countyscore
43.5
County Score
Cost of Living 64Property Tax 63.8Weather & Climate 59.6

County Report Card

About Pawnee County, Oklahoma

Pawnee County Nears National Median

Pawnee County posts a solid composite score of 43.5, placing it closer to the national median of 50.0 than many of its immediate neighbors. It represents a more balanced profile for rural Oklahoma life.

Outperforming the Oklahoma Average

Pawnee County exceeds the Oklahoma state average composite score of 43.0. This makes it a competitive choice within the state for those seeking rural stability.

Reliable Safety and Disaster Resilience

Residents enjoy a strong sense of security with a Safety Score of 50.0 and a Risk Score of 51.9. Financial perks include a Cost Score of 64.0, supported by an affordable median gross rent of $872.

Education and Water Quality Needs

The county struggles with infrastructure, as shown by a Water Score of 0.9. Its School Score of 13.4 also suggests that local education outcomes have significant room for improvement.

Best for Secure Rural Living

Pawnee County is an excellent fit for safety-conscious residents who value low taxes and disaster resilience. Those with school-aged children may want to weigh the lower academic rankings against the high safety scores.

Score breakdown

Tax63.8Cost64Safety50Health24Schools13.4Income31.8Risk51.9Water0.9Weather59.6
🏛63.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.6
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

Osage County
Oklahoma
34.6
Payne County
Oklahoma
30.1
Noble County
Oklahoma
43.8
Creek County
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Tulsa County
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Kay County
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Lincoln County
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Logan County
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Deep Dives

Pawnee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pawnee County

via TaxByCounty

Pawnee taxes remain well below national

Pawnee County's 0.695% effective rate is roughly one-quarter the national property tax burden, where homeowners typically pay $2,690 on a $281,900 property. This positions Pawnee well below the national median, making it an exceptionally tax-friendly county.

Pawnee slightly exceeds Oklahoma average

At 0.695%, Pawnee edges above Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 77 counties. The county's median tax of $873 runs about 9% below the state median of $959.

Pawnee rates middle ground regionally

Pawnee's 0.695% rate positions it between Ottawa (0.619%) to the north and Osage (0.727%) to the west, making it a moderate option in the five-county region. Only Payne County (0.865%) to the south carries a notably higher burden.

Median Pawnee home costs $873 annually

On the county's median home value of $125,700, property owners pay approximately $873 per year in taxes. The figure climbs to $1,230 for homeowners with a mortgage, while owners holding their property free and clear average $590 annually.

Pawnee homeowners should check their assessments

Overassessed properties are surprisingly common, and Pawnee County residents can contest their valuations through the county assessor's appeal process. If your appraised value exceeds comparable home sales in your neighborhood, filing a challenge could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pawnee County

via CostByCounty

Pawnee County rents edge into cost-burden

Pawnee County renters spend 18.2% of household income on rent, just above the affordability threshold and slightly worse than the national average. Despite a median income of $57,551 that's still 23% below the U.S. median, the county's higher rent prices ($872/month) create noticeable housing stress.

Above-state-average housing burden

Pawnee County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% average, placing it among the state's less-affordable rental markets. The county's $872 median rent is the highest among these eight counties, contributing to the affordability gap.

Highest rents among peer counties

Pawnee's median rent of $872 runs $86 higher than Osage County and $108 more than Ottawa County, despite similar or lower household incomes. This cost premium, combined with modest incomes, pushes rent burdens beyond neighboring alternatives.

Renters stretched, owners comfortable

Renters spend $872 monthly—18.2% of income—while homeowners pay just $611, making homeownership notably more affordable in Pawnee County. The median home value of $125,700 creates opportunity for first-time buyers seeking relief from rental costs.

Pawnee renters should weigh homeownership

If you're renting in Pawnee, the affordability math suggests exploring homeownership; mortgage costs run 30% cheaper than rent here. Compare your household income to the $57,551 median and consult a lender about whether buying could improve your housing cost burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pawnee County

via IncomeByCounty

Pawnee income trails national average significantly

Pawnee County's median household income of $57,551 falls $17,204 short of the national median of $74,755—a 23% gap reflecting rural economic pressures. Despite this gap, Pawnee performs better than several neighboring Oklahoma counties.

Slightly below Oklahoma's state average

Pawnee County's median household income of $57,551 sits just $722 below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, placing it near the middle of state earnings distribution. Per capita income of $28,961 is slightly below the state average of $30,609.

Middle-ground earner in regional context

Pawnee County ($57,551) earns more than Ottawa ($48,656) and Pushmataha ($44,634) counties but less than Osage ($60,482) and Pontotoc ($62,564). This positions Pawnee as a moderate-income county within its regional peer group.

Rental housing costs are reasonable here

Pawnee County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% means housing costs take roughly $875 monthly from a median household budget, remaining well within affordability standards. Median home values of $125,700 offer modest homeownership opportunities.

Invest in Pawnee County's financial future

With income near state averages and manageable housing costs, Pawnee households can dedicate resources to savings and investments. Consult local credit unions and financial institutions about tailored wealth-building and retirement planning options.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pawnee County

via CrimeByCounty

Pawnee County Ranks High for Safety

With a total crime rate of 1,128.6 per 100K, Pawnee County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts an impressive safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Exceeding Oklahoma Safety Benchmarks

Pawnee County's safety score of 98.2 outperforms the state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate is also less than half of the Oklahoma average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Safest Among Its Regional Neighbors

Pawnee’s rate of 1,128.6 per 100K is much lower than Payne County’s 2,253.3 and Osage County's 53,073.7. The county remains one of the quietest areas in the region according to 2022 data.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime is remarkably low at 153.0 per 100K, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also managed well at 975.6 per 100K, indicating a very secure environment.

Maintaining a Secure Pawnee Household

Even with a high safety score of 98.2, basic precautions like locking doors and installing motion sensors are wise. Maintaining a watchful eye helps preserve the low property crime rate of 975.6 per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pawnee County

via HealthByCounty

Pawnee County below national average

Pawnee County's 71.4-year life expectancy runs about 5 years short of the U.S. average, reflecting broader rural health challenges in Oklahoma. One in five residents reports poor or fair health, consistent with national averages for rural counties facing economic and healthcare access headwinds.

Below state average, mid-tier ranking

At 71.4 years, Pawnee County trails Oklahoma's 72.7-year average by 1.3 years but ranks better than several struggling southeastern counties. Its 20.3% poor/fair health rate sits below state median, suggesting relatively stable chronic disease management.

Mid-pack among rural peers

Pawnee County's life expectancy matches Pittsburg County (71.3 years) but falls well short of Osage and Payne counties, both near 76 years. At 14.2% uninsured, Pawnee performs slightly better than state average, providing more residents with insurance protection.

Moderate provider access, gaps remain

With 25 primary care providers per 100,000, Pawnee County offers reasonable primary care access compared to rural peers, but shortages still exist for specialists. Mental health support at 208 per 100,000 providers is mid-range, leaving room for improvement in mental illness prevention and treatment.

Secure coverage for preventive care

One in seven Pawnee County residents goes without health insurance, making preventive screenings and early treatment inaccessible. Head to HealthCare.gov or your county health office to compare plans—insurance can catch problems early and protect your family's health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pawnee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated and Focused School System

Pawnee County operates 8 public schools across just 3 school districts, making it one of the more consolidated systems in the region. Total enrollment sits at 2,494 students, split evenly between 4 elementary schools and 4 secondary schools (middle and high). This small-scale infrastructure emphasizes community connection within the Cleveland and Pawnee areas.

Meeting Academic Challenges with Focused Spending

The 78.8% graduation rate is currently lower than Oklahoma’s 84.3% average and the national 87.0% standard. The county invests $6,182 per pupil, which is slightly less than the state’s $6,520 average. With a school score of 45.9, there is a clear focus on improving outcomes while working with roughly half the national average in per-pupil funding.

Cleveland Leads the County Enrollment

The Cleveland school district is the dominant provider, serving 1,614 students—over 60% of the county's total enrollment—across four schools. Pawnee district follows with 633 students, while Jennings operates a single school for 247 students. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a purely traditional public school framework.

Larger Campus Sizes in a Rural Context

Despite being a rural area, schools here are relatively large with an average enrollment of 312 students. Cleveland High School is the largest campus, hosting 483 students, followed closely by Cleveland Primary at 411. The county features 5 rural and 3 town-based schools, blending quiet surroundings with significant campus communities.

Invest in a Community with School Ties

When researching homes in Pawnee County, the strong central presence of the Cleveland and Pawnee districts is a major draw. These districts act as community hubs, making them ideal targets for home buyers with children. Consider how the intimate, three-district layout simplifies your school choices and provides a clear community identity.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pawnee County

via RiskByCounty

Pawnee among Oklahoma's lowest-risk counties

Pawnee County's composite risk score of 48.09 places it in the relatively low category and actually slightly below the national average. However, this masks significant wildfire exposure that requires local attention despite the county's overall favorable risk profile.

One of Oklahoma's safer counties overall

Pawnee's score of 48.09 falls well below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. The county benefits from reduced tornado and flood exposure compared to state peers.

Notably safer than adjacent Osage and Ottawa

Pawnee's score of 48.09 is substantially lower than neighboring Osage (78.09) and Ottawa (76.05) counties, positioning it as the safest in the immediate region. Despite lower overall risk, Pawnee shares significant wildfire concerns with its neighbors.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Pawnee's wildfire risk score of 86.80 stands out as notably high, while tornado risk of 70.01 represents a secondary but real threat. Flood risk is more moderate at 35.37, reflecting the county's geography and storm patterns.

Prioritize wildfire and wind protection

Homeowners in Pawnee should focus insurance and preparation efforts on wildfire (86.80) and tornado risk (70.01) given the county's profile. Ensure wind coverage is robust and consider defensible space improvements; standard homeowners policies should cover most needs given relatively lower flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pawnee County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the National Median

Pawnee County maintains an average annual temperature of 60.5°F, which is significantly higher than the national median of 55°F. This reflects the region's position in the warm southern plains.

A Benchmark for Oklahoma Weather

With an annual average of 60.5°F, Pawnee County closely mirrors the state average of 60.4°F. It represents the quintessential Oklahoma climate profile for both temperature and precipitation.

Wetter and Warmer than Western Neighbors

The county receives 39.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 37.2 inches. This makes Pawnee notably more humid and greener than the drier counties to its west.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snowfall

July brings an average temperature of 82.2°F and 69 days of heat above 90°F. In the winter, the county averages 5.5 inches of snow, providing occasional but measurable accumulation.

Managing the Summer Heat Load

With 69 extreme heat days, robust home cooling and attic insulation are critical for summer comfort. Residents should also keep a snow shovel handy for the occasional 5.5-inch winter dusting.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pawnee County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral Soils in the Heart of Oklahoma

Pawnee County’s average pH of 6.09 closely mirrors the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. This is only slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, making it versatile for many different plants. It provides a balanced chemical environment that doesn't require extreme amendments for typical use.

Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil features a balanced blend of 36.6% sand and 38.8% silt, rounded out by 18.1% clay. This composition offers a good mix of drainage from the sand and nutrient retention from the silt. It is generally easier to work than the heavier clay soils found further south.

Steady Moisture in Moderate Soils

Organic matter sits at 1.61%, which is just under the state average of 1.72%. Despite lower organic content, the available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.144 in/in. This allows the soil to remain productive even when rainfall becomes erratic.

High Runoff Potential Challenges Builders

Like its neighbors, the county is dominated by hydrologic group D, indicating very slow infiltration rates. This means the soil sheds water quickly during heavy rains rather than absorbing it deeply. This characteristic can lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas or heavy erosion on slopes.

Success in Hardiness Zone 7a

Falling in zone 7a, Pawnee County is well-suited for winter wheat, sorghum, and hardy vegetables. The soil score of 44.7 suggests higher-than-average productivity for the state. Gardeners should take advantage of the good water capacity to grow a variety of summer crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pawnee County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Pawnee

Pawnee County's lawn difficulty score of 49.6 puts it right at the national median of 50.0. While it is easier to manage than many other Oklahoma counties, the 7a hardiness zone still presents specific regional hurdles.

High Heat and Consistent Growth

With 39.8 inches of annual rain and 69 extreme heat days, lawn care revolves around summer hydration. The 5,118 growing degree days provide more than enough thermal energy for vigorous turf development throughout the season.

Near-Perfect pH for Local Turf

Pawnee County boasts a soil pH of 6.09, which sits perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy lawns. The soil contains 36.6% sand, offering better drainage than higher-clay regions in the state.

Navigating Long Dry Intervals

The county spent 31 weeks in drought over the past year, necessitating a smart water conservation plan. While 100% of the county is abnormally dry, the absence of current severe drought allows for standard maintenance routines.

Maximize the Pawnee Growing Season

Planting should target the window between the April 11 last frost and the October 29 first frost. Buffalograss is an excellent native choice for this climate, offering high heat tolerance and low water needs.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pawnee County's county score?
Pawnee 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 Pawnee County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Pawnee County ranks #33 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 Pawnee County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Pawnee County is $873, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Pawnee County a tax score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pawnee County?
The median household income in Pawnee County, Oklahoma is $57,551 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pawnee County earns an income score of 31.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pawnee County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pawnee County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Pawnee 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 Pawnee County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.