countyscore
37.8
County Score
Property Tax 66.5Weather & Climate 62Cost of Living 58.4

County Report Card

About Mayes County, Oklahoma

Mayes County sits below national averages

Mayes County earns a composite score of 37.8, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. It faces headwinds in several categories including safety and income growth.

Below-average ranking in Oklahoma

With a 37.8 composite score, Mayes County falls short of the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It ranks as one of the more challenging counties in the state for overall livability.

Affordable housing and manageable tax rates

The county’s strongest features are its Tax Score of 66.5 and Cost Score of 58.4. Median rent is a manageable $846, helping residents keep more of their monthly earnings.

Safety and environmental risk concerns

A Safety Score of 10.4 and a Risk Score of 22.4 represent significant local challenges. These factors, combined with a Health Score of 19.4, suggest a need for broader community investment.

Suited for those prioritizing immediate affordability

Mayes County is a fit for people focused on finding low-cost housing and a reasonable tax burden. It appeals to those who are comfortable navigating a community with limited public safety resources.

Score breakdown

Tax66.5Cost58.4Safety10.4Health19.4Schools37.5Income31.1Risk22.4Water39.2Weather62
🏛66.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.6
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

Rogers County
Oklahoma
32.5
Cherokee County
Oklahoma
42.6
Delaware County
Oklahoma
39
Wagoner County
Oklahoma
41.5
Craig County
Oklahoma
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Adair County
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Tulsa County
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Muskogee County
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Deep Dives

Mayes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mayes County

via TaxByCounty

Mayes County taxes vs. nation

Mayes County's effective rate of 0.671% exceeds the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties for tax burden. Residents pay $1,153 annually in property taxes—43% more than the national median when adjusted for home values.

Above Oklahoma's average rate

Mayes County's 0.671% effective rate exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, ranking it among the higher-tax counties in the state. At $1,153 in median annual taxes, residents pay about 20% more than Oklahoma's state median of $959.

Pricier than most neighbors

Mayes County's 0.671% rate significantly exceeds Marshall County (0.590%), Love County (0.636%), and Major County (0.615%), making it one of the region's more expensive options. Only Logan County (0.763%) and McClain County (0.799%) rank higher in the broader area.

What homes cost in taxes

On Mayes County's median home value of $171,900, annual property taxes total approximately $1,153—roughly $96 per month. Including mortgage and insurance, total annual property costs reach about $1,370.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Given Mayes County's higher-than-average rates, it's worth verifying your assessed value against comparable recent sales in your area. If your home appears overvalued, filing a tax appeal could yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mayes County

via CostByCounty

Mayes renters strain against housing costs

At 17.7%, Mayes County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national affordability threshold of 30% as a share of household earnings (though normalized differently), signaling housing stress. The median income of $57,279 falls well below the national median of $74,755, creating dual pressure on renters.

Among Oklahoma's most challenged renters

Mayes County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% ranks above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, making it one of the state's more strained housing markets. Rent at $846 modestly exceeds the state median of $814, adding to renters' burden.

Higher rents, lower incomes than peers

Mayes County's rent of $846 rivals Major County ($619) and Love County ($903) while its median income of $57,279 ranks among the lowest in the region. This combination—higher-than-average rent and lower-than-average income—creates the tightest squeeze among nearby counties.

Renters bear significantly more burden

Renters spend 17.7% of income on housing ($846), nearly double the 12.8% homeowners dedicate to mortgage ($734). The $112 monthly gap represents real strain for households earning just $57,279 annually.

Mayes County favors homeownership strongly

If relocating to Mayes County, homeownership is strongly preferable to renting—the median home value of $171,900 offers substantial long-term value despite higher upfront costs. Renters facing tight budgets should compare to Major County, where rents run $227 cheaper monthly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mayes County

via IncomeByCounty

Mayes lags behind national average

Mayes County's median household income of $57,279 trails the U.S. median by $17,476, a 23% shortfall typical of rural Oklahoma. This income gap reflects the region's economic challenges.

Slightly below Oklahoma median

Mayes ranks just below the state average with household income $994 lower than Oklahoma's $58,273. Per capita income of $30,528 nearly matches the state norm of $30,609, showing aligned earning distributions.

Near the bottom of the region

Mayes's $57,279 median positions it among the lower earners, with only Marshall ($56,495) and McCurtain ($50,175) falling lower. It significantly trails Major ($69,229), Logan ($82,735), and McClain ($84,778).

Highest rent burden in region

Mayes carries the region's highest rent-to-income ratio at 17.7%, indicating tight rental housing affordability. With median home values at $171,900, homeownership requires substantial savings and careful financial management.

Build sustainable financial habits

Mayes residents should establish disciplined budgeting practices to manage higher housing costs relative to income. Explore first-time homebuyer programs, employer retirement matching, and gradual debt reduction to build long-term wealth stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mayes County

via CrimeByCounty

Mayes County Safety Context

Mayes County earns a safety score of 95.7. Its total crime rate of 2736.2 per 100k is higher than the national average of 2385.5.

Aligned with Oklahoma Crime Trends

The county's safety score is nearly identical to the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Ten reporting agencies manage a crime rate slightly higher than the state average of 2647.7.

Safer than Neighboring McCurtain County

Mayes County has a lower crime rate than McCurtain County's 3199.7. However, it sees more activity than nearby Marshall County's 2233.1.

Property Crime Above National Average

Property crime is the local driver at 2420.9 per 100k, surpassing the national average of 2015.7. Violent crime remains below the national benchmark at 315.3.

Investment in Home Security

Home security systems are a wise investment to protect against the county's property crime rates. Simple improvements to entry point lighting can significantly increase household safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mayes County

via HealthByCounty

Mayes County underperforms national health benchmarks

Mayes County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years, signaling sustained health challenges. With 24.1% reporting poor or fair health versus the national 19%, residents experience elevated rates of chronic disease and disability.

Below average for Oklahoma

Mayes County's 72.2-year life expectancy trails Oklahoma's 72.7-year state average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 13.9% uninsured rate is actually below the state's 15.3%, yet health outcomes remain weaker—suggesting insurance alone isn't solving the county's health crisis.

Region's shortest life expectancy

Mayes County posts the region's lowest life expectancy at 72.2 years, falling behind all regional peers including Love (72.5), Marshall (73.3), and Lincoln (74.2). While primary care access at 36 per 100,000 is moderate, high mental health provider density (258 per 100,000) hints at significant behavioral health crises.

Insured but still struggling with health

Despite a relatively low 13.9% uninsured rate, Mayes County's 24.1% poor/fair health rate and 72.2-year life expectancy suggest other barriers—poverty, social isolation, substance abuse—are driving poor outcomes. Limited primary care at 36 per 100,000 may force residents toward emergency rooms instead of preventive care.

Verify and strengthen your coverage

Mayes County residents should ensure they're fully insured and connected to primary care—visit healthcare.gov or call your provider to verify coverage and schedule preventive visits. If you're uninsured, securing a plan now is essential to reversing the county's troubling health decline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mayes County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Infrastructure for Mayes County

Mayes County supports 6,914 students through 22 public schools across seven districts. The system includes a large number of elementary schools (12), complemented by 5 middle and 5 high schools.

Above-Average Investment and Academic Scores

With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,390, Mayes County invests significantly more than the state average. This investment yields a school score of 51.9 and a graduation rate of 85.4%, both of which outpace state-level benchmarks.

Pryor District Leads Regional Education

Pryor is the largest district in the county, managing 2,863 students and 5 schools. Traditional public education is the standard here, with 0% charter school participation across districts like Chouteau-Mazie and Locust Grove.

Rural Vibe with Significant Town Hubs

The county features 17 rural schools and 5 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 314 students. Pryor HS is the largest institution with 800 students, while many elementary schools maintain smaller, localized populations.

Discover Top-Rated Schools in Mayes County

Higher-than-average spending and solid academic scores make Mayes County an attractive target for families. Look for homes in the Pryor or Adair areas to access the county's largest and most well-funded school facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mayes County

via RiskByCounty

Mayes County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 77.58, Mayes County earns a "Relatively Low" rating but exceeds the national average across multiple hazard types. The county's multi-faceted exposure, particularly to flood and wildfire, distinguishes it from lower-risk areas.

Higher than Oklahoma's average risk

Mayes County's 77.58 score substantially exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Flood risk (75.86) is particularly elevated relative to other Oklahoma counties.

Highest risk in its region

Mayes County (77.58) faces significantly more risk than all nearby counties, including Lincoln (71.31) and McCurtain (72.04). Only Logan County (74.68) approaches Mayes County's elevated exposure.

Flood and wildfire pose dual threat

Flood risk scores 75.86 and wildfire 85.62, making them Mayes County's dominant hazards—both well above state averages. Tornado risk (88.30) and earthquake risk (58.91) add significant secondary exposure.

Flood and fire insurance are essential

Homeowners should secure both comprehensive fire coverage and separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude water damage. Consider elevated or flood-resistant construction measures if rebuilding, and maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mayes County

via WeatherByCounty

A Lush and Temperate Environment

Mayes County averages 59.4°F annually, staying warmer than the national median but cooler than southern Oklahoma. It receives a robust 45.1 inches of precipitation each year.

Cooler and Wetter than Average

The county's 59.4°F average temperature is slightly below the Oklahoma average of 60.4°F. However, its 45.1 inches of rain is significantly higher than the 37.2-inch state average.

Outpacing Neighbors in Rainfall

Mayes County is wetter than Logan and McClain, receiving nearly 10 more inches of rain annually. It also experiences fewer extreme heat days than counties to its south and west.

Mild Heat and Moderate Winters

Summer averages stay at 79.0°F with 59 days of extreme heat, which is low for Oklahoma. Winter brings an average temperature of 39.2°F and 6.5 inches of snowfall.

Manage Moisture and Moderate Snow

With 45.1 inches of rain, proper home drainage and gutter maintenance are critical priorities. Residents should also prepare for 6.5 inches of snow during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mayes County

via SoilByCounty

Strong Acidity in Mayes County

Mayes County has an average soil pH of 5.19, making it significantly more acidic than the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this level of acidity is common in areas with high organic decomposition. Many common garden plants may require lime treatments to thrive here.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation

The soil is dominated by 42.9% silt, with a relatively low sand content of 20.9%. The 19.3% clay provides enough structure to hold nutrients, but the high silt fraction can make the soil feel floury when dry and slippery when wet. This composition is excellent for retaining moisture but can be prone to erosion.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

At 6.08%, the organic matter in Mayes County is over three times the state average of 1.72%. This high fertility is complemented by an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in. These numbers suggest a soil that is naturally rich and capable of supporting intense plant growth.

Silty Soil Moisture Dynamics

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt content usually implies moderate drainage with high water retention. These soils can stay moist for long periods, which is beneficial during droughts but may delay spring planting. Careful management is needed to prevent the fine silt particles from washing away.

Acid-Loving Plants in Zone 7a

The acidic, high-organic soil of Mayes County is a dream for blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas in zone 7a. Native hardwoods like oaks also appreciate these conditions. With such naturally high fertility, your home garden has a massive head start on productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mayes County

via LawnByCounty

Mayes County’s Acidic Soil Challenges

Mayes County holds a lawn difficulty score of 45.6, which is right in line with the Oklahoma state average. Operating in Zone 7a, you benefit from lower-than-average heat, but you must tackle significant soil acidity issues. Your lawn's success depends on chemical balancing rather than just water and sun.

Cooler Summers and Heavy Rainfall

Mayes County receives a generous 45.1 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the state average. You also benefit from only 59 extreme heat days, the lowest in this regional group, which protects cool-season grasses from burning out. With 4825 growing degree days, your lawn has a slightly more moderate growth pace than southern counties.

Lime is Essential for Mayes Soil

The soil pH in Mayes County is a very acidic 5.19, well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. This acidity can lock out nutrients, meaning even the best fertilizer won't work without regular applications of lime. While the soil texture is mostly water-associated, you'll need to focus on drainage to handle the county's high annual rainfall.

Severe Drought Requires Vigilance

The county is currently in a difficult position, with 100% of the area classified in severe drought (D2+). Despite a total of only 17 weeks in drought over the last year, the current intensity is high and requires strict water conservation. Prioritize your watering for high-traffic areas and consider letting peripheral turf go dormant to save resources.

Plan Around the Spring Thaw

The frost-free window begins on April 7th and ends on November 2nd, providing a solid season for establishment. Because of the lower heat days, you might find success with Kentucky Bluegrass blends or Fescue in shaded areas, though Bermuda remains the hardiest choice. Always test your soil pH before planting to ensure your lime applications are effective.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mayes County's county score?
Mayes County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 37.8 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 Mayes County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Mayes County ranks #57 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 Mayes County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Mayes County is $1,153, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Mayes County a tax score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mayes County?
The median household income in Mayes County, Oklahoma is $57,279 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mayes County earns an income score of 31.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mayes County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Mayes County scores 37.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Mayes 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 Mayes County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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