countyscore
39.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.4Weather & Climate 54.5Property Tax 53.5

County Report Card

About McClain County, Oklahoma

McClain County remains below national median

McClain County earns a 39.8 composite score, trailing the national median of 50.0. High costs in some sectors offset the county's significant strengths in resident wealth.

Lower performance relative to Oklahoma average

McClain County's score of 39.8 sits below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. Despite its high income levels, the overall livability is hindered by affordability and infrastructure scores.

Leader in household income levels

McClain County is an economic leader with an Income Score of 88.4 and a median household income of $84,778. It also maintains a respectable Health Score of 42.3 compared to state peers.

Significant housing and water challenges

The county faces a low Cost Score of 25.8 due to a higher median home value of $233,900. Additionally, the Water Score of 30.3 suggests ongoing concerns regarding long-term resource availability.

Best for established high-earning households

This county is ideal for professionals who have the income to support higher property values. It offers a wealthier demographic profile for those who value income growth over absolute affordability.

2040608010053.525.835.842.331.188.437.230.354.5Tax53.5Cost25.8Safety35.8Health42.3Schools31.1Income88.4Risk37.2Water30.3Weather54.539.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

McClain County DNA

Foverall

How McClain County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

McClain County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (30.3/100), though Income (88.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.5
Cost
25.8-22.2
Safety
35.8-19.200000000000003
Health
42.3
Schools
31.1-22.9
Income
88.4+37.400000000000006
Risk
37.2-9.799999999999997
Water
30.3-27.7
Weather
54.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$233,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$964/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$233,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,778/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.0

per 100K

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

Cleveland County
Oklahoma
31.5
Pottawatomie County
Oklahoma
33.1
Garvin County
Oklahoma
41.3
Grady County
Oklahoma
39.7
Oklahoma County
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Canadian County
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Pontotoc County
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Seminole County
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Deep Dives

McClain County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McClain County

via TaxByCounty

McClain County's highest-in-state taxes

McClain County's effective rate of 0.799% substantially exceeds the national median of 0.87%, placing it among the priciest counties nationwide. At $1,868 in annual property taxes, McClain residents pay nearly 70% more than the national median, facing the heaviest burden in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's most expensive county

McClain County leads Oklahoma with an effective rate of 0.799%, far above the state average of 0.652%. At $1,868 in median annual taxes, McClain homeowners pay more than twice Oklahoma's median of $959—the steepest burden statewide.

Significantly pricier than region

McClain County's 0.799% rate far exceeds all nearby counties, including Logan County (0.763%), Mayes County (0.671%), and Love County (0.636%). Among its cluster, McClain stands alone as the tax-heaviest option for homeowners.

The highest annual bills in state

On McClain County's median home value of $233,900, annual property taxes total $1,868—approximately $156 per month. With mortgage and insurance, total annual property costs climb to roughly $2,283, the steepest in Oklahoma.

Review your assessment carefully

Given McClain County's exceptional tax rates, homeowners should rigorously verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. An appeal, if justified, could meaningfully reduce an already substantial annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McClain County

via CostByCounty

McClain County's earners afford premium housing

McClain County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% demonstrates strong affordability for renters relative to national norms. The median household income of $84,778 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $10,023, enabling residents to comfortably absorb higher housing costs.

Among Oklahoma's most comfortable renters

McClain County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% ranks well below Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, and the median income of $84,778 is the state's strongest among these counties. This county sits at the top of Oklahoma's affordability ladder.

Highest earners, premium housing costs

McClain County's median income of $84,778 matches Logan County and exceeds all other neighbors, yet rent at $964 is the region's highest. The combination positions McClain as a professional bedroom community where income growth justifies premium housing.

High earners support premium ownership

Renters spend 13.7% of income on rent ($964), while homeowners spend 16.8% on mortgage ($1,185), reflecting a median home value of $233,900. Both housing paths remain comfortable for households earning nearly $85,000 annually.

McClain County suits high-earning relocators

If your household income exceeds $80,000, McClain County delivers exceptional value—premium housing paired with strong earning power and low rent-to-income ratios. It's ideal for professionals and families relocating to the Oklahoma City metro area seeking quality suburban living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McClain County

via IncomeByCounty

McClain tops Oklahoma's income ladder

McClain County's median household income of $84,778 exceeds the U.S. median by $10,023, ranking among the nation's stronger rural economies. This 13% premium positions McClain as an earnings leader.

Second-highest in Oklahoma

McClain ranks as one of Oklahoma's top income counties, with median household income $26,505 above the state average of $58,273. Its per capita income of $39,352 is 28% higher than the state norm, reflecting robust earning power.

Co-leader in the region

McClain's $84,778 rivals Logan County's $82,735, making both the region's income leaders. Together they significantly outpace all other nearby counties, including Major ($69,229) and Love ($62,940).

Strong housing affordability

McClain's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the affordability threshold, ensuring housing remains manageable. A median home value of $233,900 represents just 2.8 years of median household income—excellent accessibility.

Accelerate toward financial goals

McClain's strong income position enables aggressive wealth building through diversified investments and property ownership. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, consider investment real estate, and work with financial advisors to optimize long-term wealth strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McClain County

via CrimeByCounty

McClain County Maintains High Safety

McClain County secures a strong safety score of 97.6. Its total crime rate of 1488.4 per 100k remains comfortably below the national average of 2385.5.

Exceeding Oklahoma State Safety Scores

The county exceeds the Oklahoma average safety score of 95.8. Five reporting agencies keep total crime nearly 44% lower than the state average of 2647.7.

How McClain Compares to Neighbors

McClain compares favorably to nearby Love County's 1614.5 rate. However, it trails slightly behind Logan County's lower rate of 1270.0.

Low Violent Crime in McClain

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 153.3, which is significantly lower than the national 369.8 average. Property crimes represent 1335.1 incidents per 100k residents.

Proactive Security for Homeowners

Maintaining a safe home environment starts with awareness of local property crime trends. Visible security cameras and shared community watch programs help deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in McClain County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Student Populations in McClain County

McClain County manages 8,634 students across 21 public schools and six districts. The educational network is comprised of 9 elementary, 6 middle, and 6 high schools to support its growing communities.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves a standout 91% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 84.3% average. Remarkably, McClain County reaches these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,422, maintaining a solid school score of 50.6.

Newcastle and Blanchard Districts Prosper

Newcastle is the largest district with 2,578 students, followed by Blanchard with 2,240 students. The county does not currently host any charter schools, focusing its resources on its six traditional public school districts.

Expanding Schools in a Rural Landscape

While 17 of its 21 schools are rural, the average school size is relatively high at 411 students. Newcastle ES and Newcastle HS are the largest in the county, each serving over 760 students as the area becomes increasingly suburban.

Join a High-Achieving Community in Newcastle

McClain County's high graduation rates and efficient school systems make it a top destination for homebuyers. Newcastle and Blanchard offer robust educational environments that are a major factor in local property values.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McClain County

via RiskByCounty

McClain County exceeds typical U.S. risk

McClain County's composite risk score of 62.82 earns a "Relatively Low" rating but sits above the national average. The county faces notable exposure to tornado and wildfire hazards.

Higher than Oklahoma's average risk

At 62.82, McClain County's composite risk exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, reflecting above-average tornado (89.12) and wildfire (87.18) threats. The county ranks in the upper half of Oklahoma's risk profile.

Riskier than Love and Major Counties

McClain County (62.82) faces substantially more risk than Love County (21.12) and Major County (34.19) to the south, but less than Lincoln County (71.31) and Logan County (74.68) to the north. Marshall County (48.98) is the least risky neighbor.

Tornado and wildfire lead threats

Tornado risk scores 89.12 and wildfire 87.18, both among the state's highest, making them McClain County's dominant hazards. Flood (53.28) and earthquake (55.09) risks are moderate but significant.

Strengthen wind and fire defenses

Prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage in your homeowner's policy to protect against tornadoes, and ensure wildfire damage is included. Consider whether your home's location and construction can be fortified against severe weather, and review coverage limits annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in McClain County

via WaterByCounty

McClain County Struggles with failing Grade

McClain County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance based on 16 health violations over the past five years. However, its violation rate of 65.6 per 100,000 is far below the Oklahoma state average of 960.4. This indicates that while the system is failing standards, the frequency of issues is relatively low.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

In McClain County, 33.3% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is much better than the state average of 76.7%. The 2022 reporting cycle lists enterococcus and turbidity as the primary causes for failure. Only one out of the three assessed water bodies currently fails federal standards.

Limited Monitoring Footprint in McClain

Only five monitoring sites are active in the county, providing 4,484 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection covers physical characteristics and habitat assessments. This lower site density means there is less data available to track emerging water quality trends.

Walnut Creek Flow Below Average

Walnut Creek at Purcell is flowing at 24 cfs, which is 32% of its long-term historical mean. This current discharge is less than half of the typical 77 cfs recorded for this site. Reduced flows can make the creek more susceptible to bacterial spikes and high turbidity.

Safety Tips for McClain County Residents

Because enterococcus and turbidity are known issues, residents should be cautious of creek water during low-flow periods. If you use a private well, regular testing for bacteria is highly recommended. Consider a home filtration system that addresses sediment and microbes to boost your tap water safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in McClain County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Sunny Central Oklahoma

McClain County features an annual average temperature of 61.4°F, well above the national median. The county sees 36.3 inches of rain, typical for the humid subtropical region.

Matching the State's Climate Profile

The county is slightly warmer than the 60.4°F state average. Its 36.3 inches of annual precipitation nearly mirrors the Oklahoma state average of 37.2 inches.

Slightly Warmer than Logan County

McClain is about one degree warmer annually than Logan County to the north. It receives 6.2 inches of snow, which is slightly less than Logan's 7.3 inches.

Long Summers and Steady Sun

The county endures 76 days of extreme heat above 90°F, mostly during the 80.6°F average summer. Winter is mild at 41.7°F, accompanied by 6.2 inches of snow.

Balanced Seasonal Preparation Required

Plan for 76 days of extreme heat with efficient cooling and sun-blocking window treatments. Keep moderate winter gear on hand for the 6.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McClain County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Oklahoma Acidic Soils

McClain County's soil pH averages 5.95, which is very close to the state average of 6.06 but more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This slight acidity is typical for the region's agricultural lands. It supports a wide variety of native grasses and commercial crops with minimal adjustment.

The Silt and Sand Balance

The soil contains 39.2% silt and 31.5% sand, creating a texture that is smoother than many of the sandier counties to the west. With 18.4% clay, the soil has enough body to hold onto fertilizers without becoming overly heavy. This mix is generally well-regarded for its versatility in different types of farming.

Superior Water Retention

While organic matter is 1.49%—below the state average of 1.72%—the water capacity is a standout feature. At 0.155 in/in, it significantly exceeds the state average of 0.144 in/in. This makes McClain County's soil a reliable reservoir for plants during the hot, dry summer months.

Managing High Runoff Rates

Categorized in Hydrologic Group D, these soils have low infiltration rates when saturated. This means that during intense Oklahoma storms, water is likely to run off rather than soak in, increasing the risk of erosion. Terracing or using ground cover can help keep your topsoil in place.

Versatile Growing in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b and high water capacity make McClain County great for growing corn, soybeans, and diverse vegetables. The silt-rich soil provides a cool environment for root systems to thrive. Start a backyard garden to take advantage of this soil's impressive ability to hold water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McClain County

via LawnByCounty

McClain County’s Middle-of-the-Road Lawn Score

McClain County features a lawn difficulty score of 47.4, placing it slightly above the state average of 46.1. In Zone 7b, you face typical Oklahoma challenges, including high summer heat and periodic intense drought. Your lawn will require a balanced approach to both irrigation and nutrient management to stay healthy.

Standard Heat and Steady Degrees

The county records 76 extreme heat days per year, matching the Oklahoma state average exactly. With 36.3 inches of rain, you are within the ideal range, though you may need supplemental watering during the peak of the 5269 growing degree days. This climate supports rapid growth but can stress grass that isn't properly conditioned.

Correcting Acidity in McClain Soils

The soil pH of 5.95 is just below the ideal threshold, suggesting that a light application of lime could boost nutrient availability. The soil has a moderate clay content of 18.4% and a sandy component of 31.5%, providing a decent physical structure for turf. Because drainage data is limited, keep an eye out for puddling after the heavy rainstorms common in Central Oklahoma.

Coping with Severe Drought Conditions

McClain County is facing a tough drought season, with 98.6% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Over the past year, the county spent 24 weeks in drought, requiring homeowners to be highly efficient with water. To keep your lawn alive, focus on deep-soaking the roots twice a week rather than light daily misting.

Optimal Planting in Early April

The growing season kicks off after the last frost on April 4th and runs through the first frost on November 4th. This 7-month window is perfect for establishing warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Buffalograss that can handle the regional drought. Get your seeds in the ground by mid-April to ensure they are established before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McClain County's county score?
McClain County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 39.8 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 McClain County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
McClain County ranks #48 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 McClain County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in McClain County is $1,868, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns McClain County a tax score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McClain County?
The median household income in McClain County, Oklahoma is $84,778 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McClain County earns an income score of 88.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is McClain County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
McClain County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate McClain 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 McClain County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.