44.5
County Score
Property Tax 92.1Disaster Risk 67.5Cost of Living 61.1

County Report Card

About Murray County, Oklahoma

Murray County Nears National Middle

Murray County posts a composite score of 44.5, coming within striking distance of the 50.0 national median. It offers a balanced profile that combines financial advantages with moderate risks.

Outperforming the State Average

With a 44.5 overall score, Murray County outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It stands out as one of the more stable and financially attractive options in the region.

Leading the State in Low Taxes

A remarkable tax score of 92.1 defines this county, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.429%. It also maintains a strong risk score of 67.5, suggesting a safer environment regarding natural disasters.

School Quality and Water Quality

Despite its financial perks, the county struggles with school performance at a score of 16.8 and water quality at 11.0. These infrastructure scores indicate areas where local development has not yet kept pace with economic stability.

Perfect for Homeowners Seeking Savings

Murray County is a top pick for families and individuals looking to minimize their tax bills while living in a low-risk area. It offers a solid median income of $61,904, making it a sustainable choice for middle-class residents.

Score breakdown

Tax92.1Cost61.1Safety29.1Health21Schools16.8Income44.9Risk67.5Water11Weather55.2
🏛92.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠61.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼44.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡29.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
21
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓16.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
67.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧11
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨37.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱51.9
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

Murray County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Murray County

via TaxByCounty

Murray taxes among America's lowest

Murray County's effective tax rate of 0.429% ranks in the lowest echelon nationwide, dwarfed by the national median property tax of $2,690 on a median home. Homeowners here pay less than one-third of what the typical American household owes in property tax.

Murray ranks lowest in Oklahoma

Murray County sports Oklahoma's lowest effective tax rate at 0.429%—a full 34% below the state average of 0.652%. The county's median tax of $665 is the most affordable in the state, offering significant savings compared to the state median of $959.

Murray leads the region in affordability

Murray's 0.429% rate undercuts all nearby counties, including McIntosh (0.587%), Muskogee (0.700%), and Okfuskee (0.498%). While the median tax bill of $665 ranks lowest regionally, the higher median home value ($154,900) means mortgage payers see larger total bills than in some neighboring counties.

What Murray homeowners pay annually

On a median home value of $154,900, Murray's effective rate of 0.429% yields an estimated annual tax of $665. Those with mortgages typically pay $1,109, while outright homeowners pay around $485.

Even low-tax Murray allows appeals

Even in Oklahoma's lowest-tax county, some homeowners remain overassessed relative to true market value. Contacting the county assessor to request a reassessment is free and frequently results in lower taxes and potential refunds.

Cost of Living in Murray County

via CostByCounty

Murray offers affordable living option

Murray County renters spend just 16.6% of household income on rent, sitting comfortably below Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and well-aligned with national affordability standards. The county's median household income of $61,904 is closer to the national average of $74,755 than many rural Oklahoma peers, easing housing cost burdens.

Among Oklahoma's most affordable

Murray County ranks as one of Oklahoma's more affordable counties, with a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by 0.4 percentage points. This modest advantage reflects a favorable balance between local incomes and housing costs across the county.

Better positioned than peers

Murray County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% outperforms most neighboring counties, including Muskogee (19.0%), McIntosh (19.8%), and Oklahoma County (19.7%). At $859 monthly rent, Murray sits slightly above the state average, yet higher local incomes make the burden more manageable than in adjacent areas.

Balanced housing costs and income

Murray residents earning a median of $61,904 annually pay $859 in monthly rent, allocating about 16.6% of income to housing—a sustainable level for renters. Homeowners enjoy even better economics, with median monthly costs of $677 on homes valued at $154,900, among the highest in the rural Oklahoma region.

Murray delivers housing accessibility

Relocating to Murray County offers one of Oklahoma's more balanced housing markets, with rents of $859 and home values near $155,000 supported by incomes averaging $62,000. If affordability and income stability matter for your move, Murray's metrics stand out favorably against state and regional alternatives.

Income & Jobs in Murray County

via IncomeByCounty

Murray's income runs 17% below U.S.

Murray County's median household income of $61,904 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $13,000 per year. The county sits below the national average but above many neighboring rural economies.

Middle-of-the-pack statewide

At $61,904, Murray County exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by nearly 6%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Oklahoma counties. The county's income profile is stronger than most rural peers statewide.

Best-performing regional economy

Murray County ($61,904) outearns nearby McIntosh ($46,203), Nowata ($52,679), and Okmulgee ($53,123). Its per capita income of $33,997 is among the region's highest, signaling stronger economic opportunity.

Strong housing affordability

Murray's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits well below the 20% threshold, indicating excellent housing affordability. A median home value of $154,900 is realistic and accessible for the typical household.

Your income supports investment

At $61,904 median household income, Murray County residents have stronger capacity than state peers to invest in retirement accounts, education funds, and home equity. Diversifying income streams and automating savings can accelerate wealth-building goals.

Safety in Murray County

via CrimeByCounty

Murray County Beats National Averages

The total crime rate in Murray County is 1,698.4 per 100K, significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5. The county earns a 97.3 safety score, signaling a very secure environment for residents.

Top-Tier Safety in Oklahoma

Murray County’s safety score of 97.3 easily clears the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. This high ranking reflects a community where crime is far less frequent than the state's average rate of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Consistent Regional Security

Murray County shares a similar safety profile with McIntosh County, which has a nearly identical rate of 1,670.3 per 100K. Both counties offer much safer environments than Muskogee, where crime rates are nearly double.

Breaking Down the Incidents

Violent crime remains low at 260.2 per 100K, while property crime sits at 1,438.2 per 100K. These figures, reported by three local agencies, are substantially lower than national property crime benchmarks.

Proactive Home Defense

Property crime makes up the majority of local reports, so securing your home is essential. Basic measures like upgraded locks and alarm systems help keep these low crime rates stable.

Health in Murray County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below U.S. average

Murray County residents live to 72.0 years, about 4.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five residents (21.3%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 18%. These metrics reflect health challenges that distinguish the county from national norms.

Slightly below state health average

Murray County's life expectancy of 72.0 years trails Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years by less than a year. The county's 21.3% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the state trend, placing it in the middle tier of Oklahoma counties.

Modest health advantage in region

Murray County's 72.0-year life expectancy matches Nowata County exactly but lags behind the state average of 72.7 years. Its 21.3% poor/fair health rate is better than McIntosh, Muskogee, and Okmulgee counties, suggesting a healthier trajectory than some regional peers.

Decent primary care access, room to grow

Murray County has 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, a solid ratio compared to the state's lower-resource counties. At 16.4% uninsured, the county is slightly above the state average, while 95 mental health providers per 100K suggest room to expand behavioral health services.

Check coverage options for your family

About 16% of Murray County residents lack health insurance—but affordable options exist through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Oklahoma Medicaid. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to see what coverage is available for your household.

Schools in Murray County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Murray County

Murray County supports 2,471 students across nine public schools, including four elementary and three high schools. The county operates three districts, providing a mix of traditional public education and specialized state-run facilities.

Academic Outcomes and Funding Levels

The county reports an 83.3% graduation rate, which is slightly below the Oklahoma state average of 84.3%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,056, the county invests less than the state average and significantly less than the $13,000 national benchmark.

Sulphur and Specialized Learning Hubs

The Sulphur district is the county's largest, serving 1,490 students across four schools. Notably, the county also hosts the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, which operates two schools for 110 students, emphasizing the area's role in specialized education.

Town-Centered School Environments

All nine schools in Murray County are classified in town locales, creating a consistent community feel with an average of 275 students per school. Sulphur High School serves as the largest campus with 436 students, while Davis Elementary hosts 373.

Choosing a Community with Education in Mind

Prospective homeowners frequently target the Sulphur and Davis areas for their centralized school campuses and town amenities. Evaluating local district resources is an essential step for families relocating to Murray County.

Disaster Risk in Murray County

via RiskByCounty

Murray County enjoys low national risk

At 32.54, Murray County's composite risk score ranks well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. This places it among Oklahoma's safest counties for natural disaster exposure.

Murray ranks among Oklahoma's safest

Murray's 32.54 score sits well below Oklahoma's 55.47 state average, making it one of the least at-risk counties in the state. Few Oklahoma counties offer comparable disaster resilience.

Safest county in its region

Murray (32.54) significantly outperforms neighboring McIntosh (65.78) and Muskogee (82.03) counties in overall risk resilience. Its low exposure makes it a standout for stability in south-central Oklahoma.

Wildfire remains the primary concern

Despite low overall risk, wildfire exposure reaches 82.38—notably higher than other hazards. Tornado risk (68.64) also warrants attention, though both remain moderate relative to state and national benchmarks.

Standard coverage sufficient for most risks

Murray County residents can proceed with confidence using standard homeowners insurance, though wildfire riders provide extra protection given the 82.38 wildfire score. Maintain defensible space around structures as a low-cost risk reducer.

Weather & Climate in Murray County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Climate Above the National Median

Murray County maintains an average annual temperature of 61.5°F, placing it significantly warmer than the national median of roughly 55°F. This humid subtropical climate experiences mild winters and long, intense summers common to the American South.

Warmer than the Oklahoma Average

The county's 61.5°F annual average exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. This makes it one of the warmer regions in the state, benefiting from its southern position within Oklahoma's borders.

Slightly Cooler than Southern Neighbors

While Murray County is warm at 61.5°F, it remains slightly cooler than neighboring Okfuskee County to the northeast, which averages 61.8°F. It receives 41.8 inches of rain annually, making it wetter than the central Oklahoma plains.

Intense Summer Heat and Rare Snowfall

Residents face 73 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, with July temperatures averaging a sweltering 82.2°F. Winters are manageable with an average temperature of 42.1°F and a minimal 1.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Moderate Rain Prep

Homeowners should invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the two months of triple-digit potential heat. With nearly 42 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear is more critical here than in the drier western parts of the state.

Soil Quality in Murray County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols Lead the Way in Murray

Murray County is dominated by Alfisols, a soil order known for its clay-enriched subsoil and relatively high fertility. The average pH of 6.11 is very close to the Oklahoma state average and only slightly below the national median. This creates a stable chemical environment for a wide variety of native vegetation.

The Balance of Fine Sandy Loam

The soil consists of 36.5% sand, 33.9% silt, and 21.4% clay, giving it a classic fine sandy loam texture. This mix offers an excellent balance between easy workability and enough clay to hold essential nutrients. It is a versatile composition that responds well to both manual gardening and mechanized farming.

Moderate Fertility and Water Retention

Organic matter levels average 1.55%, which is slightly lower than the state's 1.72% average. The available water capacity is also just under the state benchmark at 0.139 in/in. Local growers may find that adding compost helps boost these numbers toward more productive levels.

Reliable Drainage for Stable Building

The county benefits from well-drained soils and falls into hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This makes the land suitable for many construction projects and reduces the risk of root rot for sensitive crops. Rainwater moves through the profile effectively without leaving the surface saturated for long periods.

Thriving in the Murray 7b Climate

The 7b hardiness zone allows for a diverse range of plantings from hardy perennials to summer vegetables. Pecan trees and native grasses flourish in this well-drained Alfisol environment. It is a great time to plant a home orchard or start a sustainable vegetable patch.

Lawn Care in Murray County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Murray County

With a lawn difficulty score of 51.9, Murray County is one of the easier places in Oklahoma to maintain a lush yard. This score beats both the state average of 46.1 and the national median of 50.0.

Handling the Oklahoma Summer Heat

The county experiences 73 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly lower than the state average of 76. To support the lawn through these hot periods, residents rely on 41.8 inches of annual precipitation and 5294 growing degree days.

Balanced Soil for Better Growth

The local soil pH of 6.11 is nearly perfect, sitting right at the edge of the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The well-drained fine sandy loam provides a solid foundation that balances moisture retention with necessary aeration for root health.

Staying Green Through Dry Months

Despite 22 weeks of drought in the past year, zero percent of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+). Maintaining a higher mowing height can help the soil retain moisture during the 100.0% coverage of current abnormally dry conditions.

Spring Planting for Lasting Results

Bermuda and Buffalo grass thrive in zone 7b and handle the local heat well. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 4th to ensure the young grass establishes before the first fall frost on October 31st.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murray County's county score?
Murray County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Murray County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Murray County ranks #27 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 Murray County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Murray County is $665, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Murray County a tax score of 92.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Murray County?
The median household income in Murray County, Oklahoma is $61,904 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Murray County earns an income score of 44.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Murray County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Murray County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Murray 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 Murray County with other counties side by side.