58.7
County Score
Cost of Living 87Property Tax 72.7Lawn Care 66.5

County Report Card

About Major County, Oklahoma

Major County outperforms the national median

Major County delivers an impressive 58.7 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural county on the national stage.

One of Oklahoma’s most livable counties

With a score of 58.7, Major County far exceeds the state average of 43.0. It stands out as a premier destination within Oklahoma for overall quality of life and financial balance.

Exceptional affordability and high school quality

The county shines with a Cost Score of 87.0 and a median rent of just $619. It combines this affordability with a strong School Score of 56.1 and a healthy Income Score of 64.9.

Water availability is a critical concern

Major County’s lowest mark is a Water Score of 1.3, indicating severe resource scarcity. Additionally, the Health Score of 31.5 suggests residents may have limited access to medical infrastructure.

Best for families seeking top-tier value

Major County is an ideal match for families who want quality education and high incomes without the high cost of living. It offers an elite lifestyle for those who can manage local water constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax72.7Cost87Safety48.9Health31.5Schools56.1Income64.9Risk65.8Water1.3Weather53.1
🏛72.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠87
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼64.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡48.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
31.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓56.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
65.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧1.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤53.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨34.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱66.5
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

Major County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Major County

via TaxByCounty

Major County's favorable tax rate

Major County's effective tax rate of 0.615% falls comfortably below the national median of 0.87%, ranking it among more affordable U.S. counties. At $828 in annual property taxes on the median home, residents pay roughly 31% of the national median bill.

Below Oklahoma's average rate

Major County's 0.615% effective rate sits modestly below Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, placing it in the lower-to-middle range of state counties. The median annual tax of $828 falls short of Oklahoma's median by $131, offering residents a relative break.

Among Oklahoma's most affordable

Major County's 0.615% rate ties it with McClain County and ranks it well below Mayes County (0.671%) and Logan County (0.763%). In its region, Major offers one of the better tax deals for homeowners.

What property taxes cost here

On Major County's median home value of $134,700, annual property taxes total about $828—roughly $69 per month. Including mortgage escrow and insurance, total annual property costs rise to approximately $1,328.

Verify your property assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, homeowners should confirm their assessed values align with recent neighborhood sales. If you suspect overassessment, filing an appeal costs little and could yield tangible annual savings.

Cost of Living in Major County

via CostByCounty

Major County keeps housing costs rock-bottom

At 10.7%, Major County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the nation, far below the 30% national benchmark. The combination of low rent ($619) and moderate median income ($69,229) creates one of the strongest housing value propositions in the region.

Oklahoma's most affordable renters

Major County's 10.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the state, well below Oklahoma's 17.0% average. At $619 monthly, rent here undercuts the state median by $195, offering working families maximum breathing room in their budgets.

Clear winner for affordability seekers

Major County's rent of $619 is dramatically cheaper than all neighbors—Love ($903), Logan ($895), Mayes ($846), and Lincoln ($760). The median home value of $134,700 also keeps ownership within reach compared to higher-priced regions.

Renters and owners enjoy equal relief

Renters spend just 10.7% of income on housing ($619), while homeowners spend 11.0% ($635), making housing costs essentially equivalent across tenure types. With median income at $69,229, both groups retain substantial income for savings and other priorities.

Major County is the affordability champion

If housing costs drive your relocation, Major County is Oklahoma's clear winner—rent and ownership both cost dramatically less than neighboring counties. It's ideal for families stretching budgets or retirees seeking maximum purchasing power in rural Oklahoma.

Income & Jobs in Major County

via IncomeByCounty

Major approaches the national norm

Major County's median household income of $69,229 sits just $5,526 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This 7% shortfall is among the smallest in rural Oklahoma, reflecting relatively strong local earnings.

Oklahoma's upper income tier

Major ranks above the state average with household income $10,956 higher than Oklahoma's $58,273 median. Per capita income of $34,641 is 13% above the state norm, showing solid individual earning power.

Strong performer in the area

Major's $69,229 median outperforms Lincoln ($59,425), Love ($62,940), and Marshall ($56,495), competing closely with the region's middle tier. Only Logan ($82,735) and McClain ($84,778) significantly exceed Major's earnings.

Lowest rent burden in region

Major boasts Oklahoma's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 10.7%, well below the 30% affordability threshold—excellent news for renters. Median home value of $134,700 represents just 1.9 years of household income, highly accessible.

Capitalize on housing affordability

Major County's exceptional housing affordability and low rent burden create powerful wealth-building opportunities. Residents can aggressively save and invest while maintaining housing security—ideal conditions for long-term wealth accumulation.

Safety in Major County

via CrimeByCounty

Major County Boasts Elite Safety

Major County boasts a stellar safety score of 98.2. The total crime rate of 1146.2 per 100k is less than half the national benchmark of 2385.5.

Outperforming Oklahoma Safety Averages

The county significantly outperforms the Oklahoma safety average of 95.8. Two local agencies keep crime levels well below the state average of 2647.7 per 100k.

The Safest County in the Region

Major County is safer than neighboring Logan County, which has a total rate of 1270.0. It remains one of the most secure counties in the entire state.

Minimal Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime sits at just 143.3 per 100k, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1002.9 incidents, roughly half the national rate.

Keeping Major County Secure

Excellent safety scores suggest a tight-knit community, but basic precautions still matter. Simple habits like locking vehicles and tracking packages help keep these low numbers stable.

Health in Major County

via HealthByCounty

Major County's health mirrors America's

Major County's 74.1-year life expectancy sits just 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years, reflecting typical American longevity challenges. At 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs in line with national rates, suggesting chronic disease burdens are manageable but present.

Above average for Oklahoma

Major County's 74.1-year life expectancy outpaces Oklahoma's 72.7-year state average by 1.4 years, positioning it among the state's stronger performers. Yet 16.7% uninsured—above the state's 15.3%—indicates that healthcare access gains aren't reaching everyone equally.

Solid regional standing with strong primary care

Major County's 74.1-year life expectancy trails only Logan (77.9) and Lincoln (74.2) regionally but surpasses Love (72.5) and Marshall (73.3). At 52 primary care providers per 100,000, Major offers the region's second-best access, giving residents good odds of scheduling timely appointments.

Doctors are nearby, insurance isn't guaranteed

With 52 primary care providers per 100,000, Major County residents have solid access to routine care, yet 16.7% remain uninsured—stranding them without coverage even when doctors are reachable. This gap suggests economic barriers trump geographic ones for many families in the county.

Secure coverage and use local providers

Major County's strong provider network only works if you can afford to visit—if you're uninsured, explore marketplace plans or Medicaid at healthcare.gov today. With primary care readily available, securing insurance unlocks immediate access to preventive and acute care in your community.

Schools in Major County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education Across Three Districts

Major County maintains a focused education system with 6 public schools serving 1,196 students. These schools are managed by three districts and consist of 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 2 high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation and Academic Scores

Major County shines with a 93.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national benchmark. The county also leads the region with a school score of 54.9 and a per-pupil expenditure of $6,883, which is above the state average.

Fairview District Sets the Standard

Fairview is the largest district, educating 755 students across 3 schools. There are no charter schools in the county, as students attend well-regarded local institutions like Cornelsen ES and Ringwood HS.

Dedicated Rural Learning Communities

Education in Major County is exclusively rural, with an average school size of 199 students. Cornelsen ES in Fairview is the largest facility with 377 students, ensuring that even the biggest schools feel community-oriented.

High-Performing Schools for Your Family

Major County offers some of the highest graduation rates in the state, making it a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. Explore properties in Fairview and Ringwood to join these successful rural school communities.

Disaster Risk in Major County

via RiskByCounty

Major County has very low risk

Major County's composite risk score of 34.19 earns a "Very Low" rating, placing it well below the national average for disaster exposure. This favorable assessment reflects broadly moderate hazard risks across multiple categories.

Much safer than Oklahoma average

Major County's 34.19 score is roughly 38% of Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking among the state's safest counties. This protection extends across flood, wildfire, tornado, earthquake, and hurricane hazards.

Safest in its region alongside Love County

Major County (34.19) is substantially safer than Lincoln County (71.31) and Logan County (74.68) to the north, and nearly tied with Love County (21.12) as the region's lowest-risk area. Only Mayes County's elevated flood and wildfire scores distinguish the risk profiles.

Wildfire is the primary hazard

Wildfire risk scores 66.09, making it Major County's highest exposure, though still below state average. Tornado (41.13) and earthquake (27.48) risks remain well-controlled.

Basic insurance typically sufficient

Major County's low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance with fire and wind coverage provides solid protection for most properties. Review your policy annually to ensure replacement cost coverage keeps pace with home values.

Weather & Climate in Major County

via WeatherByCounty

Drier Conditions in Major County

While local temperature data is limited, Major County sees 31.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than many parts of the country. This creates a semi-arid transition in the landscape.

Drier than the State Median

Major County's 31.1 inches of rain falls below the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches. However, its 9.1 inches of annual snowfall is higher than many central and southern counties.

High Snowfall for the Region

With 9.1 inches of annual snow, Major County is significantly snowier than nearby Logan or McClain counties. Its annual precipitation remains lower than the wetter counties to the east.

Winter Snow and Moderate Rain

Specific seasonal temperature averages are unavailable, but the county receives 31.1 inches of rain annually. Winter is notable for 9.1 inches of snow, more than double the amount seen in southern Oklahoma.

Winterize for Significant Snowfall

Residents should prepare for more snow than their southern neighbors by maintaining vehicle tires and snow removal tools. Monitor local forecasts closely as seasonal temperature data for the area varies.

Soil Quality in Major County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Leaning in Major County

Major County features an average pH of 6.82, which is significantly higher than both the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This slightly alkaline profile is unique for the region. It influences which micronutrients are available, often favoring cereal crops.

Silty and Workable Soil

The soil contains 44.0% sand and a substantial 33.3% silt, giving it a smooth and workable feel. The 17.5% clay content is relatively low, which helps prevent the soil from becoming too sticky when wet. This combination is generally easy to manage with standard farming equipment.

Low Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is 1.31%, which is lower than the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. Available water capacity also trails the state average at 0.138 in/in compared to 0.144 in/in. Producers often use cover crops here to help boost these levels and improve soil health.

High Surface Runoff Risk

Major County is classified under Hydrologic Group D, which signals low infiltration rates and high runoff potential. When rains hit the silty surface, the soil can crust, further limiting water entry. Careful tillage and residue management are key to keeping water in the fields.

Hardy Crops for Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, Major County is a stronghold for winter wheat and hearty grains that tolerate alkaline conditions. The smooth, silty texture is also great for growing native wildflowers and grasses. Consider starting a drought-tolerant landscape to thrive in this specific soil-climate mix.

Lawn Care in Major County

via LawnByCounty

Major County Leads in Lawn Ease

Major County is one of the easiest places in Oklahoma to grow a lawn, with an impressive difficulty score of 66.5. This score far exceeds both the state average of 46.1 and the national average of 50.0. Even in the cooler Hardiness Zone 7a, the local conditions are exceptionally favorable for homeowners.

Reliable Rainfall for Major Turf

The county averages 31.1 inches of annual precipitation, which hits the lower threshold of the ideal range for lawn health. While specific temperature and growing degree day data are limited for this region, the rainfall levels support steady growth without the saturation issues found further east. Your primary focus will be maintaining moisture levels during the peak summer months.

Excellent pH and Sandy Texture

The soil pH of 6.82 is nearly ideal, requiring very little adjustment to keep your grass healthy and green. With 44.0% sand and 17.5% clay, the soil offers a balanced texture that supports strong root development. While official drainage data is unavailable, the sand-heavy profile suggests your lawn will likely handle heavy rain events without significant waterlogging.

Relatively Low Drought Exposure

Major County experienced only 15 weeks in drought over the past year, which is lower than many other Oklahoma counties. Although 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, there is no severe drought (D2+) reported. This relative stability makes it much easier to maintain a green lawn without constant irrigation intervention.

Best Practices for Zone 7a

In Hardiness Zone 7a, tall fescue or Bermudagrass are your best bets for a durable and attractive lawn. Since specific frost dates are not recorded, local wisdom suggests planting in late spring once the soil temperature consistently stays above 65 degrees. Use the county’s favorable soil to your advantage by starting with a high-quality seed blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Major County's county score?
Major County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Major County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Major County ranks #3 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 Major County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Major County is $828, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Major County a tax score of 72.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Major County?
The median household income in Major County, Oklahoma is $69,229 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Major County earns an income score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Major County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Major County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Major 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 Major County with other counties side by side.