countyscore
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.

2040608010039.221.364.929.3355.62.163.856.9Tax39.2Cost21.3Safety64.9Health29.3Schools3Income55.6Risk2.1Water63.8Weather56.934.4/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Oklahoma County DNA

Foverall

How Oklahoma County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Oklahoma County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (3/100), though Safety (64.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.2-12.799999999999997
Cost
21.3-26.7
Safety
64.9+9.900000000000006
Health
29.3-20.7
Schools
3-51
Income
55.6
Risk
2.1-44.9
Water
63.8
Weather
56.9
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Whether buying or refinancing in Oklahoma County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$207,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,073/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$207,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,374/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Cleveland County
Oklahoma
31.5
Canadian County
Oklahoma
29.3
McClain County
Oklahoma
39.8
Lincoln County
Oklahoma
46.6
Logan County
Oklahoma
40.8
Pottawatomie County
Oklahoma
33.1
Kingfisher County
Oklahoma
52.3
Grady County
Oklahoma
39.7

Deep Dives

Oklahoma County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Oklahoma County

via WaterByCounty

Oklahoma County Leads in Water Compliance

Oklahoma County stands out with a solid B grade and a very low violation rate of 4.3 per 100,000 residents. This performance is vastly superior to the state average violation rate of 960.4.

Urban Watersheds Show Total Impairment

Despite clean tap water, all three of the county's assessed water bodies are impaired according to 2022 data. Leading causes of failure include turbidity, mercury, and low dissolved oxygen.

Intensive Monitoring Tracks Urban Runoff

An extensive network of 21 sites has generated 80,554 measurements in five years, the highest in the region. Monitoring focuses heavily on organics, pesticides, and nutrients, providing a detailed view of urban impacts.

North Canadian River Flow Dropping

The North Canadian River near Harrah is currently flowing at 114 cfs, just 24% of its typical volume. Such low flows can exacerbate the mercury and dissolved oxygen issues noted in watershed assessments.

Protecting Waterways from Urban Pollution

While drinking water is highly compliant, residents should avoid contact with impaired local streams during low-flow periods. The high presence of pesticides and organics in monitoring data suggests that urban runoff remains a primary threat to watershed health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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