countyscore
45.6
County Score
Property Tax 92.1Disaster Risk 67.5Cost of Living 64.8

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.

2040608010092.164.829.12116.852.667.51155.2Tax92.1Cost64.8Safety29.1Health21Schools16.8Income52.6Risk67.5Water11Weather55.245.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Murray County DNA

Foverall

How Murray County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Murray County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.1+40.099999999999994
Cost
64.8+16.799999999999997
Safety
29.1-25.9
Health
21-29
Schools
16.8-37.2
Income
52.6
Risk
67.5+20.5
Water
11-47
Weather
55.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Murray County

Whether buying or refinancing in Murray County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$159,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$881/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$159,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,322/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Murray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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 45.6 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 #23 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 0.42%. 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 $66,322 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Murray County earns an income score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Murray County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Murray County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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