42.2
County Score
Cost of Living 89.4Property Tax 86.2Disaster Risk 59.6

County Report Card

About Okfuskee County, Oklahoma

Okfuskee Nears the State Average

Okfuskee County earns a composite score of 42.2, positioning it slightly below the national median of 50.0. It balances exceptional affordability with significant challenges in public safety.

Competitive Within the State

At 42.2, Okfuskee sits just under the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It offers one of the most affordable entry points for homeownership in the entire state.

Superior Costs and Tax Benefits

The county boasts a cost score of 89.4 and a tax score of 86.2, making it a financial haven. A median gross rent of $689 and an effective tax rate of 0.498% provide residents with massive savings.

Public Safety and Health Concerns

Safety is a critical area for improvement with a score of only 1.6, alongside a health score of 8.5. These factors, combined with a low income score of 7.7, indicate a need for improved social services.

Best for Frugal Living

Okfuskee County is perfect for individuals looking for the absolute lowest cost of living in Oklahoma. It is a viable option for those who can navigate a rural environment with limited public infrastructure.

2040608010086.289.41.68.5357.759.66.353.1Tax86.2Cost89.4Safety1.6Health8.5Schools35Income7.7Risk59.6Water6.3Weather53.142.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Okfuskee County DNA

Foverall

How Okfuskee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Okfuskee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (1.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.2+34.2
Cost
89.4+41.400000000000006
Safety
1.6-53.4
Health
8.5-41.5
Schools
35-19
Income
7.7-43.3
Risk
59.6+12.600000000000001
Water
6.3-51.7
Weather
53.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Okfuskee County?

Many homeowners in Okfuskee County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$689/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,441/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.8

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Okfuskee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Okfuskee County

via TaxByCounty

Okfuskee taxes rank lowest nationally

Okfuskee County's effective tax rate of 0.498% places it among America's most affordable property tax jurisdictions, with residents paying just $552 annually on a median home. This is one-fifth of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Okfuskee ranks low within Oklahoma

At 0.498%, Okfuskee's effective rate sits comfortably below Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, and its median tax of $552 is among the state's lowest. The county offers significant tax savings for homeowners compared to the state median of $959.

Okfuskee among the region's cheapest

Okfuskee's 0.498% rate ranks second-lowest in its regional group—only Murray County (0.429%) is cheaper. At $552 in median annual tax, Okfuskee represents exceptional affordability for property owners.

What Okfuskee homeowners pay annually

On a median home value of $110,800, Okfuskee's effective rate of 0.498% yields an estimated $552 in annual property tax—the lowest median in its peer group. Mortgaged homeowners pay $638, while those without mortgages pay around $514.

Even in low-tax Okfuskee, appeal if needed

Some Okfuskee homeowners still overpay if their assessed value exceeds market value; filing an appeal costs nothing. Verifying your assessment ensures you're paying a fair rate in this already affordable county.

Cost of Living in Okfuskee County

via CostByCounty

Okfuskee delivers lowest rents

Okfuskee County residents spend 18.2% of household income on rent, slightly above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average but with the region's lowest median rent of $689 per month. The county's median household income of $45,441 is the lowest among peer counties, making even cheap rents feel burdensome on tight budgets.

Affordable housing, low incomes

Okfuskee's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average by just 1.2 percentage points, masking the reality that residents earn significantly less than state averages. The county's exceptionally low rents partly offset its income disadvantage, but financial strain remains elevated.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes

Okfuskee's $689 monthly rent is the lowest among all eight peer counties, undercutting even rural neighbors like Nowata ($776) and McIntosh ($763). Yet Okfuskee's median income of $45,441 also trails most peers, leaving residents with limited financial flexibility despite rock-bottom housing costs.

Lowest costs but tightest budgets

Okfuskee residents earning just $45,441 annually pay $689 monthly rent, consuming 18.2% of income despite the region's cheapest housing. Homeowners face similarly modest monthly costs of $536 on homes valued at $110,800—the lowest among the county group—but face the region's steepest income-to-expense ratio.

Okfuskee suits lowest-income movers

Okfuskee County offers the region's cheapest housing ($689 rent, $111,000 homes) but lowest median incomes ($45,441), creating a narrow fit. Only consider relocating here if your household income aligns with local averages and you prioritize rock-bottom housing costs over broader economic opportunity.

Income & Jobs in Okfuskee County

via IncomeByCounty

Okfuskee faces steepest income gap

Okfuskee County's median household income of $45,441 sits 39% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among Oklahoma's most economically challenged communities.

Lowest county income in dataset

At $45,441, Okfuskee ranks at the very bottom of Oklahoma's income distribution, running 22% below the state average of $58,273. The county faces significant economic headwinds.

Struggling relative to peers

Okfuskee County ($45,441) earns less than every surveyed neighbor, including McIntosh ($46,203), Okmulgee ($53,123), and Nowata ($52,679). Its per capita income of $24,325 is the lowest in the region.

Affordable housing offers relief

At 18.2%, Okfuskee's rent-to-income ratio remains below 20%, and the median home value of $110,800 is the region's most affordable. Housing remains attainable despite lower overall incomes.

Small steps compound over time

Even modest savings matter in Okfuskee—start with a small emergency fund and take advantage of any available employer benefits. Consider free financial literacy resources and consult nonprofits offering low-cost financial planning services.

Safety in Okfuskee County

via CrimeByCounty

Facing Elevated Crime Rates

Okfuskee County has a total crime rate of 5,427.8 per 100K, which is more than double the national average. This results in a safety score of 91.4, indicating significant safety challenges.

Below the Oklahoma Average

At 91.4, Okfuskee's safety score is lower than the Oklahoma average of 95.8. The county's crime rate of 5,427.8 is also significantly higher than the state average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Stark Differences with Neighbors

Okfuskee County has much higher crime than neighboring Okmulgee County, which reports a low rate of 989.2 per 100K. This contrast highlights the specific public safety needs in the local community.

High Property Crime Frequency

Property crime is exceptionally high at 4,881.5 per 100K, while violent crime is 546.3 per 100K. Five agencies work to address these figures, with property theft being the most common incident type.

Enhancing Your Security

Because property crime rates are elevated, home security is a top priority for Okfuskee residents. Alarm systems and reinforced entry points are essential for protecting local property.

Schools in Okfuskee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Rural Schools Across Five Districts

Okfuskee County manages 12 public schools serving a student body of 1,718. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools and four high schools spread across five local districts.

High Investment and Strong Outcomes

The county invests $7,081 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Oklahoma average of $6,520. This investment correlates with a graduation rate of 86.3% and a school score of 51.8, both of which exceed state averages.

Okemah and Weleetka District Insights

Okemah is the primary district, serving 725 students across four schools, while Weleetka serves 382. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional, district-run education.

Quiet Rural Classrooms and Small Sizes

Ten of the 12 schools in the county are rural, contributing to a very small average school size of 143 students. Oakes Elementary in Okemah is the largest school in the county, yet it only enrolls 245 students.

Seeking Success in a Rural Setting

Families seeking small class sizes and higher-than-average per-pupil spending should look toward Okemah and Mason. These districts offer a personalized educational experience that is a primary draw for local homebuyers.

Disaster Risk in Okfuskee County

via RiskByCounty

Okfuskee County ranks among the nation's safest

With a composite score of 40.39, Okfuskee County sits comfortably below national disaster risk averages, earning a "Very Low" rating. The county's exposure profile is among the most favorable in the country.

Okfuskee significantly underperforms state average

At 40.39, Okfuskee ranks well below Oklahoma's 55.47 state average, making it one of the state's safest counties. Its disaster resilience exceeds most Oklahoma peers.

Okfuskee anchors the low-risk region

Okfuskee (40.39) ranks among the safest counties alongside Murray (32.54) and Nowata (40.78), starkly contrasting with neighboring Muskogee (82.03). It represents central Oklahoma's most resilient disaster profile.

Wildfire dominates an otherwise quiet profile

Wildfire risk peaks at 91.67—an unusually high outlier in an otherwise low-risk county—demanding vegetation management attention. All other hazards score in the low-to-moderate range, creating an unusual risk asymmetry.

Add wildfire coverage to standard policy

While Okfuskee's overall risk is minimal, the 91.67 wildfire score mandates explicit wildfire protection in homeowners policies. Clearing brush and maintaining defensible space is critical given this single elevated exposure.

Water Quality in Okfuskee County

via WaterByCounty

Failing Grade with Below-Average Violations

Okfuskee County receives a failing grade but maintains a violation rate of 591.9 per 100,000 people. This is significantly better than the state average of 960.4, despite 57 recorded health violations.

Watershed Assessment Status Pending

Local water bodies have not been assessed under Clean Water Act standards for the latest federal reporting cycle. Consequently, no data exists regarding the percentage of impaired streams or specific pollutants.

Robust Habitat and Physical Monitoring

Thirteen monitoring sites have produced a substantial 14,908 measurements over the past five years. These records focus on physical attributes and habitat quality to gauge environmental health.

Gage Data Unavailable for Okfuskee

No USGS streamgage currently provides real-time discharge data for Okfuskee County. Information regarding local water health is primarily derived from drinking water compliance and monitoring records.

Maintaining Awareness of Infrastructure Grades

Residents should focus on drinking water safety, as the failing grade persists despite lower-than-average violation rates. Monitoring the 14,908 local quality records can provide clues about the health of unassessed watersheds.

Weather & Climate in Okfuskee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Southern Climate with High Humidity

Okfuskee County averages 61.8°F annually, making it one of the warmer spots in the United States. This climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters.

One of Oklahoma's Warmer Counties

At 61.8°F, Okfuskee is nearly a degree and a half warmer than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It ranks among the warmer counties, driven by high winter lows that average 42.3°F.

Wetter and Warmer than Oklahoma County

Okfuskee is warmer than Oklahoma County (60.8°F) and significantly wetter, receiving 43.2 inches of rain compared to its neighbor's 35.1 inches. This creates a more humid and lush environment than the state capital.

Persistent Heat and Mild Winter Chill

The county endures 75 days of extreme heat annually, with summer averages reaching 80.4°F. Snow is infrequent, with only 4.3 inches falling in a typical year, often melting within days.

Focus on Summer Cooling and Humidity

The combination of 75 heat days and 43.2 inches of rain requires powerful air conditioning and dehumidification systems. Residents should plan outdoor work for the mild 40°F January days rather than the brutal July peaks.

Soil Quality in Okfuskee County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Foundations of Okfuskee County

Okfuskee County features an average pH of 5.95, keeping it just slightly below the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. This level is relatively close to the national median and provides a hospitable environment for many native plant species. The overall soil score of 37.1 puts it right in line with the typical Oklahoma landscape.

High Sand for Quick Aeration

The soil is nearly half sand at 49.2%, with 30.0% silt and 15.9% clay making up the rest. This high sand percentage ensures that the soil remains loose and well-aerated, allowing roots to penetrate deeply and easily. However, this also means the soil may dry out faster than more clay-heavy varieties nearby.

Impressive Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

While organic matter is low at 1.36%, the available water capacity is a strong 0.154 in/in. This exceeds the Oklahoma average, suggesting that the soil structure is efficient at storing moisture for plant use. To maximize fertility, local gardeners should focus on building up organic content through mulching and composting.

Natural Drainage and Management Needs

The high sand content typically points toward rapid drainage, though specific hydrologic classifications for the county are currently limited. This texture generally helps prevent the standing water issues common in other parts of the state. It is an ideal soil type for plants that cannot tolerate 'wet feet' or poor aeration.

Lush Summer Crops in Zone 7b

Zone 7b offers a long growing season that pairs perfectly with Okfuskee’s sandy, well-watered soil. It is a great environment for watermelons, peanuts, and root vegetables that thrive in loose earth. Start your spring planting early to make the most of the county's favorable moisture retention.

Lawn Care in Okfuskee County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Potential in Okfuskee

Okfuskee County's lawn difficulty score of 48.0 is better than the state average of 46.1. While it sits slightly below the national median, it offers a solid middle ground for Oklahoma gardeners.

Consistent Moisture Meets High Heat

The county receives 43.2 inches of rain annually, which helps offset the 75 extreme heat days that push turf to its limits. A total of 5353 growing degree days ensures a long, productive season for warm-season grasses.

Sandy Soil Requires Nutrient Focus

With a sand content of 49.2%, Okfuskee soil offers excellent drainage but may require more frequent fertilization. The pH of 5.95 is just a hair below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, making it relatively easy to manage.

Low Risk of Severe Drought

Currently, only 0.2% of the county is in severe drought, despite having 23 weeks of drought over the past year. This relative stability makes it easier to maintain a green lawn compared to harder-hit neighboring counties.

Take Advantage of a Long Season

The long growing window between March 24th and November 9th is perfect for Bermuda or Zoysia grass. These varieties are best suited to the 7b hardiness zone and the sandy soil found throughout the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Okfuskee County's county score?
Okfuskee County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42.2 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 Okfuskee County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Okfuskee County ranks #37 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 Okfuskee County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Okfuskee County is $552, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Okfuskee County a tax score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Okfuskee County?
The median household income in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma is $45,441 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Okfuskee County earns an income score of 7.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Okfuskee County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Okfuskee County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Okfuskee 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 Okfuskee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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