countyscore
34.7
County Score
Cost of Living 71.1Property Tax 69.6Weather & 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.

2040608010069.671.18.49.917.411.72429.260.2Tax69.6Cost71.1Safety8.4Health9.9Schools17.4Income11.7Risk24Water29.2Weather60.234.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Ottawa County DNA

Foverall

How Ottawa County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ottawa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (71.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.6+17.599999999999994
Cost
71.1+23.099999999999994
Safety
8.4-46.6
Health
9.9-40.1
Schools
17.4-36.6
Income
11.7-39.3
Risk
24-23
Water
29.2-28.8
Weather
60.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Ottawa County?

Many homeowners in Ottawa County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$123,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$788/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$123,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,947/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.6

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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Cherokee County
Kansas
42.8
Craig County
Oklahoma
41.9
Newton County
Missouri
42.3
McDonald County
Missouri
46.2
Labette County
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39.8
Delaware County
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38.4
Jasper County
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Crawford County
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36

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 34.7 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 #66 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 $763, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Oklahoma is $49,947 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 34.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.