39.3
County Score
Property Tax 75.4Cost of Living 72.7Lawn Care 53.1

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Oklahoma

Marshall County lags behind national trends

Marshall County scores 39.3 on the composite index, well below the national median of 50.0. While affordable, it struggles to match national standards for public safety and health.

Trailing the Oklahoma state average

The county's score of 39.3 falls below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It ranks in the lower tier of state counties due to challenges in infrastructure and income growth.

Strong rankings for taxes and affordability

Marshall County is very pocketbook-friendly, earning a Tax Score of 75.4 and a Cost Score of 72.7. Homes are accessible with a median value of $139,700 and a low 0.590% tax rate.

Struggles in health, safety, and schools

Critical areas for improvement include Health (15.9), Safety (17.2), and School (17.3). These low scores indicate a significant gap in essential public services and community well-being.

A low-cost option for independent residents

Marshall County best suits individuals who prioritize low living costs and small-town tax benefits. It is a viable choice for those who are less dependent on local healthcare and school systems.

2040608010075.472.717.215.917.328.7515.345.8Tax75.4Cost72.7Safety17.2Health15.9Schools17.3Income28.7Risk51Water5.3Weather45.839.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (72.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.4+23.400000000000006
Cost
72.7+24.700000000000003
Safety
17.2-37.8
Health
15.9-34.1
Schools
17.3-36.7
Income
28.7-22.3
Risk
51
Water
5.3-52.7
Weather
45.8-10.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$139,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$819/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$139,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,495/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County's below-average burden

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.590% sits well below the national median of 0.87%, making it one of the more affordable counties nationwide. At $824 in annual property taxes, Marshall homeowners pay less than a third of the national median, thanks to favorable rates and lower home values.

Among Oklahoma's lowest-tax counties

Marshall County ranks near the bottom of Oklahoma's effective tax rates at 0.590%, below the state average of 0.652%. The median annual tax of $824 falls well short of Oklahoma's median of $959, offering residents significant savings.

The region's tax bargain

At 0.590%, Marshall County boasts one of the region's lowest rates, besting Love County (0.636%) and substantially undercutting Mayes County (0.671%) and Logan County (0.763%). For tax-conscious homeowners, Marshall offers exceptional regional value.

Annual costs on a typical home

A Marshall County home valued at $139,700 incurs roughly $824 in annual property taxes—about $69 per month. With mortgage and insurance escrow included, total property costs reach approximately $1,206 annually.

Don't assume you're assessed fairly

Marshall County's low rates don't guarantee your home isn't overassessed; regularly compare your assessed value to recent neighborhood sales. If discrepancies exist, an appeal can reduce your bill further, especially important for long-time homeowners whose values may not reflect current markets.

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall residents feel national affordability squeeze

Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% reflects the affordability challenge facing many American households, though it remains below the 30% national stress threshold. At $56,495, the median household income trails the national median by $18,260, making every housing dollar count more here.

Among Oklahoma's most burdened renters

Marshall County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, and rent at $819 slightly exceeds the state median of $814. The county sits near the stressed end of Oklahoma's affordability spectrum.

Moderate costs in a mixed-affordability region

Marshall County's rent of $819 falls between cheaper Major ($619) and more expensive Love ($903), positioning it in the moderate range. The median home value of $139,700 aligns with nearby counties, offering limited ownership advantage over renting.

Owners have a clear advantage here

Renters spend 17.4% of income on rent ($819), while homeowners spend only 12.1% on mortgage ($569), revealing a $250 monthly gap in housing burden. For Marshall County households earning $56,495, that difference is meaningful—ownership provides 5+ percentage points of relief.

Marshall County rewards homebuyers

If you're relocating to Marshall County, prioritize homeownership over renting—the monthly savings are substantial and the median home value of $139,700 is achievable for working families. Renters should explore lower-cost counties like Major to stretch limited incomes further.

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall faces significant income gap

Marshall County's median household income of $56,495 lags the U.S. median by $18,260, a 24% shortfall among the state's lower-income counties. This gap reflects structural economic challenges in the region.

Below Oklahoma's average

Marshall ranks below the state median with household income $1,778 lower than Oklahoma's $58,273. Its per capita income of $27,759 is 9% below the state average, indicating softer individual earning capacity.

Struggles compared to peers

Marshall's $56,495 median ranks near the bottom of the region, only beating McCurtain County ($50,175). It falls significantly behind Lincoln ($59,425), Love ($62,940), and Major ($69,229).

Rent stretches household budgets

At 17.4%, Marshall's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability ceiling, leaving limited buffer for other expenses. Median home value of $139,700 represents 2.5 years of median income—manageable but less accessible than neighboring counties.

Focus on income growth first

Marshall residents should prioritize skills development and career advancement to boost household earnings. Begin with modest emergency savings, take advantage of any employer benefits, and explore local workforce development programs to strengthen financial resilience.

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Near National Benchmarks

Marshall County has a safety score of 96.5. Its total crime rate of 2233.1 per 100k sits just below the national average of 2385.5.

Above Average Safety for Oklahoma

The county's safety score of 96.5 remains higher than the state average of 95.8. Total crime is also lower than the Oklahoma average of 2647.7 per 100k.

Marshall vs Neighboring Love County

Marshall County faces more crime than nearby Love County, which reports a rate of 1614.5. However, it remains safer than Mayes County's rate of 2736.2.

Property Crime Driving Local Stats

Violent crime is low at 251.7 compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary factor here, totaling 1981.4 per 100k residents.

Deterring Property Theft at Home

Since property crime accounts for most local incidents, securing valuables is essential. Motion sensors and deadbolts are effective tools for deterring unwanted activity.

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Marshall County

Marshall County operates 6 public schools across just two districts, serving a student body of 3,028. The system is evenly balanced with 2 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools catering to the region.

Meeting State Benchmarks with Local Pride

The county's graduation rate of 84.7% aligns with the state average, though it falls slightly below the national 87% mark. Marshall County spends $5,880 per pupil and maintains a school score of 48.3, staying competitive within the Oklahoma landscape.

Madill and Kingston Drive Enrollment

The Madill district is the largest, hosting 1,760 students across 3 schools. Kingston follows closely with 1,268 students; notably, the county offers no charter school options, relying on these two robust traditional districts.

Town-Centered Schools with Larger Classrooms

Unlike many neighboring counties, half of Marshall's schools are located in town settings, leading to a larger average school size of 505. Madill ES is the county's largest campus, serving 841 students in a bustling primary environment.

Connect with Schools in Kingston and Madill

Prospective homeowners in Marshall County often choose between the Kingston and Madill areas for their consolidated educational resources. These districts offer a town-centered feel with strong community support for their local athletes and scholars.

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County has moderate risk

Marshall County's composite risk score of 48.98 earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits slightly below the national average. This moderate profile stems from balanced exposure across flood, wildfire, and tornado hazards.

Below Oklahoma's average risk

At 48.98, Marshall County scores below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, positioning it among the safer half of Oklahoma counties. The advantage is particularly strong in flood and earthquake resistance.

Protected compared to northern neighbors

Marshall County (48.98) faces notably lower risk than Lincoln County (71.31) and Logan County (74.68) to the north, while exceeding the safety of Love County (21.12) and Major County (34.19) to the west. McCurtain County to the east (72.04) presents substantially higher risk.

Wildfire and tornado are main threats

Wildfire risk scores 79.26 and tornado risk 81.36, making them Marshall County's primary hazards. Flood risk is moderate at 38.84, while earthquake (44.85) and hurricane (32.62) remain secondary concerns.

Prioritize wind and fire coverage

Ensure your homeowner's policy includes comprehensive wind and hail protection for tornado damage, and verify wildfire coverage is adequate. Given moderate flood risk, consider whether flood insurance makes sense for your specific property location.

Water Quality in Marshall County

via WaterByCounty

Marshall County Receives Failing Water Grade

A grade of F reflects 172 health violations recorded in Marshall County over the last five years. While the violation rate of 680.9 per 100,000 is lower than the Oklahoma average of 960.4, the total count remains high for the population. This signal suggests frequent disruptions in drinking water safety standards.

Low Impairment Rate for Marshall Watersheds

Only 28.6% of assessed water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards, which is much better than the Oklahoma state average of 76.7%. The 2022 cycle identifies dissolved oxygen, chloride, and turbidity as the primary stressors. Most local waters currently meet federal health and environmental requirements.

Diverse Monitoring Coverage Across Fifteen Sites

Fifteen monitoring sites recorded 11,500 measurements over the last five years, covering physical, biological, and inorganic groups. Researchers specifically track algae, phytoplankton, and non-metal inorganics to monitor lake health. This data volume helps manage the county's significant aquatic resources.

No Live Streamflow Data for Marshall

Marshall County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage reporting live discharge data. Without live flow metrics, residents must rely more heavily on local water utility compliance records and annual watershed reports. This lack of real-time data makes it harder to predict the impact of dry weather on source water.

Monitor for Sediments and Dissolved Solids

Given the history of turbidity and chloride impairments, residents should be aware of changes in water clarity. Home filtration can help manage taste and clarity issues related to these common local contaminants. Stay proactive by reviewing annual water quality reports from your local utility provider.

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Warmer Spots

Marshall County's 62.9°F annual average temperature is nearly 10 degrees higher than the national median. This creates a consistently warm environment with 41.5 inches of annual rain.

Exceeding Oklahoma's Typical Heat

Marshall County ranks as one of the warmest in the state, surpassing the 60.4°F state average by 2.5 degrees. Rainfall is also higher here, exceeding the state average by over 4 inches.

Hottest in the Immediate Region

Marshall is hotter than Love and McClain counties, recording a July average of 84.0°F. It also sees more extreme heat days than its western neighbor, Love County.

Dominant Summers and Rare Snow

The county experiences 87 days of extreme heat above 90°F, while summer averages reach a high of 82.2°F. Snow is rare, with only 2.1 inches falling annually.

Maximized Cooling is Essential

With 87 days of extreme heat, residents must invest in high-performance air conditioning and insulation. Winter prep is minimal as the county averages only 2.1 inches of snow.

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Marshall County's Sandy Alfisols

The dominant soil order here is Alfisols, which are typically found under forests and are known for their subsurface clay accumulation. With an average pH of 6.62, the soil is less acidic than the state average of 6.06 and sits just above the national median of 6.5. This creates an excellent baseline for nutrient availability.

The Loamy Fine Sand Mix

The texture is classified as loamy fine sand, containing 48.3% sand and 23.6% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration, while the 24.5% silt and clay components offer better structure than pure sand. It is a highly workable soil that responds well to irrigation.

Managing Low Water Retention

Marshall County has an organic matter level of 1.25%, falling below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity is also lower than average at 0.136 in/in. Gardeners should prioritize adding compost to improve the soil's ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Fast-Draining Sandy Landscapes

The soil is somewhat excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, meaning it has high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. Water moves through the profile quickly, which prevents root rot but can lead to rapid drying. This makes the county well-suited for building sites and septic systems.

Warm Weather Success in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a offers a long, warm season perfect for watermelons and other crops that love sandy, well-drained soil. Native oaks and pines also thrive in this Alfisol environment. It is an ideal setting to start a fruit orchard or a vegetable garden with proper irrigation.

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Managing High Heat in Marshall County

Marshall County scores a 53.1 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly easier to manage than the national average and better than the state norm. Located in Zone 8a, you enjoy a warm climate, but you must work harder to protect your turf from extreme conditions. Your success relies on choosing the right grass for a long, hot growing season.

Intense Sun and Generous Rain

Marshall County endures 87 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 76. Thankfully, the 41.5 inches of annual rainfall helps mitigate this heat, providing the moisture needed for your 5668 growing degree days. This high heat energy means your lawn will grow rapidly, requiring a frequent and consistent mowing schedule.

Navigating Fast-Draining Loamy Sands

The soil pH is a healthy 6.62, but the 'somewhat excessively drained' classification means your lawn can dry out very quickly. Marshall’s loamy fine sand texture (48.3% sand) doesn't hold water as well as the clay-heavy soils found elsewhere in the state. To combat this, you should incorporate compost to help the soil retain moisture and nutrients longer.

Efficient Watering in Dry Conditions

Despite having only 18 weeks in drought last year, 100% of the county remains in abnormally dry status. Because your soil drains so quickly, even short dry spells can lead to turf stress more quickly than in other counties. Using a smart irrigation controller can help you deliver the right amount of water exactly when the loamy sand needs it most.

Capitalize on an Early Start

With the last spring frost occurring early on March 27th, you can get a head start on your lawn before the summer heat arrives. Zoysia or Bermudagrass are ideal for Marshall County because they love the 5000+ growing degree days and handle sandy soil well. Your season lasts all the way until November 8th, giving you a massive window for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 39.3 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Marshall County ranks #52 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 Marshall County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 75.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Oklahoma is $56,495 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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