countyscore
34.6
County Score
Cost of Living 60.6Property Tax 60Weather & Climate 58.8

County Report Card

About Osage County, Oklahoma

Osage County Trails National Medians

Osage County earns a composite score of 34.7, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a significant margin. This puts the county in the lower third of all U.S. counties for overall livability metrics.

Ranking Below Oklahoma's Average

While Oklahoma averages a composite score of 43.0, Osage County falls short of its state peers at 34.7. This indicates that residents here experience lower rankings in key infrastructure and safety categories than the typical Oklahoman.

Strong Affordability and Moderate Taxes

The county excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 60.6, anchored by a median gross rent of only $786. Residents also benefit from a competitive Tax Score of 60.0 and an effective property tax rate of 0.727%.

Significant Gaps in Safety and Water

The county faces critical challenges with a Safety Score of 0.0 and a Water Score of 0.6, suggesting high concerns for local services. Additionally, the School Score of 21.3 is lower than many neighboring districts.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

Osage County best suits individuals who prioritize low housing costs and modest taxes above all else. However, families may find the low safety and school scores require additional local research.

Score breakdown

Tax60Cost60.6Safety0Health37.6Schools21.3Income40.6Risk21.9Water0.6Weather58.8
🏛60
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.8
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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Nearby counties

Pawnee County
Oklahoma
43.5
Noble County
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Kay County
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Payne County
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Deep Dives

Osage County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osage County

via TaxByCounty

Osage taxes rank low nationally

Osage County's effective tax rate of 0.727% sits well below the national median, where homeowners typically pay around $2,690 annually on a $281,900 home. At this rate, Osage residents pay roughly one-quarter what national averages suggest, placing the county in the bottom tier of U.S. property tax burdens.

Osage slightly above Oklahoma average

With a 0.727% effective rate, Osage County ranks slightly higher than Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, meaning it's in the middle range among the state's 77 counties. The county's median tax of $1,253 exceeds the state median of $959, reflecting a modest premium compared to most Oklahoma neighbors.

Osage outpaces most northern neighbors

Osage's 0.727% rate sits between Pawnee County (0.695%) to the east and Payne County (0.865%) to the south. Among the region's five-county cluster, Osage ranks third—more expensive than Ottawa and Pittsburg but less costly than Payne.

Median Osage home costs $1,253 yearly

On the county's median home value of $172,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,253 in annual property taxes. For owners with a mortgage, total assessments rise to about $1,569; without a mortgage, the annual bill averages $961.

Many Osage homeowners can challenge assessments

Property tax overassessment is common across Oklahoma, and Osage County residents should review their assessment notices carefully. If your home's appraised value seems inflated compared to recent sales prices, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osage County

via CostByCounty

Osage County rents beat national affordability

Osage County residents spend 15.6% of household income on rent, well below the national norm and nearly matching the benchmark that housing experts consider affordable. With a median household income of $60,482—about 19% below the U.S. median of $74,755—renters here still enjoy stronger affordability than their national counterparts.

Best rent affordability in Oklahoma

Osage County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Oklahoma's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 17.0% by 1.4 percentage points. This advantage reflects both modest rental costs ($786/month vs. the state average of $814) and competitive household incomes.

Cheaper rents than surrounding counties

Osage County's median rent of $786 undercuts nearby Pawnee County ($872) and Payne County ($922), though it slightly trails Pontotoc County ($880). For renters prioritizing affordability, Osage offers stable housing costs without sacrificing access to regional amenities.

Balanced housing costs in Osage

Renters pay $786 monthly while homeowners invest $801 in mortgage costs, leaving the typical household with $5,040 left over each month after housing expenses. The median home value of $172,300 remains within reach for middle-income buyers looking to build equity.

Consider Osage for stable housing costs

If you're relocating to Oklahoma and prioritize affordability, Osage County delivers below-average rent ratios without the college-town premium of neighboring Payne County. Compare your household income against the $60,482 median to gauge your real purchasing power in this market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Osage County

via IncomeByCounty

Osage income lags behind national median

Osage County's median household income of $60,482 falls $14,273 short of the national median of $74,755. This 19% gap reflects economic patterns across rural Oklahoma, though Osage performs better than many neighboring counties in the region.

Above-average earner in Oklahoma

At $60,482, Osage County's median household income ranks above Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. The county's per capita income of $32,096 also exceeds the state average of $30,609.

Osage outpaces most regional peers

Osage County earns $2,931 more per household than Pawnee County ($57,551) and significantly more than Pushmataha County ($44,634). Only Pontotoc County ($62,564) and Pottawatomie County ($60,828) match or exceed Osage's household income in the region.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Osage County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume about $945 monthly for a median household. With a median home value of $172,300, homeownership remains within reach for many families.

Build financial security in Osage County

With stable housing costs and above-state-average income, Osage households are positioned to save and invest. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to discuss retirement planning, emergency funds, and wealth-building strategies tailored to rural Oklahoma's economic landscape.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Osage County

via CrimeByCounty

Osage County Faces High Incident Rates

The total crime rate in Osage County reaches 53,073.7 per 100K residents, which significantly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This high frequency of reported incidents results in a safety score of 16.2 out of 100.

A Sharp Contrast to Oklahoma Averages

While the average safety score across Oklahoma is 95.8, Osage County trails significantly at 16.2. The local total crime rate is nearly 20 times higher than the statewide average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Comparing Osage to Local Neighbors

Osage County's total crime rate of 53,073.7 stands as a major outlier compared to neighboring Pawnee County, which reports only 1,128.6. This statistical gap reflects a much higher volume of reported activity across the 12 agencies in Osage.

Severe Rates of Property and Violence

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 44,104.9 per 100K, far surpassing the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 8,968.8 per 100K, creating a challenging environment for local public safety.

Securing Your Property in Osage County

With a property crime rate of 44,104.9 per 100K, advanced security systems and fortified entry points are critical for residents. Vigilance and modern alarm monitoring remain the best defenses against theft and burglary in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Osage County

via HealthByCounty

Osage County outlives the nation

At 75.8 years, Osage County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, suggesting better-than-typical health outcomes for rural Oklahoma. Yet one in five residents reports poor or fair health, tracking close to national trends around chronic disease and preventive care gaps.

Top 10% healthiest in Oklahoma

Osage County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks among Oklahoma's best, beating the state average of 72.7 years by over 3 years. The county's 21.2% poor/fair health rate sits below state peers, signaling stronger overall wellness management.

Leading the northeastern tier

Compared to neighboring counties like Pawnee (71.4 years) and Payne (75.9 years), Osage County holds steady in the middle-to-upper range of life expectancy. Its 13.6% uninsured rate beats the state average of 15.3%, offering residents more consistent insurance coverage.

Primary care shortage, mental health lag

Osage County has just 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the state and national benchmarks—making routine doctor visits harder to access. Mental health support is similarly sparse at 72 per 100,000, leaving many residents without nearby counselors or psychiatrists.

Keep your insurance advantage

With 13.6% of residents uninsured, Osage County does better than most of Oklahoma, but one in eight people still lack coverage. Check HealthCare.gov or contact your local health department to review plans—you may qualify for tax credits or Medicaid expansion coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Osage County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Rural and Town Schools

Osage County maintains 33 public schools across 12 distinct districts, serving a total enrollment of 6,396 students. The infrastructure consists of 17 elementary, 7 middle, and 9 high schools that span the county's large geographic footprint. Most education occurs in rural or small-town settings, providing a localized learning experience for the region.

Graduation Rates Align with State Averages

The county's 84.0% graduation rate sits nearly level with the Oklahoma average of 84.3% but trails the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,326 is slightly below the state average of $6,520, the school score of 48.9 remains competitive with Oklahoma's 49.5 median. These figures suggest efficient resource management despite funding levels that are less than half the national average of $13,000.

Spotlighting Pawhuska and Skiatook Districts

The Pawhuska district leads local enrollment with 696 students across four schools, while Hominy serves 532 students. Notably, Skiatook High School stands as the county's largest individual institution with 682 students enrolled. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, meaning education is managed entirely through traditional public districts.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

With 18 schools classified as rural and 12 as town-based, the county offers a quiet, community-focused educational environment. Schools here are relatively small, averaging 194 students per campus compared to larger suburban counties. While Skiatook High is the largest, many smaller rural schools offer significantly more personalized attention.

Education as Your Home-Buying Foundation

For families looking to move to Osage County, the variety of small-town and rural school districts offers several unique community identities. Explore homes near top-rated local campuses to find the perfect fit for your student's needs. Stable graduation rates and a high number of elementary schools make this a practical choice for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osage County

via RiskByCounty

Osage faces above-average disaster risk nationally

Osage County's composite risk score of 78.09 places it in the relatively low category, but well above the nation's typical baseline. This reflects the county's particular vulnerability to wildfire and tornado hazards that characterize Oklahoma's natural disaster profile.

Higher risk than most Oklahoma counties

With a score of 78.09, Osage ranks significantly above Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone counties. The county's exposure to multiple simultaneous threats puts it in the upper tier of Oklahoma risk.

Among the highest-risk in northeast Oklahoma

Osage's score of 78.09 exceeds nearby Ottawa County (76.05) and Pawnee County (48.09), placing it as a regional risk leader. Its wildfire score of 94.75 is particularly acute compared to neighbors, though tornado exposure is shared across the region.

Wildfire and tornado threats dominate here

Osage's wildfire risk of 94.75 and tornado risk of 88.74 represent the county's most serious natural hazards, driven by grassland terrain and storm patterns. Flood risk at 75.10 also merits preparation, particularly for rural properties and those near waterways.

Secure wildfire and storm coverage now

Homeowners in Osage should verify that wind and hail coverage is included in their insurance policies given the 88.74 tornado risk. Consider additional wildfire coverage or defensible space improvements around structures, especially in rural or forested areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Osage County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Pocket in the Sooner State

Osage County’s annual average of 59.0°F is the lowest in this group, though it remains above the national median. Its northern location provides a slight reprieve from the more intense southern Oklahoma heat.

Below the Oklahoma Average

At 59.0°F, Osage is nearly 1.5 degrees cooler than the state average of 60.4°F. This is largely due to colder winters, where January temperatures average just 35.8°F.

Coolest in the Local Region

Osage is cooler than all its immediate neighbors, including Noble (59.5°F) and Nowata (60.1°F). It maintains a moderate rainfall profile of 41.3 inches, keeping the tallgrass prairies hydrated.

Brisk Winters and Balanced Summers

The county sees 6.9 inches of snow and 66 extreme heat days, offering a more balanced seasonal profile than southern Oklahoma. Summer averages 79.1°F, which is the mildest in this eight-county set.

Prepare for Winter Frost and Summer Sun

With a January average of 35.8°F, residents need to winterize pipes and keep snow shovels ready. The 66 days of heat still require reliable cooling, but the load is lighter than in Oklahoma City.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Osage County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles Across the Osage

The county's average pH of 5.96 sits below both the state average of 6.06 and the national median of 6.5. This moderately acidic profile defines the landscape and requires lime for sensitive crops. Local surveys categorize much of the dominant texture as water-influenced, suggesting high riverine or wetland interaction.

A Silty Foundation for Tribal Lands

The soil contains a high silt concentration of 42.1% paired with 31.9% sand and 18.3% clay. This silty mix offers a smoother feel than sandier neighbors, providing a decent balance between workability and structural stability. It holds onto nutrients better than pure sand but lacks the density of high-clay regions.

Solid Water Retention Despite Lower Carbon

Organic matter levels reach 1.64%, slightly trailing the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. However, the available water capacity of 0.156 in/in outperforms the state benchmark of 0.144 in/in. This means the soil is surprisingly effective at storing moisture for plants during dry spells.

High Runoff Potential in Group D

Classified in hydrologic group D, these soils generally experience slow infiltration and high runoff rates when saturated. This makes the terrain prone to ponding during heavy Oklahoma thunderstorms. Builders and farmers must plan carefully for surface water management to avoid erosion.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a

Osage County falls within USDA hardiness zone 7a, perfect for heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses. The combination of high water capacity and 7a temperatures supports robust cattle grazing and summer gardens. Grab a spade and start your vegetable plot this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Osage County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Lawn Success in Osage County

Osage County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.8, making it notably easier to maintain than the Oklahoma state average of 46.1. Within hardiness zone 7a, the local environment is more hospitable than the national median of 50.0, providing a solid foundation for green spaces.

Ample Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. While 4,782 growing degree days support vigorous growth, the 66 days of extreme heat require careful irrigation timing during peak summer.

Balancing Acidic Soil for Better Turf

The local soil pH of 5.96 is just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, suggesting that a light lime application may benefit grass health. With 18.3% clay and 31.9% sand, the soil provides a moderate texture that holds moisture without becoming completely waterlogged.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dry Spells

The county experienced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and while 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, severe drought levels remain at zero. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilient root systems.

Timing Your Osage County Planting

Bermuda and Tall Fescue thrive in this 7a zone, provided they are established between the April 11 last frost and the October 29 first frost. Start seeding in early spring or fall to avoid the stress of those 66 extreme heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osage County's county score?
Osage County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 34.6 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 Osage County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Osage County ranks #67 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 Osage County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Osage County is $1,253, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Osage County a tax score of 60/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osage County?
The median household income in Osage County, Oklahoma is $60,482 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osage County earns an income score of 40.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osage County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Osage County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Osage 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 Osage County with other counties side by side.

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