countyscore
39.5
County Score
Cost of Living 70.2Weather & Climate 63.4Property Tax 62.5

County Report Card

About Nowata County, Oklahoma

Nowata County’s Rural Ranking

Nowata County receives a composite score of 39.5, trailing the national median of 50.0. Its ranking is typical for smaller rural areas where infrastructure scores are often lower.

Below the State Median

The county's 39.5 score is below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It remains a quiet, low-density alternative for those who don't mind limited public services.

Affordable Living and Low Risk

Nowata shines in cost of living with a score of 70.2, anchored by a low median home value of $121,900. It also provides a stable environment with a risk score of 59.2, indicating lower exposure to environmental hazards.

Urgent Water Quality Challenges

Water quality is a significant issue with a score of only 0.7, the lowest among its metrics. Additionally, an income score of 20.0 reflects a median household income of $52,679, which limits local economic growth.

Suited for Quiet, Low-Cost Living

Nowata County is best for those who prioritize peace and low housing costs above all else. It appeals to retirees or individuals with established external incomes who want to own a home for less.

Score breakdown

Tax62.5Cost70.2Safety22.2Health21.1Schools21.4Income20Risk59.2Water0.7Weather63.4
🏛62.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.6
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

Washington County
Oklahoma
42.2
Montgomery County
Kansas
33.5
Craig County
Oklahoma
39.4
Labette County
Kansas
40.4
Rogers County
Oklahoma
32.5
Chautauqua County
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53.5
Ottawa County
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35.2
Cherokee County
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42.1

Deep Dives

Nowata County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nowata County

via TaxByCounty

Nowata taxes remain well below national

Nowata County's effective tax rate of 0.706% is modest compared to national burdens, with residents paying just $860 annually on a median home value. This is roughly one-third the national median property tax of $2,690.

Nowata slightly above Oklahoma average

At 0.706%, Nowata's effective rate edges above Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, though the median tax of $860 falls slightly below the state median of $959. The county occupies the upper-middle tier of Oklahoma's property tax landscape.

Nowata taxes moderate in the region

Nowata's 0.706% rate ranks between McIntosh (0.587%) and Noble County (0.803%) among peers, with a median tax of $860 placing it in the mid-range regionally. Only Muskogee (0.700%) comes close in effective rate.

What Nowata homeowners pay annually

With a median home value of $121,900 and an effective rate of 0.706%, Nowata residents pay approximately $860 in annual property tax. Mortgaged homeowners budget $1,122, while those without a mortgage pay around $584.

Challenge Nowata overassessments

If your Nowata property feels overvalued, requesting a reassessment from the county assessor is free and often successful. Many homeowners discover their taxes drop significantly after appealing an inflated assessed value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nowata County

via CostByCounty

Nowata renters approach affordability

Nowata County residents spend 17.7% of household income on rent, tracking closely to Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and maintaining reasonable affordability for a rural county. The median household income of $52,679 lags the national average of $74,755, yet rent costs remain measured at $776 per month.

Near-average affordability statewide

Nowata's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.7 percentage points above Oklahoma's state average, placing the county firmly in the middle tier of housing affordability across the state. This balanced positioning suggests Nowata residents face typical rural Oklahoma housing cost pressures.

Moderate costs, moderate income

Nowata County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio outperforms challenged neighbors like McIntosh (19.8%), Muskogee (19.0%), and Oklahoma County (19.7%), though trails the exceptional Noble County (13.0%). Rent at $776 monthly aligns with statewide averages, making Nowata a middle-ground option regionally.

Housing takes one-sixth of income

The typical Nowata renter earns $52,679 annually but pays $776 monthly, dedicating about 17.7% of gross income to housing—a manageable proportion. Homeowners with median monthly costs of $688 on homes valued at $121,900 enjoy slightly better economics, among the lowest home values in the county group.

Nowata offers moderate housing appeal

If relocating to Nowata County, expect moderate housing costs ($776 rent, $122,000 median home value) paired with incomes around $52,700—neither exceptional nor challenging. Nowata makes sense for movers seeking rural Oklahoma affordability without the income advantages of Noble County or the constraints of Muskogee and McIntosh.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nowata County

via IncomeByCounty

Nowata lags nation by 30%

Nowata County's median household income of $52,679 runs roughly $22,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county faces income challenges common to rural Oklahoma communities.

Below state average but competitive

At $52,679, Nowata trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by about 10%, placing it slightly below the statewide midpoint. The county's income profile is near typical for rural Oklahoma.

Mid-range earner among peers

Nowata County ($52,679) sits between McIntosh ($46,203) and Okmulgee ($53,123), holding a mid-range position. Its per capita income of $30,575 nearly matches the state average of $30,609.

Housing costs fair and manageable

At 17.7%, Nowata's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below 20%, signaling solid housing affordability. The median home value of $121,900 is one of the region's most affordable.

Low cost of living aids savings

Nowata's relatively low housing costs and affordable real estate create breathing room for household savings and investment. Prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring tax-deferred retirement accounts to maximize long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nowata County

via CrimeByCounty

Nowata County Below National Crime Rates

Nowata County maintains a total crime rate of 1,997.9 per 100K, keeping it below the U.S. average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive 96.8 safety score for its secure environment.

A High Rank in Oklahoma

With a 96.8 safety score, Nowata County is safer than the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Local law enforcement keeps crime levels much lower than the state's average total rate of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Consistent Regional Safety

Nowata's safety profile mirrors Noble County, where the crime rate is a similar 1,957.9 per 100K. Both counties offer a stark contrast to Okfuskee County, which faces much higher crime challenges.

Notably Low Violent Crime

The county's violent crime rate of 137.4 per 100K is less than half the national average. Three reporting agencies manage 1,860.5 property crimes per 100K, which is the primary focus of local safety efforts.

Defending Your Household

Property crime remains the most common threat in Nowata County. Residents can boost security by installing smart doorbells and maintaining clear sightlines around their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nowata County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy close to national average

Nowata County residents live to 72.0 years, about 4.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five residents (22.7%) report poor or fair health, above the national rate of 18%, indicating health challenges despite middling life expectancy.

Slightly below state average life expectancy

At 72.0 years, Nowata County's life expectancy matches the state average of 72.7 years almost exactly, placing it in the middle. The 22.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state trend, suggesting underlying health struggles not fully captured by life expectancy alone.

Health similar to some, below others

Nowata County's 72.0-year life expectancy matches Murray County but falls short of Noble County's 74.2 years and exceeds McIntosh's 70.8 years. Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in the region.

Primary care shortage despite stable coverage

Nowata County has just 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, a significant shortage similar to McIntosh County's challenge. The 13.9% uninsured rate is below state average, though 254 mental health providers per 100K shows strength in behavioral health.

Secure health coverage for your future

With 13.9% of Nowata County uninsured, health coverage is accessible through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Oklahoma Medicaid. Check your eligibility at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nowata County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in Nowata County

Nowata County’s educational system consists of eight public schools divided among three districts. The county serves 1,625 students through a mix of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools.

Exceeding State Graduation Standards

The 85.5% graduation rate here beats the Oklahoma state average of 84.3%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,107 is lower than the state average, the composite school score of 49.2 nearly matches the state median of 49.5.

Nowata and Oklahoma Union Hubs

The Nowata district is the largest in the county, educating 751 students across three schools. Oklahoma Union follows closely with 611 students, and the county currently offers no charter school alternatives.

A Close-Knit Town and Rural Mix

With an average school size of 203 students, education in Nowata County feels personal and community-focused. Most schools are located in town settings, with Nowata Elementary serving as the largest single campus at 379 students.

Invest in a Community-Focused District

The steady academic performance in Nowata and Oklahoma Union makes this county a smart choice for education-minded buyers. Consider the proximity of town-based schools when exploring your next home in the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nowata County

via RiskByCounty

Nowata ranks among the safest U.S. counties

At 40.78, Nowata County's composite risk sits well below national averages, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county offers one of Oklahoma's most disaster-resilient profiles.

Nowata is Oklahoma's low-risk standout

Nowata's 40.78 score sits substantially below Oklahoma's 55.47 average, placing it among the state's safest counties. Few Oklahoma counties match its overall resilience to natural disasters.

Nowata rivals Murray for regional safety

Nowata (40.78) closely tracks Murray (32.54) as one of Oklahoma's safest counties, substantially outperforming McIntosh (65.78) and Muskogee (82.03). It anchors the low-risk profile of northeast Oklahoma.

Wildfire remains the clear primary hazard

Despite overall low risk, wildfire exposure reaches 54.45—the county's dominant threat. Tornado risk (64.06) ranks second but remains moderate compared to state benchmarks.

Basic homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Nowata residents can generally rely on standard homeowners insurance, though adding wildfire coverage provides extra security given the 54.45 wildfire score. Focus on vegetation management around structures as a primary defense.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nowata County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Mid-Continent Temperature Profile

Nowata County’s 60.1°F annual average reflects its position in the heart of the country, staying well above the national median. It experiences a classic four-season cycle typical of the southern Midwest.

Typical Temperatures for Northern Oklahoma

The county is just a fraction cooler than the state average of 60.4°F. It represents the transition zone where Oklahoma's heat begins to soften into the slightly cooler Kansas climate.

Wetter and Warmer than Osage

Nowata is significantly warmer than neighboring Osage County, which averages 59.0°F. It also receives 41.5 inches of precipitation, ensuring a more humid environment than the counties to its west.

Fewer Heat Days but More Snow

The county records 60 extreme heat days, which is lower than the Oklahoma average, but it makes up for it with 9.3 inches of annual snowfall. July remains hot at 81.6°F, while January stays chilly at 37.0°F.

Invest in Snow Removal and Drainage

With nearly 10 inches of snow annually, a reliable snow shovel or blower is a must-have for winter. The 41.5 inches of rain also necessitates regular foundation inspections and gutter maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nowata County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctive Acidity in Nowata Soils

Nowata County has a notably acidic average pH of 5.31, significantly lower than the Oklahoma average of 6.06. This low pH level can limit the availability of certain nutrients like phosphorus and calcium. Landowners often use regular applications of agricultural lime to bring this soil into a more productive range.

Silt-Rich and Clay-Heavy Mix

With only 17.7% sand, this soil is dominated by 45.5% silt and 22.5% clay. This composition creates a dense, heavy soil that can feel sticky when wet and hard when dry. While difficult to plow, this mix is excellent at trapping and holding onto chemical nutrients.

Rich Organic Matter and Hydration

The organic matter content is 1.96%, which is much higher than the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. Combined with a water capacity of 0.153 in/in, the soil is inherently fertile despite its high acidity. This high organic content provides a buffer that helps plants thrive in challenging conditions.

Managing the Flow in Nowata

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are limited in current datasets, the high clay and silt content suggest naturally slow drainage. Surface water is likely to linger after heavy rains, requiring intentional grading for residential or agricultural use. Managing soil structure is the key to preventing the ground from becoming waterlogged.

Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone and acidic soil make this county a prime location for berries, potatoes, and certain hardwood trees. Blueberries specifically thrive in the low pH environment found naturally here. If you are looking to start a productive garden, focus on crops that appreciate high organic matter and acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nowata County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Lawn Conditions in Nowata

Nowata County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 51.6, outperforming the Oklahoma average of 46.1. This higher-than-average score indicates a more forgiving environment for maintaining residential green spaces.

Cooler Summers Benefit Your Grass

Nowata enjoys only 60 extreme heat days per year, which is far lower than the state average of 76. Coupled with 41.5 inches of annual rain, these conditions create a less stressful environment for most turfgrass species.

Correcting Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH of 5.31 is significantly lower than the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range, which can lock out essential nutrients. With a clay content of 22.5%, the soil may also be prone to drainage issues that require core aeration.

Recovering from Severe Dry Spells

While the county only saw 11 weeks of drought last year, 30.1% of the area is currently facing severe drought conditions. Deep, early-morning watering is the most effective way to help your lawn survive these current spikes in dryness.

Timing Your Nowata Lawn Project

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue perform well in the 7a zone, especially with Nowata's fewer heat days. Start your growing season after the last frost on April 4th to give your lawn plenty of time to establish before November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nowata County's county score?
Nowata County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 39.5 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 Nowata County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Nowata County ranks #50 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 Nowata County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Nowata County is $860, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Nowata County a tax score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nowata County?
The median household income in Nowata County, Oklahoma is $52,679 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nowata County earns an income score of 20/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nowata County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Nowata County scores 39.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Nowata 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 Nowata 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.