Oklahoma County

Oklahoma · OK

#77 in Oklahoma
59.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Oklahoma County above national average

Oklahoma County's composite score of 59.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20%, placing it solidly in the above-average range of U.S. counties. The county's urban character drives strength in certain dimensions while creating trade-offs in others.

Below Oklahoma's state average

Oklahoma County scores 59.9, falling noticeably below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4 and ranking in the lower half of state counties. Urban cost pressures and higher taxes distinguish it from rural Oklahoma peers.

Income and health advantages

Oklahoma County leads this group with a median household income of $65,374 (score: 26.1) and strong health outcomes at 60.5, reflecting the economic and healthcare benefits of Oklahoma City's urban core. The risk score of 2.1 is exceptional, indicating minimal economic vulnerability despite higher costs.

Higher taxes and housing costs

The county's effective tax rate of 0.984% (score: 74.6) is the highest in this group, while median rent of $1,073/month and home values of $207,800 (score: 71.3) reflect urban cost pressures. These factors significantly reduce the county's overall affordability compared to rural peers.

Best for urban professionals

Oklahoma County suits professionals, families, and young adults prioritizing higher incomes, robust healthcare, and urban amenities over low costs and rural living. The trade-off of paying more in taxes and housing to access greater economic opportunity and city services appeals to career-focused residents unwilling to sacrifice urban connectivity for affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.6Cost71.3SafetyComing SoonHealth60.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.1Risk2.1WaterComing Soon
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼26.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
60.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
2.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Oklahoma County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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