43.5
County Score
Cost of Living 66.1Property Tax 64.5Weather & Climate 61.6

County Report Card

About Okmulgee County, Oklahoma

Okmulgee County Performance Stable

Okmulgee County earns a 43.5 composite score, which is just below the national median of 50.0. It provides a consistent mid-range lifestyle for the region.

Above Oklahoma’s State Average

With a 43.5 score, Okmulgee County slightly exceeds the state average of 43.0. It stands as a reliable option for Oklahomans seeking a balance between safety and cost.

High Safety and Great Value

The county features a strong safety score of 57.0, which is high for the area. This is paired with a cost score of 66.1 and a median home value of only $114,600, offering great bang for your buck.

Health and Water Quality Gaps

Healthcare access and water quality are the primary challenges, with scores of 12.6 and 2.8 respectively. Improving these basic services is essential for the county to rise in the national rankings.

A Solid Choice for Security-Minded Buyers

Okmulgee County is a great fit for families who want a safe community without the price tag of Oklahoma City. It offers exceptional value for homeowners who are willing to travel for medical care.

2040608010064.566.15712.621.92125.42.861.6Tax64.5Cost66.1Safety57Health12.6Schools21.9Income21Risk25.4Water2.8Weather61.643.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Okmulgee County DNA

Foverall

How Okmulgee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Okmulgee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (66.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.5+12.5
Cost
66.1+18.099999999999994
Safety
57
Health
12.6-37.4
Schools
21.9-32.1
Income
21-30
Risk
25.4-21.6
Water
2.8-55.2
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$811/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,123/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Okmulgee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Okmulgee County

via TaxByCounty

Okmulgee taxes well below national median

Okmulgee County's effective tax rate of 0.688% remains modest by national standards, with residents paying $788 annually on a median home value. This is less than one-third the national median property tax of $2,690.

Okmulgee slightly above Oklahoma average

At 0.688%, Okmulgee's effective rate edges above Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, while the median tax of $788 falls notably below the state median of $959. The county ranks in the middle-to-lower tier statewide.

Okmulgee taxes moderate in region

Okmulgee's 0.688% rate falls between McIntosh (0.587%) and Muskogee (0.700%), placing it solidly in the regional middle. At $788 in median annual tax, Okmulgee homeowners pay less than county peers like Muskogee and Noble.

What Okmulgee homeowners pay annually

With a median home value of $114,600 and an effective rate of 0.688%, Okmulgee residents pay an estimated $788 per year in property tax. Mortgaged homeowners typically budget $1,042, while those without mortgages pay approximately $545.

Review your Okmulgee tax assessment

If your Okmulgee property tax bill seems disproportionate to your home's actual value, requesting a reassessment from the county assessor is free and often successful. Many homeowners discover their assessed value exceeds market value and win reductions through appeals.

Cost of Living in Okmulgee County

via CostByCounty

Okmulgee renters above the line

Okmulgee County residents spend 18.3% of household income on rent, exceeding Oklahoma's 17.0% state average and reflecting moderate affordability pressure for a rural area. The county's median household income of $53,123 trails the national average of $74,755 by over $21,000, compressing budgets despite rents near state norms.

Slightly strained affordability statewide

Okmulgee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it slightly above Oklahoma's state average, placing the county in the less-affordable tier but not among the state's most challenged areas. The county's $811 median rent tracks closely with state averages, with affordability pressure driven primarily by below-average incomes.

Moderate strain among peers

Okmulgee's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio falls between the most-strained counties like McIntosh (19.8%) and Muskogee (19.0%), and the most-affordable like Noble (13.0%) and Murray (16.6%). At $811 monthly rent, Okmulgee's costs align with statewide patterns, making it a middle-ground option regionally.

Rent takes nearly one-fifth income

Okmulgee residents earning $53,123 annually pay $811 monthly rent, consuming 18.3% of gross income—slightly above comfortable but manageable levels. Homeowners with median monthly costs of $680 on homes valued at $114,600 enjoy better economics, among the lowest home values in the county group and providing an ownership pathway for cost-conscious households.

Okmulgee suits cautious relocators

Relocating to Okmulgee County offers moderate housing costs ($811 rent, $115,000 homes) with incomes around $53,000—neither exceptional nor severely constrained. Okmulgee fits those seeking rural Oklahoma affordability with manageable housing burdens, falling comfortably between the extremes of Noble County's advantage and Muskogee's strain.

Income & Jobs in Okmulgee County

via IncomeByCounty

Okmulgee earns 29% below U.S.

Okmulgee County's median household income of $53,123 runs roughly $21,600 below the national median of $74,755. Like many rural Oklahoma counties, it faces persistent income gaps relative to the nation.

Slightly below Oklahoma average

At $53,123, Okmulgee trails the state average of $58,273 by 9%, placing it slightly below Oklahoma's midpoint. The county's income profile mirrors many rural Oklahoma communities.

Mid-tier regional earnings

Okmulgee County ($53,123) sits near Nowata ($52,679) and Muskogee ($51,999), forming a cluster of mid-range earners. It outpaces McIntosh ($46,203) and Okfuskee ($45,441) but trails Murray and Noble.

Housing costs stable and fair

At 18.3%, Okmulgee's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below 20%, reflecting solid affordability. The median home value of $114,600 is among the region's most accessible.

Affordable living supports stability

With lower housing costs and a per capita income of $28,980, Okmulgee residents have capacity to build savings. Establish automatic transfers to savings, explore employer retirement plans, and seek financial counseling to strengthen long-term security.

Safety in Okmulgee County

via CrimeByCounty

Okmulgee County’s Low Crime Profile

Okmulgee County reports a total crime rate of 989.2 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an excellent safety score of 98.4.

Surpassing State Safety Norms

With a safety score of 98.4, Okmulgee County is much safer than the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Its crime rate is also far lower than the statewide average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Safer than Nearby Okfuskee

Okmulgee County is significantly more secure than neighboring Okfuskee County, where the crime rate reaches 5,427.8 per 100K. It also outperforms Muskogee, which has a rate of 3,148.4.

Minimal Violent Crime Reports

Violent crime remains very low at 127.4 per 100K, while property crime is 861.8 per 100K. Eight local reporting agencies contribute to these impressive safety statistics.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

To maintain Okmulgee's high safety standards, residents should focus on basic property protection. Motion lighting and visible cameras serve as effective deterrents against property offenses.

Schools in Okmulgee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Educational Framework

Okmulgee County provides public education to 6,125 students across 22 schools and nine districts. The system is built around nine elementary schools and eight high schools that serve both town and rural residents.

High Graduation Rates with Focused Funding

The county's 87.1% graduation rate surpasses both the state average and the national benchmark. While per-pupil spending of $5,707 is below state levels, the county maintains a solid school score of 49.2.

Beggs and Henryetta Lead Enrollment

Beggs and Henryetta are the dominant districts, each serving over 1,070 students across three schools. The county relies entirely on traditional public districts, with no charter schools currently established.

Community Schools with a Local Feel

The county features 12 rural and 10 town schools, with an average enrollment of 306 students per campus. Okmulgee Primary and Henryetta Elementary are the largest schools, each enrolling approximately 530 students.

Home Buying Near Top-Performing Districts

Buyers often prioritize the Beggs or Morris areas for their strong local graduation stats and community support. Choosing a home in Okmulgee County means balancing a rural lifestyle with reliable school performance.

Disaster Risk in Okmulgee County

via RiskByCounty

Okmulgee faces elevated national disaster risk

With a composite score of 74.62, Okmulgee County ranks well above national averages for natural disaster exposure, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county's multi-hazard profile demands careful preparation.

Okmulgee exceeds Oklahoma's state average

At 74.62, Okmulgee ranks significantly above Oklahoma's 55.47 state average, placing it in the upper third of the state's riskiest counties. Its exposure substantially exceeds typical Oklahoma risk levels.

Okmulgee ranks high in eastern Oklahoma

Okmulgee (74.62) trails only Muskogee (82.03) in the region while outpacing McIntosh (65.78), Okfuskee (40.39), and Murray (32.54). It represents the second-highest-risk county in the eastern Oklahoma cluster.

Wildfire and tornado create dual threats

Wildfire risk peaks at 91.73—among Oklahoma's highest—while tornado exposure (84.67) ranks second. Flood risk (66.00) adds a third significant hazard, creating a complex multi-threat environment.

Multi-hazard policies protect against overlap

Okmulgee residents should ensure homeowners policies explicitly cover wildfire, wind, hail, and flood damage. Identify shelter locations for tornado season and maintain vegetation clearance around structures year-round.

Water Quality in Okmulgee County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Grade F

Okmulgee County receives a failing grade with 623 health violations recorded over five years. Its violation rate of 1,364.0 per 100,000 residents is roughly 42% higher than the Oklahoma state average.

Mercury and Lead Stress Local Watersheds

All four assessed water bodies in the county are impaired, failing the standards set by the Clean Water Act. The 2022 assessment identifies mercury, lead, and turbidity as the primary pollutants.

Tracking Biological and Physical Trends

Fifteen monitoring sites track local water quality, producing 9,194 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection efforts target physical characteristics and biological indicators.

Deep Fork River Flow Critically Low

The Deep Fork near Beggs is experiencing critical low flow at 79 cfs, only 9% of its historical mean. This extreme drop in volume significantly reduces the river's ability to dilute pollutants like lead and mercury.

Mitigating Risks from Lead and Mercury

The combination of high health violations and critical low flow makes water safety a top priority for Okmulgee residents. Consider using water filters that specifically target lead and mercury to mitigate risks from both the tap and the environment.

Weather & Climate in Okmulgee County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Humid Subtropical Zone

Okmulgee County averages 60.0°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. It is characterized by its high annual rainfall of 47.3 inches, which is among the highest in the state.

Matching State Temps with Record Rain

While the 60.0°F temperature closely tracks the state average of 60.4°F, the precipitation tells a different story. The county receives 10 inches more rain annually than the typical Oklahoma county.

Significantly Wetter than Western Neighbors

Okmulgee is the rainiest in this group at 47.3 inches, dwarfing Oklahoma County’s 35.1 inches. It also experiences much less snow than Noble or Nowata, averaging less than an inch annually.

Steamier Summers and Snow-Free Winters

The county faces 67 extreme heat days, with high humidity making the 81.6°F July average feel even hotter. Snow is nearly non-existent at 0.9 inches, making winter mostly a season of cold rain.

Prioritize Flood Prep and Mold Control

The 47.3 inches of annual rain require excellent home drainage and dehumidifiers to prevent mold. Since snow is rare, residents can skip the heavy winter gear but should invest in high-quality rain equipment.

Soil Quality in Okmulgee County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Okmulgee County

Okmulgee County soil has an average pH of 5.43, which is quite acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the eastern part of the state where higher rainfall can leach away alkaline minerals. While taxonomic data is limited, the chemistry suggests a need for acid-tolerant plant selections.

A Silt-Focused Soil Texture

The soil contains 36.9% silt, 34.7% sand, and 18.4% clay, making it a well-balanced loam. The high silt content gives the soil a smooth texture and helps it hold onto nutrients more effectively than purely sandy soils. It is a versatile mix that supports a variety of native grasses and timber.

Superior Water Retention Potential

At 1.73%, the organic matter in Okmulgee County exceeds the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.153 in/in, providing a great reservoir for plants during the hot summer months. This combination makes the soil naturally resilient and biologically active.

Water Management and Runoff Risks

Falling into hydrologic group D, the county's soil has a high runoff potential and very slow infiltration when saturated. This can lead to soggy conditions in low-lying areas after heavy Oklahoma rains. Landowners should prioritize drainage improvements when planning new buildings or gardens to avoid standing water.

Native Beauty in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone and moisture-retentive soil are excellent for growing native pecans, oaks, and berries. It is a fantastic environment for acid-loving shrubs and perennial flowers that thrive in consistent moisture. Start your local garden today to take advantage of this fertile and water-rich soil foundation.

Lawn Care in Okmulgee County

via LawnByCounty

The Most Challenging Lawns in the Set

Okmulgee County has the lowest score in this group at 42.3, making it a very difficult place for standard lawn care. This score is significantly below the Oklahoma state average of 46.1.

Abundant Rain but High Humidity

Okmulgee receives a robust 47.3 inches of rain per year, which is significantly higher than the state average. While the 67 heat days are fewer than some neighbors, the 4917 growing degree days still provide ample heat for warm-season grass.

Acidic Soil and Drainage Issues

A soil pH of 5.43 is quite low and will likely require significant lime treatment to reach a healthy 6.0 level. The soil data indicates water-heavy textures in many areas, which may lead to swampy conditions or poor root aeration.

Current Respite from Severe Drought

Fortunately, 0.0% of the county is currently in severe drought, providing a window for lawn recovery after 22 weeks of drought last year. Even so, the entire county remains abnormally dry, so mulch-mowing is recommended to protect soil moisture.

Choosing Resilient Grass for 7b

Zoysia grass is a great choice here because it handles the acidic soil and high rainfall better than most varieties. Make sure to get your seeds or sod down after the April 8th frost date for the best chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Okmulgee County's county score?
Okmulgee County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Okmulgee County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Okmulgee County ranks #32 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 Okmulgee County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Okmulgee County is $788, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Okmulgee County a tax score of 64.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Okmulgee County?
The median household income in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma is $53,123 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Okmulgee County earns an income score of 21/100 on CountyScore.
Is Okmulgee County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Okmulgee County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Okmulgee 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 Okmulgee 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.