31
County Score
Property Tax 63.3Weather & Climate 58.6Cost of Living 58.5

County Report Card

About Muskogee County, Oklahoma

Muskogee Faces National Headwinds

Muskogee County records a composite score of 31.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This reflects significant challenges in safety and social infrastructure.

Trailing Oklahoma's Performance Metrics

The county's overall score of 31.0 is considerably lower than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. Muskogee struggles to match the livability standards set by its neighboring peers in the state.

Favorable Tax and Cost Profile

Low costs remain Muskogee's primary advantage, with a tax score of 63.3 and a cost score of 58.5. Homebuyers will find value here, as the median home value is a modest $138,800.

Critical Safety and Resource Needs

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 6.7, paired with a water quality score of 4.1. Furthermore, the school system's score of 15.9 suggests a need for increased investment in local education.

Best for Value-Seeking Renters

Muskogee County suits individuals who prioritize low monthly expenses, such as the $824 median rent, over community amenities. It is a functional choice for those focused on short-term financial flexibility.

Score breakdown

Tax63.3Cost58.5Safety6.7Health16.7Schools15.9Income18.5Risk18Water4.1Weather58.6
🏛63.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠58.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼18.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡6.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
16.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓15.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
18
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧4.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨33.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱45.1
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

Muskogee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Muskogee County

via TaxByCounty

Muskogee tax rates above national lows

Muskogee County's effective tax rate of 0.700% exceeds the national median, though homeowners still pay considerably less than the typical American household in absolute dollars. The county's median tax of $972 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a lower home value and a lower effective rate than most U.S. counties.

Muskogee ranks above Oklahoma average

At 0.700%, Muskogee's effective tax rate surpasses Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, placing it in the higher half of the state's 77 counties. The median tax bill of $972 exceeds the state median of $959, marking Muskogee as a slightly higher-tax jurisdiction.

Muskogee taxes highest in its region

Muskogee's 0.700% rate ranks highest among nearby counties—McIntosh (0.587%), Murray (0.429%), and Okfuskee (0.498%) all charge less. On median tax dollars paid, Muskogee homeowners shoulder the largest burden, at $972 annually.

What Muskogee homeowners pay annually

With a median home value of $138,800 and an effective rate of 0.700%, Muskogee residents pay an estimated $972 per year in property tax. Mortgaged homeowners budget $1,271, while those without a mortgage pay approximately $738.

Appeal overassessments in Muskogee

Muskogee's higher tax rate makes it especially important to verify your assessment; overvalued properties cost more. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can reduce your tax burden if your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value.

Cost of Living in Muskogee County

via CostByCounty

Muskogee renters face tight budgets

Muskogee County residents dedicate 19.0% of household income to rent, exceeding Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and reflecting the income-to-housing cost squeeze. The county's median household income of $51,999 falls significantly below the national average of $74,755, leaving less financial cushion despite lower-than-average rents.

Below-average affordability statewide

Muskogee's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Oklahoma's less affordable counties, trailing the state average by 2 percentage points. This places Muskogee residents in the tighter end of housing affordability across Oklahoma's 77 counties.

Pressured compared to nearby areas

Muskogee County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds most neighboring counties, including the more affordable Noble County (13.0%) and Nowata County (17.7%). At $824 monthly rent—above the state average of $814—Muskogee faces affordability headwinds shared only with McIntosh and Oklahoma County among its peers.

One-fifth income goes to rent

The median Muskogee renter earns $51,999 annually but pays $824 monthly, consuming roughly 19% of gross income for housing alone. Homeowners with median monthly costs of $759 on $138,800 homes face similar percentage burdens, indicating affordability pressure across tenure types.

Muskogee requires budget scrutiny

If relocating to Muskogee County, plan carefully: at $824 monthly rent and median incomes near $52,000, housing will consume a significant share of your budget. Compare these figures against your current market and income expectations—Muskogee's affordability challenges may not justify a move unless other factors (employment, family) strongly pull you there.

Income & Jobs in Muskogee County

via IncomeByCounty

Muskogee earns 30% below nation

Muskogee County's median household income of $51,999 sits roughly $23,000 annually below the national median of $74,755. The county's economy reflects broader rural income challenges across Oklahoma.

Below Oklahoma's average income

Muskogee County earns $51,999 against Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, a 11% shortfall. The county ranks in the lower half of Oklahoma's income distribution.

Similar to McIntosh, below Murray

Muskogee's median income of $51,999 closely mirrors McIntosh County ($46,203) and sits between Nowata ($52,679) and Okmulgee ($53,123). The region shows relatively tight clustering around the $50,000–$55,000 range.

Rents stay reasonable

At 19.0%, Muskogee's rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably under the 20% affordability threshold. A median home value of $138,800 is accessible for households earning near the county median.

Steady income supports savings

With a per capita income of $27,090, Muskogee households can still build wealth through disciplined budgeting and consistent saving. Employer-sponsored retirement plans and tax-advantaged savings accounts offer straightforward paths to financial security.

Safety in Muskogee County

via CrimeByCounty

Navigating Above-Average Crime Rates

Muskogee County reports a total crime rate of 3,148.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 95.0.

Muskogee’s State Safety Standing

The county's safety score of 95.0 falls just below the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate is higher than the state average, indicating a more active environment for local law enforcement.

Higher Activity Than Neighbors

Muskogee County has a higher crime rate than nearby Okmulgee and McIntosh counties. While McIntosh reports only 1,670.3 crimes per 100K, Muskogee's rate is nearly double that figure.

Focus on Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Muskogee is 780.7 per 100K, more than double the national average of 369.8. Seven reporting agencies also track 2,367.7 property crimes per 100K across the county.

Prioritizing Household Safety

Given the higher-than-average property crime rates, residents should invest in robust home security. Cameras and community watch participation are effective tools for deterring local crime.

Health in Muskogee County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy well below national average

Muskogee County residents live to 70.1 years, more than 6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over one in five residents (22.1%) report poor or fair health, significantly exceeding the national rate of 18%. This gap reflects chronic health disparities that require urgent focus.

Among state's lowest life expectancies

At 70.1 years, Muskogee County ranks among the lowest in Oklahoma, trailing the state average of 72.7 years by 2.6 years. The 22.1% poor/fair health rate places the county below state average, indicating widespread health challenges.

Health struggles shared with nearby counties

Muskogee County's 70.1-year life expectancy is nearly identical to Okmulgee County (69.9 years) and McIntosh County (70.8 years), suggesting a cluster of health challenges in the region. Its 22.1% poor/fair health rate aligns with this regional pattern.

Strong mental health services, adequate primary care

Muskogee County outperforms most counties with 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 502 mental health providers per 100K. The 15.2% uninsured rate is slightly below state average, though access to care quality varies across the county.

Coverage is within reach right now

With 15.2% of Muskogee County residents uninsured, health coverage remains accessible through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Oklahoma Medicaid programs. Go to healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find a plan that protects your health and budget.

Schools in Muskogee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Infrastructure

Muskogee County features a robust system of 36 public schools serving over 12,000 students across 12 districts. The landscape includes 18 elementary schools, 11 high schools, and three specialized education facilities.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

The 85.0% graduation rate in Muskogee County exceeds the state average of 84.3% despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,668. This spending level is nearly $1,000 below the Oklahoma average and less than half of the national average.

The Reach of Muskogee Public Schools

The Muskogee district is the county's largest, managing 10 schools and 4,772 students with no charter schools in the mix. Fort Gibson also plays a major role, serving 1,795 students across its four local campuses.

A Balance of Town and Rural Learning

School locales are split evenly between town and rural settings, with an average school size of 335 students. Muskogee High School is the county's largest institution with 1,026 students, providing a large-scale secondary experience.

Finding Your Place in Muskogee Schools

With 12 districts to choose from, families can find a home near large town campuses like Hilldale or more secluded rural schools. Researching specific district boundaries is a vital part of the home-buying process here.

Disaster Risk in Muskogee County

via RiskByCounty

Muskogee faces significantly elevated national risk

With a composite score of 82.03, Muskogee County ranks among the riskiest U.S. counties for natural disasters, well above the national average. Its "Relatively Moderate" rating underscores serious multi-hazard exposure.

Muskogee ranks among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties

At 82.03, Muskogee ranks in the top tier of Oklahoma's 77 counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 55.47. Few Oklahoma counties face comparable overall disaster exposure.

Muskogee is the region's highest-risk county

Muskogee (82.03) substantially outpaces neighbors McIntosh (65.78), Okmulgee (74.62), and Murray (32.54) in composite risk. It stands as the clear risk leader in eastern Oklahoma.

Tornadoes and flooding create compound threats

Tornado risk reaches 90.78—among Oklahoma's highest—with flood risk at 78.02 reflecting vulnerable low-lying and riparian zones. Wildfire exposure (88.96) and earthquake risk (79.36) add further complexity to the hazard landscape.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Muskogee residents need robust homeowners policies with explicit flood and wind coverage, plus consideration of earthquake riders. Identify and regularly maintain a safe room or shelter rated for violent storms.

Weather & Climate in Muskogee County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Climate with Moderate Annual Variations

Muskogee County’s annual average temperature of 60.6°F sits comfortably above the national median. The region transitions between the humid eastern forests and the drier Great Plains, creating a versatile but warm climate.

Matching the Sooner State Average

At 60.6°F, the county aligns almost perfectly with the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It serves as a reliable benchmark for the state’s overall climatic conditions.

Wetter and Warmer than Okmulgee

Muskogee averages 44.6 inches of rain, outpacing many central neighbors, and stays slightly warmer than Okmulgee County's 60.0°F average. This extra moisture supports the lush vegetation found throughout the Arkansas River Valley.

Hot July Peaks and Light Winter Dustings

The area endures 71 extreme heat days per year, peaking with a July average of 82.0°F. Winter brings a modest 4.1 inches of snow, providing occasional white cover without the paralysis of northern blizzards.

Prepare for High Humidity and Rainfall

With over 44 inches of annual precipitation, residents need robust drainage solutions and moisture-resistant building materials. Summer outdoor activities are best planned for early mornings to avoid the 71 days of extreme heat.

Soil Quality in Muskogee County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Silt Loams in Muskogee

Muskogee County features Entisols with a dominant silt loam texture and an average pH of 5.60. While this is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, these soils are often quite productive with proper management. Entisols represent young soils that still retain much of the mineral character of their parent material.

High Silt Content for Better Texture

The soil profile is 37.3% silt, 35.6% sand, and 17.3% clay, creating a smooth, workable silt loam. This high silt fraction makes the soil feel floury to the touch and provides excellent surface area for nutrient exchange. It balances drainage and retention better than more sandy neighbors.

Strong Water Capacity for Dry Spells

The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in is higher than the Oklahoma state average of 0.144 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.59%, which provides a solid baseline for biological activity in the soil. These factors combine to give Muskogee a resilient foundation for agriculture during hot Oklahoma summers.

Well-Drained Land with Moderate Runoff

Most of the county is well-drained but falls into hydrologic group C, suggesting somewhat slow infiltration when wet. This means while the soil usually stays aerated, heavy rain can lead to significant surface runoff. Proper terracing or cover cropping is recommended to protect the topsoil from erosion.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7b

Muskogee’s climate and silt-rich soil are perfect for growing corn, soybeans, and lush ornamental gardens. The 7b hardiness zone provides a long frost-free window for tomatoes and peppers to reach their full potential. Grab a shovel and start planting to take advantage of this fertile river-valley region.

Lawn Care in Muskogee County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Muskogee's Tougher Lawn Environment

Muskogee County's difficulty score of 45.1 suggests lawn care is more challenging here than in the rest of Oklahoma. This score sits below the national median, indicating that homeowners must be more proactive with maintenance.

Heavy Rainfall and High Heat

The county receives a generous 44.6 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 37.2 inches. However, 71 extreme heat days and 5106 growing degree days mean that moisture evaporates quickly during the peak of summer.

Silt Loam Requires pH Adjustments

A soil pH of 5.60 is quite acidic, so your grass will likely need lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. The well-drained silt loam texture is generally favorable, but the 17.3% clay content can lead to compaction if foot traffic is heavy.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Lawns

Drought resilience is a major concern as 63.9% of the county is currently in severe drought. After 23 weeks of drought over the last year, choosing drought-tolerant species is essential for long-term survival.

Planning Around the Frost Schedule

Target the window between the last frost on April 6th and the first frost on October 30th for your heaviest lawn work. Bermuda grass is a resilient choice for zone 7b that can withstand the local heat and current drought trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muskogee County's county score?
Muskogee County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 31 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 Muskogee County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Muskogee County ranks #73 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 Muskogee County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Muskogee County is $972, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Muskogee County a tax score of 63.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Muskogee County?
The median household income in Muskogee County, Oklahoma is $51,999 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Muskogee County earns an income score of 18.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Muskogee County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Muskogee County scores 31/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Muskogee 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 Muskogee County with other counties side by side.