34.4
County Score
Safety 64.9Water Quality 63.8Weather & Climate 56.9

County Report Card

About Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Urban Pressures Impact National Rank

Oklahoma County scores a 34.5, falling well below the national median of 50.0. This urban center faces high costs and environmental risks that depress its overall ranking.

Trailing State Averages

The county's 34.5 score is significantly lower than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. While it is the state's economic engine, its livability metrics are lower than many rural neighbors.

Strong Safety and Water Infrastructure

Oklahoma County performs well in safety with a score of 64.9 and water quality with a score of 63.8. It also maintains a respectable income score of 55.6, with a median household income of $65,374.

High Risk and Low School Scores

Natural risk scores are extremely low at 2.1, reflecting vulnerability to regional weather patterns. The school score of 3.0 is also a major challenge, alongside a cost score of 21.3 as home values rise to $207,800.

Best for Urban Professionals

This county is best for career-oriented individuals who value city amenities and reliable utilities over school rankings. It offers the most dynamic job market in the state for those who can manage higher housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax39.2Cost21.3Safety64.9Health29.3Schools3Income55.6Risk2.1Water63.8Weather56.9
🏛39.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠21.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼55.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡64.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
2.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧63.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨35
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱44
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

Oklahoma County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oklahoma County

via TaxByCounty

Oklahoma County taxes near national norm

Oklahoma County's effective tax rate of 0.984% places it above the national median, with residents paying $2,045 annually on a median home value of $207,800. This approaches the national median property tax of $2,690, making Oklahoma County one of the pricier jurisdictions in the nation by relative burden.

Oklahoma County ranks highest in state

At 0.984%, Oklahoma County has the highest effective tax rate in Oklahoma—51% above the state average of 0.652%. The median tax bill of $2,045 more than doubles the state median of $959, reflecting the county's status as the state's most expensive property tax jurisdiction.

Oklahoma County taxes far above region

Oklahoma County's 0.984% rate dwarfs all regional neighbors, with the next-highest being Noble County at 0.803%. The $2,045 median tax is nearly double that of surrounding counties, reflecting both higher home values and a much steeper effective rate.

What Oklahoma County homeowners pay annually

On a median home value of $207,800, Oklahoma County's effective rate of 0.984% translates to an estimated $2,045 per year—more than double the state median. Mortgaged homeowners typically pay $2,306, while those without mortgages pay approximately $1,660.

Oklahoma County appeals worth the effort

Given Oklahoma County's high tax rates, verifying your assessment is especially important; overassessment here costs significantly more than in other Oklahoma counties. Many homeowners successfully appeal inflated valuations and recover thousands in refunds.

Cost of Living in Oklahoma County

via CostByCounty

Oklahoma City's housing premium

Oklahoma County renters spend 19.7% of household income on rent, exceeding Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and reflecting the premium costs of the state's most urban market. The county's median household income of $65,374 is stronger than most rural peers but lags the national average of $74,755, as urban renters pay significantly more than statewide norms.

Below-average affordability despite size

Oklahoma County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Oklahoma's less affordable counties despite being the state's economic center, indicating Oklahoma City renters face tighter budgets than many rural areas. This reflects the urban premium: rents of $1,073 monthly dwarf rural averages, straining even above-average incomes.

Urban costs tower over rural peers

Oklahoma County's $1,073 median rent nearly doubles rural peers like Nowata ($776), Okfuskee ($689), and Okfuskee ($689), while its 19.7% rent-to-income ratio matches the affordability pressure of less prosperous counties. Only the stronger incomes of Oklahoma County ($65,374) prevent the urban premium from creating catastrophic affordability gaps.

Urban rents consume one-fifth

Oklahoma County residents earning $65,374 annually pay $1,073 monthly rent, dedicating 19.7% of income to housing—typical for urban markets but strained by Oklahoma standards. Homeowners face even steeper costs of $1,157 monthly on median homes valued at $207,800, the highest in the county group, demanding strong household finances.

Oklahoma City housing requires planning

Relocating to Oklahoma County means accepting urban housing costs ($1,073 rent, $208,000 median homes) that exceed rural Oklahoma by 50% or more, balanced by stronger local incomes ($65,374). If you're moving from a rural Oklahoma county, expect significant sticker shock; if coming from other major metros, Oklahoma City remains an affordable urban option.

Income & Jobs in Oklahoma County

via IncomeByCounty

Oklahoma County earns 13% below nation

Oklahoma County's median household income of $65,374 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $9,400. As the state's most populous county, it anchors Oklahoma's urban economy.

Solidly above state average

At $65,374, Oklahoma County exceeds the state average of $58,273 by 12%, ranking in the upper tier of Oklahoma counties. Its urban economy supports higher incomes than most rural peers.

Strong performer amid regional peers

Oklahoma County ($65,374) ranks second among all profiled counties after Noble ($70,071), outearning Murray ($61,904), Muskogee ($51,999), and McIntosh ($46,203). Its per capita income of $38,438 is the region's highest, reflecting urban economic strength.

Rents consume one-fifth of income

Oklahoma County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% sits just under the 20% threshold, indicating tight but manageable housing costs. However, the median home value of $207,800 requires careful budgeting for first-time buyers.

Urban advantage supports investing

Oklahoma County's higher per capita income of $38,438 and diverse economy create strong opportunities for investment diversification. Maximize retirement accounts, consider real estate opportunities, and explore income-generating side ventures.

Safety in Oklahoma County

via CrimeByCounty

Oklahoma County’s Superior Safety Score

Oklahoma County reports a remarkably low total crime rate of 817.9 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional performance results in a safety score of 98.7.

A Safety Leader in the State

The county's 98.7 safety score is much higher than the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. It stands as one of the safest jurisdictions in the state, with crime rates far below the state average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Leading the Region in Safety

Oklahoma County is even safer than Okmulgee County, which has a rate of 989.2 per 100K. Its performance is vastly superior to Muskogee County, where the crime rate is nearly four times higher.

Extremely Low Violent Crime

Violent crime is very rare at just 90.6 per 100K, while property crime is low at 727.3 per 100K. These figures are maintained by 25 different reporting agencies throughout the county.

Maintaining a Secure Home

Even with these elite safety scores, residents should continue using modern security tech to maintain low rates. Smart home integration and neighborhood connectivity help keep these numbers steady.

Health in Oklahoma County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above state average

Oklahoma County residents live to 73.8 years, about 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years but notably above most state peers. One in five residents (20.8%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 18%, reflecting a relatively healthy urban county.

Oklahoma's health leader in this group

Oklahoma County's 73.8-year life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.7 years by 1.1 years, among the best in this analysis. Its 20.8% poor/fair health rate is below state average, positioning the county as a model for health outcomes.

Clear advantage as urban health center

Oklahoma County's 73.8-year life expectancy surpasses all rural neighbors except Noble County (74.2 years), reflecting the health benefits of an urban center. At 20.8% poor/fair health, it also outperforms most regional counties.

Excellent primary care and mental health access

Oklahoma County leads the region with 81 primary care providers and 713 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, reflecting its urban medical infrastructure. The 14.9% uninsured rate is below state average, creating relatively robust healthcare access.

Maintain coverage in Oklahoma's health hub

Though Oklahoma County has strong health infrastructure, ensuring coverage for all residents matters—visit healthcare.gov to confirm your status. Call 1-800-318-2596 to explore plans and keep your health protection current.

Schools in Oklahoma County

via SchoolsByCounty

Oklahoma's Largest and Most Diverse System

Oklahoma County oversees a massive network of 215 schools and 159,767 students across 30 different districts. The landscape is dominated by 123 elementary schools and 52 middle schools catering to a large urban population.

Navigating Challenges in Urban Education

The county faces significant academic hurdles, with a 71.0% graduation rate and a school score of 40.1, both well below state averages. Per-pupil expenditure is also lower than the state average at $5,428.

Major Districts and Charter Presence

Oklahoma City and Edmond are the largest districts, serving 33,244 and 26,190 students respectively. Charter schools represent 15.8% of all schools, with Epic Charter School alone enrolling over 28,000 students virtually.

City Hubs and Large-Scale Campuses

With 112 city and 72 suburban schools, the average school size is a significant 743 students. Massive high schools like Santa Fe in Edmond enroll over 2,700 students, offering a high-energy, urban-suburban atmosphere.

Diverse Choices for Every Family

From the sprawling suburban campuses of Edmond to the innovative charter schools in the city, options abound in Oklahoma County. School quality varies significantly by district, making deep research essential for any home purchase.

Disaster Risk in Oklahoma County

via RiskByCounty

Oklahoma County ranks among the nation's riskiest

At 97.93, Oklahoma County's composite risk is among the highest in the entire United States, earning a "Relatively High" rating. The county faces serious multi-hazard exposure that demands proactive preparation.

Oklahoma County leads the state in risk

At 97.93, Oklahoma County ranks as Oklahoma's riskiest county by a significant margin, nearly 43 points above the state average of 55.47. No other Oklahoma county approaches this level of disaster exposure.

Oklahoma County far exceeds regional peers

Oklahoma County (97.93) dramatically outpaces neighbors Canadian (N/A), Grady (N/A), and Pottawatomie (N/A) in composite risk. It stands as an extreme outlier in the Oklahoma City metropolitan region.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods converge

Tornado risk reaches 99.52—nearly maximum—reflecting Oklahoma City's notorious exposure to violent storms, while earthquake risk (93.99) and flood risk (97.65) create overlapping vulnerabilities. Wildfire exposure (88.93) adds a fourth substantial threat.

Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage is critical

Oklahoma County residents must secure homeowners insurance with explicit coverage for wind, hail, flood, and earthquake—standard policies typically exclude these. Invest in a certified storm shelter or hardened safe room rated for EF5 tornadoes.

Weather & Climate in Oklahoma County

via WeatherByCounty

A Sunny, Warm Metropolitan Climate

Oklahoma County averages 60.8°F annually, staying roughly 6 degrees warmer than the national median. The region is known for its high variability and clear, sunny skies through much of the year.

Typical State Temperatures with Less Rain

The county's 60.8°F average is slightly above the state's 60.4°F, but its 35.1 inches of rain is below the state average of 37.2. This makes the metro area slightly drier and dustier than the eastern half of the state.

Warmer and Drier than Okmulgee

Oklahoma County is noticeably drier than Okmulgee County, which receives over 12 inches more rain annually. However, it experiences 75 extreme heat days, surpassing Okmulgee’s 67 days.

Hottest July Peaks in the Region

July temperatures average 82.8°F, the highest in this county set, contributing to 75 days above 90°F. Winter is crisp but manageable, with 4.6 inches of snow and a January average of 38.7°F.

Prepare for Heatwaves and Water Conservation

With 75 days of extreme heat and lower-than-average rainfall, efficient irrigation and cooling are top priorities. Residents should ensure home insulation is optimized for the intense 82.8°F July peaks.

Soil Quality in Oklahoma County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soils of Oklahoma County

Oklahoma County is dominated by Alfisols with an average pH of 5.82, slightly more acidic than the state average. These soils are characteristic of the Cross Timbers ecoregion and provide a solid base for both urban landscaping and rural agriculture. The soil score of 35.0 reflects a typical central Oklahoma profile.

The Versatility of Fine Sandy Loam

The soil composition is 37.7% sand, 33.4% silt, and 17.0% clay, forming a classic fine sandy loam. This texture is highly prized for its balance of drainage and nutrient holding capacity. It is easy to work for home gardeners and provides a stable foundation for the county's extensive infrastructure.

Healthy Water Capacity for Central OK

Organic matter sits at 1.50%, while the available water capacity is a respectable 0.149 in/in. Both numbers suggest a soil that is capable of supporting healthy lawn and garden growth with standard maintenance. These levels are very representative of the state’s overall soil health and productivity.

Well-Drained Land for City Growth

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils allow for moderate infiltration of rainwater. This is ideal for urban development as it reduces localized flooding and supports healthy tree root systems. The land generally stays stable and avoids the extreme saturation found in heavier clay regions.

Abundant Gardening in Zone 7b

In the 7b hardiness zone, Oklahoma County gardeners can grow everything from vibrant roses to hearty summer squash. The fine sandy loam texture is particularly good for ornamental landscaping and backyard vegetable plots. Whether in a suburban yard or a community garden, this soil is ready for your next project.

Lawn Care in Oklahoma County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Turf in the State Capital

Oklahoma County faces a difficulty score of 44.0, indicating that maintaining a lawn here is harder than the state and national averages. Homeowners must work against lower-than-ideal precipitation and frequent heat.

Dry Air and Intense Summer Sun

Annual precipitation of 35.1 inches is on the lower end of the ideal range, especially with 75 days of extreme heat. This combination requires residents to be very disciplined with their irrigation schedules to avoid turf dormancy.

Fine Sandy Loam Needs Monitoring

The soil pH of 5.82 is slightly acidic, so periodic testing is recommended to keep it near the 6.0 target. The well-drained fine sandy loam is a great texture for roots, provided it is supported by organic matter to help hold moisture.

Fighting Back Against Severe Drought

About 12.6% of Oklahoma County is currently in severe drought, and the region has dealt with 27 weeks of drought over the last year. Implementing xeriscaping or using drought-hardy Bermuda grass can significantly reduce water usage.

Maximize Your Zone 7b Growth

Plan your lawn renovation after the final frost on April 4th to take advantage of the 5167 growing degree days. Buffalograss is an excellent native alternative that thrives in this climate with minimal water once established.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oklahoma County's county score?
Oklahoma County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 34.4 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 Oklahoma County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma County ranks #68 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 Oklahoma County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Oklahoma County is $2,045, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Oklahoma County a tax score of 39.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oklahoma County?
The median household income in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma is $65,374 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oklahoma County earns an income score of 55.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oklahoma County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Oklahoma County scores 34.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma County with other counties side by side.