countyscore
44.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 78.9Property Tax 70.2

County Report Card

About Love County, Oklahoma

Love County provides a steady national profile

Love County earns a 44.1 composite score, positioning it just behind the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high environmental stability and low municipal investment.

Outperforming the Oklahoma state average

Love County’s score of 44.1 beats the state average of 43.0. It offers a more stable environment than many peers in the state, particularly regarding natural resource management.

Exceptional water quality and low risk

Water security is a major asset here with a score of 86.0, paired with a high Risk Score of 78.9. The county also remains tax-friendly with an effective rate of only 0.636%.

Health and education present ongoing hurdles

The county faces its toughest challenges in the health sector with a score of 22.8. School performance also lags at 24.7, suggesting a need for more investment in local human capital.

A haven for those seeking environmental stability

Love County is perfectly suited for residents who value clean water and low environmental risk over metropolitan amenities. It offers a secure, tax-efficient base for rural living.

2040608010070.252.331.522.824.74878.98653Tax70.2Cost52.3Safety31.5Health22.8Schools24.7Income48Risk78.9Water86Weather5344.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Love County DNA

Foverall

How Love County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Love County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (78.9/100) but notably weak in Schools (24.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.2+18.200000000000003
Cost
52.3
Safety
31.5-23.5
Health
22.8-27.2
Schools
24.7-29.3
Income
48
Risk
78.9+31.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
53
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Compare mortgage rates in Love County

Whether buying or refinancing in Love County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$167,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$903/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$167,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,940/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

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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Nearby counties

Cooke County
Texas
37.1
Carter County
Oklahoma
31.3
Marshall County
Oklahoma
39.3
Montague County
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40.8
Grayson County
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Jefferson County
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49.2
Murray County
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Johnston County
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49.7

Deep Dives

Love County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Love County

via TaxByCounty

Love County's modest tax standing

Love County's effective rate of 0.636% remains below the national median of 0.87%, placing it among the more tax-friendly U.S. counties. Residents pay $1,066 in median annual taxes, less than 40% of the national median, benefiting from both favorable rates and lower property values.

Slightly above Oklahoma average

At 0.636%, Love County's effective rate edges above Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, ranking it in the middle range of the state's 77 counties. The median annual tax of $1,066 exceeds Oklahoma's median by $107, but remains reasonable statewide.

Comparable to nearby counties

Love County's 0.636% rate sits between Marshall County (0.590%) and Mayes County (0.671%), offering moderate taxation in its region. It's more affordable than neighboring Mayes but slightly pricier than Marshall, making it a middle option regionally.

Taxes on Love County homes

On a median home value of $167,500, you'll pay approximately $1,066 annually in property taxes—about $89 per month. With mortgage and insurance, total annual property costs reach $1,292, a reasonable burden for the county.

Check your assessment today

Love County homeowners should periodically verify that their property assessments reflect current market values, especially if your home hasn't sold recently. An appeals process exists to correct overassessments, potentially saving you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Love County

via CostByCounty

Love County renters strain under national norm

At 17.2%, Love County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national threshold for affordability, signaling that renters here spend a larger share of income on housing than the typical American household. The median income of $62,940 falls short of the national median by $11,815, compounding affordability pressure.

Slightly above Oklahoma's median burden

Love County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% edges slightly above Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, and rent at $903 exceeds the state median by $89. The county sits near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum—neither the most nor least stretched.

The region's priciest rents, modest incomes

Love County's rent of $903 is the highest among its neighbors, including Logan ($895), Lincoln ($760), and Major ($619). Combined with a median income of $62,940, renters here face tighter housing budgets than in surrounding counties.

Renters bear greater burden than owners

Renters spend 17.2% of income on rent ($903), significantly more than homeowners who dedicate 14.1% to mortgage ($741). The disparity reflects higher rental costs and lower owner costs, creating unequal housing stress by tenure type.

Renters should consider owning in Love County

If you're relocating to Love County, the data suggests homeownership offers better value than renting—monthly mortgages ($741) are nearly $160 cheaper than rent while building equity. Compare it to lower-cost counties like Major if rental affordability is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Love County

via IncomeByCounty

Love falls short of national median

Love County's median household income of $62,940 trails the U.S. median by $11,815, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This 16% gap is consistent with rural Oklahoma's economic position.

Above-average for Oklahoma

Love ranks above Oklahoma's median with household income $4,667 higher than the state average of $58,273. Its per capita income of $31,136 modestly outpaces the state's $30,609, reflecting moderate earning strength.

Middle tier among region

Love's $62,940 falls between Lincoln ($59,425) and Major ($69,229), making it a solid mid-range earner in the area. It outpaces Marshall County ($56,495) but lags Logan ($82,735) and McClain ($84,778).

Rent costs creep higher here

At 17.2%, Love's rent-to-income ratio approaches the upper edge of affordability, suggesting tighter budgets for renters. With median home values at $167,500, homeownership remains within reach but requires careful financial planning.

Strategic saving builds security

Love County residents should prioritize building emergency reserves given moderately tight affordability ratios. Explore employer retirement benefits, low-cost index funds, and gradual home equity building to strengthen financial foundations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Love County

via CrimeByCounty

Love County Offers a Secure Environment

Love County reports a safety score of 97.5, reflecting a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 1614.5 per 100k is significantly lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Strong Safety Rankings Within Oklahoma

Love County performs better than the Oklahoma state safety average of 95.8. Its total crime rate remains much lower than the state average of 2647.7 per 100k.

Safety Comparisons with Neighboring Marshall

Love County is significantly safer than Marshall County, where the crime rate reaches 2233.1. It also holds its own against Lincoln County's 1538.5 rate.

Focusing on Property Crime Prevention

Property crime is the main concern at 1388.1 per 100k, though this is still below the national 2015.7 average. Violent crime is relatively low at 226.4 per 100k.

Smart Security Steps for Residents

Security starts at the front door with reliable locks and porch lighting. Residents can leverage the county's high safety by staying proactive with home monitoring.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Love County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning Environments in Love County

Love County operates 9 public schools within four districts, serving a total student population of 1,780. This small-scale system includes 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools focused on community-based education.

High Graduation Rates and Steady Performance

The county boasts an impressive 88% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,813, the county maintains a school score of 49.9, placing it right at the national median.

Marietta District Leads Local Enrollment

The Marietta district is the largest in the county, enrolling 1,127 students in its three schools. No charter schools exist in Love County, with traditional districts like Thackerville and Turner providing the local educational backbone.

A Purely Rural School Experience

All 9 schools in Love County are categorized as rural, creating an average school size of 198 students. Marietta ES is the largest school with 551 students, while smaller schools like Thackerville ES provide a more personalized classroom feel.

Finding a Home in a Tight-Knit District

For families who value small class sizes and high graduation success, Love County offers a rare rural educational advantage. Search for homes near Marietta to find the largest selection of local school resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Love County

via RiskByCounty

Love County has very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 21.12, Love County ranks among the safest counties in the nation, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. This favorable profile offers meaningful protection compared to the typical U.S. county's exposure.

Safest county in Oklahoma

Love County's 21.12 score is less than 40% of Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it the state's lowest-risk county. The county's protection comes from consistently below-average scores across all major hazard types.

Dramatically safer than northern counties

Love County (21.12) faces a fraction of the risk in neighboring Lincoln County (71.31) and Logan County (74.68). Even compared to nearby Major County (34.19), Love County remains the safest jurisdiction in the region.

Wildfire risk is highest exposure

Wildfire risk scores 79.36—notably high relative to the county's other hazards—though overall risk remains very low. Tornado (58.17) and hurricane (30.96) risks are secondary concerns.

Standard coverage protects most homeowners

Love County's low overall risk means basic homeowner's insurance with standard fire and wind coverage typically provides sufficient protection. Still, verify your policy covers the full replacement value of your home and consider wildfire mitigation if you're in a wooded area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Love County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Love County

Love County earns a grade of A with zero drinking water health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the state average of 960.4. This indicates exceptionally strong adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Average

Only 14.3% of assessed water bodies in Love County are considered impaired, far lower than the state average of 76.7%. The 2022 cycle identifies mercury and dissolved oxygen as the primary concerns for the single failing site. Overall, local rivers and streams maintain higher quality than most Oklahoma counties.

Robust Monitoring at Twelve Local Sites

Scientists have logged 9,188 measurements across 12 sites in the county over the past five years. Key focus areas include physical properties and biological markers such as algae and phytoplankton. This consistent data stream supports the county’s high water quality ratings.

Red River Flow Drops Below Typical

The Red River near Gainesville currently flows at 669 cfs, which is just 22% of its long-term mean. While the river remains a massive resource, it is currently running much lower than the 3,067 cfs typical for this period. Low flows can impact dissolved oxygen levels, a known concern in this watershed.

Maintain Vigilance Despite High Grades

While drinking water is currently excellent, residents should be aware of mercury levels in local fish due to watershed impairments. Low streamflow in the Red River can affect oxygen levels, so monitor for changes in water odor or clarity. Keep supporting local conservation to preserve these high standards.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Love County

via WeatherByCounty

A Toasty Southern Frontier

Love County averages 61.6°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. The climate is distinctly subtropical with generous rainfall totaling 39.8 inches per year.

Warmer than the Oklahoma Average

The county is warmer than the state average of 60.4°F, reflecting its position on the southern border. Precipitation levels of 39.8 inches also exceed the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches.

Comparing Border County Conditions

Love County is slightly cooler than neighboring Marshall County, which averages 62.9°F. However, it receives significantly more snow, totaling 3.8 inches compared to Marshall's 2.1 inches.

Extended Heat and Brief Freezes

Summer temperatures average 80.3°F, fueling 78 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F. Winters remain mild with an average temperature of 42.5°F and minimal snowfall.

Focus on Cooling and Irrigation

The 78 extreme heat days require reliable cooling systems and smart irrigation for landscaping. Since snow is rare at 3.8 inches, heavy winter gear is less critical than sun protection.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Love County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Love County

Love County boasts an average soil pH of 6.63, making it one of the few areas in the region to exceed the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity is higher than the state average of 6.06. It creates a chemical environment where nutrients are more readily available to plants.

A Gritty, Productive Mix

The soil composition is 47.0% sand and 21.4% clay, offering a gritty texture with significant structure. With 29.9% silt, this mix provides a better balance of drainage and nutrient retention than purely sandy soils. The clay content helps bind the soil, preventing the rapid leaching of fertilizers.

Above Average Water Storage

Organic matter in Love County is 1.50%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.144 in/in. This indicates the soil is capable of supporting crops through short dry spells.

Slow Infiltration and Runoff

As part of Hydrologic Group D, these soils have a very slow rate of water infiltration when thoroughly wetted. This means that during heavy downpours, water is more likely to run off the surface than soak in deeply. Landowners should implement conservation practices to manage surface water flow effectively.

Southern Gardening in Zone 8a

Located in the warmer hardiness zone 8a, Love County supports a variety of southern specialty crops like peaches and pecans. The near-neutral pH and decent water capacity make it a prime spot for diverse horticulture. Your garden will benefit from the extended warm season and balanced soil chemistry.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Love County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Love County

Love County is a bright spot for Oklahoma gardeners, boasting a lawn difficulty score of 57.8. This is significantly easier than the state average of 46.1 and well above the national median. Located in the warmer Hardiness Zone 8a, this county offers a longer growing season that rewards consistent care.

Abundant Sun and Steady Rain

The county receives 39.8 inches of rain each year, sitting right in the sweet spot for Southern turfgrasses. Despite 78 extreme heat days, the 5277 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for your lawn to recover from high-temperature stress. This combination of heat and moisture makes Love County a productive environment for lush green spaces.

Sandy Loam for Healthy Roots

The soil pH of 6.63 is near-perfect, allowing your grass to absorb all necessary nutrients without expensive amendments. A high sand content of 47.0% combined with 21.4% clay creates a texture that generally allows for good root penetration. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, this soil balance typically provides a stable foundation for a high-performing lawn.

Staying Alert During Dry Weeks

Love County spent 19 weeks in drought this past year, and currently, 10.6% of the area is facing severe drought conditions. While the county is doing better than many of its neighbors, the 100% abnormally dry coverage means water conservation is still vital. Focus on watering in the early morning hours to minimize evaporation and keep your turf hydrated.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 8a

With a frost-free window stretching from April 6th to November 2nd, you have a long, reliable window for lawn establishment. St. Augustine or Bermuda grasses are excellent choices for this zone, as they thrive in the Southern Oklahoma heat. Start your planting in mid-April to give the roots time to settle before the peak July temperatures arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Love County's county score?
Love County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Love County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Love County ranks #28 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 Love County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Love County is $1,066, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Love County a tax score of 70.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Love County?
The median household income in Love County, Oklahoma is $62,940 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Love County earns an income score of 48/100 on CountyScore.
Is Love County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Love County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Love 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 Love County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.