

Lincoln County averages 60.3°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for its latitude. It experiences a classic four-season humid subtropical climate with regular precipitation.

The Heart of Oklahoma Weather

Lincoln County is a perfect match for the state, with its 60.3°F average mirroring the 60.4°F Oklahoma mean. Its 38.3 inches of rain is also very close to the state average of 37.2 inches.

Milder Than Western Neighbors

Lincoln sees only 66 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the 79 days recorded in neighboring Kingfisher. It receives 4.2 inches of snow, providing a more moderate winter than counties further north.

Warm Summers and Crisp Winters

Summers are hot with a July average of 81.9°F, while winters drop to a 40.3°F average. The county receives a moderate 4.2 inches of snow, typically spread across the coldest months.

Prepare for All-Season Variability

Homes need balanced insulation for the 66 days of extreme heat and occasional snow. Residents should maintain standard storm preparedness for the 38.3 inches of annual rainfall common in central Oklahoma.

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Lincoln County's Deep Mollisols Heritage

Lincoln County is defined by Mollisols, the nutrient-rich soils typically found under grasslands. Its average pH of 6.08 is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but remains near the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. This clay-dominant profile provides a sturdy foundation for the local ecosystem.

A Heavy Clay Balance

The soil contains 41.3% sand and 19.7% clay, creating a heavy texture that can be difficult to till. While the 31.1% silt adds some smoothness, the high clay content means the soil is prone to compaction. Gardeners should focus on aeration to maintain healthy root systems.

High Water Storage Capacity

The organic matter level sits at 1.48%, which is slightly below the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity of 0.152 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.144 in/in. This means the soil is exceptionally good at holding onto moisture during dry Oklahoma summers.

Managing Poor Drainage Challenges

Classified as very poorly drained with a Hydrologic Group D rating, this soil has a high runoff potential. Water tends to move very slowly through the profile, which can lead to standing water after heavy rains. Site selection for buildings and gardens must account for this limited natural drainage.

Lush Growth in Zone 7b

With its high water retention and hardiness zone 7b climate, Lincoln County is ideal for native prairie grasses and deep-rooted perennials. Sunflowers and legumes thrive in these Mollisols with minimal intervention. Start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable moisture reservoir.

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln County’s Balanced Lawn Environment

Lincoln County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.9, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. While this is significantly easier than the Oklahoma state average of 46.1, homeowners in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b still face regional challenges. You enjoy a slight advantage over your neighbors, but maintaining a lush turf requires a steady hand.

Ample Rainfall Meets Manageable Summer Heat

The county receives 38.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass. With 66 extreme heat days per year, Lincoln stays cooler than the state average of 76 days, reducing the risk of mid-summer dormancy. Your 5049 growing degree days provide a robust window for active turf growth throughout the year.

Addressing Drainage in Lincoln’s Clay Soils

The soil pH of 6.08 is nearly perfect for nutrient uptake, but the 'very poorly drained' classification presents a significant hurdle. Lincoln's heavy clay composition (19.7%) can lead to standing water and root rot if not managed properly. You should prioritize aeration and organic amendments to improve the structure of this dense soil foundation.

Navigating Persistent Seasonal Dry Spells

Lincoln County endured 29 weeks in drought over the last year, with the entire county currently experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions. While only 2.1% of the area faces severe drought, local watering restrictions often apply during these peak dry periods. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to encourage the resilient root systems needed to survive these spells.

Start Your Lincoln County Lawn Today

The local climate favors warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass or Zoysia that can withstand the 7b hardiness zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 7th to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination. With the first fall frost arriving around October 30th, you have a generous window to establish a strong, green landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Lincoln County ranks #22 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 Lincoln County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $813, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 82.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Oklahoma is $59,425 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.