countyscore
35.2
County Score
Property Tax 72.1Cost of Living 71.7Weather & Climate 60.2

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Oklahoma

Ottawa County Below National Performance

Ottawa County scores 35.2 on the composite index, sitting well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile where economic challenges outweigh the benefits of low costs.

Falling Behind the State Average

With a score of 35.2, Ottawa County ranks below the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It struggles to keep pace with the state's faster-growing regions in terms of income and health outcomes.

Exceptional Low Cost of Living

The county shines in financial accessibility with a Tax Score of 72.1 and a Cost Score of 71.7. Homeowners enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.619% while the median home value sits at an accessible $114,300.

Weak Income and Health Metrics

The local economy faces hurdles with an Income Score of 12.2 and a median household income of just $48,656. Health services also lag behind, as evidenced by a low Health Score of 9.9.

Ideal for Low-Income Stability

This county is best for those with fixed incomes or retirees who want to maximize their purchasing power in a low-tax environment. The trade-off is more limited access to high-quality healthcare and high-paying jobs.

Score breakdown

Tax72.1Cost71.7Safety8.4Health9.9Schools17.4Income12.2Risk24Water29.2Weather60.2
🏛72.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓17.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.8
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

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42.1
Craig County
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39.4
Newton County
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42.6
McDonald County
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Labette County
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Delaware County
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Jasper County
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Crawford County
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Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa's tax burden ranks very low

Ottawa County's effective rate of 0.619% is among the lowest in America, less than one-quarter of what the typical U.S. homeowner pays on a $281,900 home. This places Ottawa in the bottom 5% of U.S. counties for property tax burden.

Ottawa ranks among Oklahoma's cheapest

At 0.619%, Ottawa County sits below Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, placing it in the lowest quartile statewide. The county's median tax of $708 ranks among the state's most affordable, undercutting the state median of $959 by nearly 25%.

Ottawa offers lowest taxes in northern cluster

Ottawa's 0.619% rate is the cheapest among its five-county region, beating Osage (0.727%), Pawnee (0.695%), and Payne (0.865%). Only Pittsburg County (0.517%) rivals Ottawa for affordability in northeastern Oklahoma.

Median Ottawa home costs just $708 yearly

On Ottawa County's median home value of $114,300, property owners pay roughly $708 in annual taxes—among the lowest in the state. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $890; without one, annual costs average $539.

Ottawa residents should verify assessments too

Even in low-tax counties, assessment errors occur and can inflate your bill unnecessarily. Review your county assessor's valuation against comparable sales in your area; if it's significantly higher, file an appeal to potentially reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ottawa County

via CostByCounty

Ottawa County's rents stretch incomes tighter

Ottawa County residents spend 18.8% of income on rent, crossing into the "cost-burdened" territory that housing experts flag as unsustainable. With a median household income of $48,656—35% below the national average—renters here face real affordability pressure despite modest rent prices.

Below-average affordability in Oklahoma

Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. The squeeze reflects lower household incomes relative to rental costs across the county.

Modest rents with income challenges

Ottawa County's $764 rent rivals Osage County's ($786) for affordability but does so on a household income $11,826 lower, making the ratio worse. Compared to higher-earning Pontotoc County ($62,564 median income), Ottawa renters face steeper percentage-based burdens.

Homeownership offers better value here

Renters in Ottawa spend $764 monthly while homeowners pay just $690, making mortgage costs 10% cheaper than rents—unusual among these counties. The median home value of $114,300 is the lowest in this group, offering an entry point for buyers with limited capital.

Ottawa suits homebuyers on tight budgets

If owning matters more than renting, Ottawa County's low home values and affordable mortgage costs ($690/month) outpace rental affordability significantly. Verify your income aligns with the $48,656 median and explore mortgage pre-qualification to understand your real buying power.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa income significantly below national average

Ottawa County's median household income of $48,656 trails the national median of $74,755 by $26,099—a 35% gap that ranks among Oklahoma's lower-earning counties. This reflects broader economic challenges facing rural northeastern Oklahoma communities.

Among Oklahoma's lower-income counties

Ottawa County's median household income falls $9,617 below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, ranking it near the bottom of state counties. Per capita income of $24,911 is also notably below the state average of $30,609.

Ottawa struggles compared to neighboring counties

Ottawa County earns $8,895 less per household than neighboring Pawnee County ($57,551) and $14,172 less than Osage County ($60,482). Only Pushmataha County ($44,634) earns significantly less in the broader region.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Ottawa County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicates housing consumes roughly $764 monthly for a median household, approaching affordability concerns. With median home values at $114,300, many residents face tough choices between homeownership and other financial priorities.

Strategic planning matters for Ottawa households

Lower incomes require disciplined financial management to build wealth and security. Explore local financial literacy resources, credit-building programs, and employer retirement plans to maximize your household's long-term financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ottawa County

via CrimeByCounty

Ottawa County Safety Trends

Ottawa County maintains a safety score of 95.4, placing it near the state norm. Its total crime rate of 2,930.6 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning With Oklahoma Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 95.4 is very close to the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. However, its total crime rate of 2,930.6 per 100K is roughly 10% higher than the statewide average of 2,647.7.

Comparing Ottawa to Nearby Counties

Ottawa County reports a crime rate of 2,930.6 per 100K, which is higher than neighboring Pawnee County's rate of 1,128.6. Despite this difference, 8 reporting agencies work to manage safety across the northeastern corner of the state.

Breakdown of Local Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 2,513.8 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 416.8 per 100K. Both figures are slightly higher than the respective national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Practical Steps for Home Safety

Since property crime reaches 2,513.8 per 100K, residents should invest in outdoor lighting and smart security cameras. Simple deterrents help keep Ottawa County homes secure against theft and trespassing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ottawa County

via HealthByCounty

Ottawa County faces significant health gap

At 69.8 years, Ottawa County residents live about 6.6 years shorter than the U.S. average, one of the steepest life expectancy deficits in rural Oklahoma. More than one in four residents report poor or fair health, suggesting substantial chronic disease burden and health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Ottawa County ranks among the lowest in Oklahoma for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 72.7 years by nearly 3 years. Its 25.5% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds state peers, indicating urgent population health concerns.

Struggling compared to region

Ottawa County's 69.8-year life expectancy lags neighboring Osage (75.8 years) and Payne (75.9 years) by 6+ years, marking a clear regional disparity. The 16.1% uninsured rate also edges above the state average, leaving more residents vulnerable to medical debt.

Providers present but access remains hard

Ottawa County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000—solid on paper—but 25.5% of residents still report poor health, suggesting barriers beyond supply. With 548 mental health providers per 100,000, the county actually leads the region in psychiatric care, yet population health outcomes lag, pointing to affordability or transportation challenges.

Coverage can reduce health costs

One in six Ottawa County residents lack health insurance, leaving them at risk for catastrophic medical bills and delayed care. Visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or tribal health benefits—coverage is within reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ottawa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving Seven Districts in Northeast Oklahoma

Ottawa County supports 21 public schools including 9 elementary, 6 middle, and 6 high schools. Seven districts manage the education of 5,587 total students across the county. The landscape is split between town-based centers and rural campuses, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

Opportunities to Improve Graduation Outcomes

The county reports an 80.3% graduation rate, which falls below the state average of 84.3% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Spending remains steady at $6,409 per pupil, nearly matching the state average of $6,520 but significantly trailing the national $13,000 average. The composite school score of 47.1 reflects the challenges of lower-than-average funding and academic attainment.

Miami District Anchors the County

The Miami school district is the county's largest by far, enrolling 2,201 students across six separate schools. Other major districts include Commerce with 883 students and Fairland with 574. No charter schools currently operate in Ottawa County, focusing all resources on the seven traditional districts.

Mid-Sized Schools with Town Appeal

Schools in Ottawa County average 266 students, offering a balance between rural intimacy and town-center resources. Miami Junior High is the largest single facility with 529 students, while Alexander Elementary in Commerce serves 445. The mix of 12 rural and 9 town schools creates a diverse range of campus environments for local families.

Finding Your Place Near Miami Schools

As you search for a home in Ottawa County, consider how proximity to major districts like Miami or Commerce can impact your family's daily routine. These districts provide the core of the area's social and educational life. Quality education and local school pride remain essential factors when choosing the right neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ottawa County

via RiskByCounty

Ottawa County faces elevated national disaster risk

Ottawa County's composite risk score of 76.05 indicates relatively low rating but substantially higher exposure than the national average. This score reflects the county's particular vulnerability to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes across multiple hazard types.

Well above Oklahoma's average risk profile

At 76.05, Ottawa's composite score exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47 by more than 20 points, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county faces more persistent natural disaster threats than most of its peers.

Second-highest risk in the northeast region

Ottawa's score of 76.05 falls just behind Osage County (78.09) and significantly above Pawnee County (48.09) in the immediate area. The county shares similar tornado and earthquake risks with its neighbors but has notably higher flood exposure at 78.24.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes pose threats

Ottawa faces a substantial tornado risk of 73.60, flood risk of 78.24, and moderate earthquake risk of 61.23—a trio of serious hazards. The combination of water and wind threats means dual preparation is essential across different seasons.

Bundle flood and wind insurance carefully

Ottawa County residents should ensure their homeowners policies explicitly cover both wind/hail damage (73.60 tornado risk) and flooding (78.24 flood risk). Consider a separate flood policy if standard insurance excludes it, and review coverage annually given the county's multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ottawa County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Subtropical Climate in Northeast Oklahoma

Ottawa County maintains an average annual temperature of 58.7°F, notably warmer than the national median of roughly 55°F. This humid subtropical environment experiences significant variation between its distinct seasons.

Cooler than the Oklahoma State Average

The county's 58.7°F annual average sits nearly two degrees below the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. This makes Ottawa one of the cooler regions in a state known for its intense southern heat.

Regional Variation Across the Border

While neighboring areas to the south often see higher averages, Ottawa stays relatively temperate. While annual precipitation data is limited, the county shares the lush, green landscape typical of the Ozark plateau fringe.

Extreme Heat with Crisp Winters

Summers are intense with 57 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 80.4°F. Winters provide a sharp contrast, as the January average drops to 35.5°F, though local snowfall data remains unavailable.

Preparing for Significant Seasonal Swings

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the 57 extreme heat days annually. With winter lows averaging in the mid-30s, standard winterization for homes and vehicles is essential for the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ottawa County

via SoilByCounty

Low pH Dominates the Northeast Corner

Ottawa County features a noticeably acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.52. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, making it one of the more acidic regions in the state. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the acidic nature dictates the types of native flora that thrive here.

Silky Silts with High Silt Content

The soil composition is heavily weighted toward silt at 51.8%, with 21.0% sand and 20.2% clay. This high silt percentage gives the ground a floury texture and makes it highly susceptible to wind and water erosion if left uncovered. It provides an excellent medium for root expansion due to its fine-grained structure.

Rich Organic Matter Beats State Averages

At 3.25%, the organic matter content is nearly double the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. This biological richness is paired with a high available water capacity of 0.171 in/in. This fertile combination gives the county a high soil score of 49.7, well above the state average of 35.3.

Managing Moisture in Silt-Heavy Soil

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for the dominant areas, the high silt and clay mix suggests moderate internal drainage. The soil’s ability to hold 0.171 inches of water per inch of soil depth is a major asset for local agriculture. Proper tilling is necessary to maintain this structure and prevent compaction.

Thriving in Zone 7a Acidic Soil

The acidic 5.52 pH and high fertility in zone 7a are ideal for blueberries, azaleas, and other acid-loving plants. With a soil score of 49.7, Ottawa County offers some of the most productive ground in the region. Local gardeners can expect great results with proper pH monitoring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ottawa County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Tough Lawn Conditions in Ottawa

Ottawa County faces a challenging lawn difficulty score of 42.8, which sits below the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this 7a hardiness zone must work harder than the average Oklahoman to maintain lush turf.

Temperate Peaks and Growing Potential

The area experiences 57 days of extreme heat annually, which is lower than the Oklahoma state average of 76 days. While precipitation data is limited, 4,661 growing degree days offer a healthy window for warm-season grasses to establish.

Correcting Sour Soil for Grass Health

At 5.52, the soil pH here is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. The soil composition includes 20.2% clay and 21.0% sand, meaning amendments are likely necessary to improve nutrient availability and structure.

Battling Persistent Severe Drought Levels

Drought management is critical here as 100% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions. After 21 weeks of drought in the past year, residents should utilize mulching and drought-tolerant cultivars to survive these harsh periods.

Planting Around the Frost Window

Establish your lawn after the April 6 frost but well before the October 27 return of freezing temperatures. Zoysia or Kentucky Bluegrass can work in zone 7a if you manage the high acidity of the local soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ottawa County's county score?
Ottawa County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 35.2 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 Ottawa County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Ottawa County ranks #64 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 Ottawa County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Ottawa County is $708, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Oklahoma is $48,656 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 35.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Ottawa 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 Ottawa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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