countyscore
30.1
County Score
Weather & Climate 59.2Property Tax 47.9Lawn Care 45.1

County Report Card

About Payne County, Oklahoma

Payne County Underperforms Nationally

Payne County scores 30.1 on the composite index, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. The high cost of housing relative to income drives much of this disparity.

Lagging Behind State Peer Counties

The county's score of 30.1 sits well below the Oklahoma average of 43.0. Despite being a hub of activity, it faces unique economic pressures that lower its overall ranking.

Above Average Health Services

Health is a bright spot here, with a Health Score of 39.0 outperforming many surrounding rural counties. The county also maintains a decent Tax Score of 47.9 and an effective rate of 0.865%.

High Costs and Low Incomes

The county faces an affordability crisis with a Cost Score of 33.3 and an Income Score of 12.4. A median home value of $217,700 combined with a median income of $48,937 creates a significant financial squeeze.

Suited for Health-Focused Students

Payne County is best for students or temporary residents who prioritize healthcare access over long-term wealth building. The high cost-to-income ratio makes it a difficult market for first-time homebuyers.

Score breakdown

Tax47.9Cost33.3Safety16.9Health39Schools22.9Income12.4Risk16.1Water19.9Weather59.2
🏛47.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠33.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.1
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

Noble County
Oklahoma
43.8
Logan County
Oklahoma
40.8
Pawnee County
Oklahoma
43.5
Lincoln County
Oklahoma
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Osage County
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Creek County
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Oklahoma County
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Garfield County
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Deep Dives

Payne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Payne County

via TaxByCounty

Payne carries Oklahoma's highest tax rate

Payne County's 0.865% effective tax rate is the highest in Oklahoma and still remains well below the national median property tax burden. Even at this premium level, Payne homeowners pay roughly one-third what the typical American household pays in property taxes.

Payne ranks highest across Oklahoma

Payne County's 0.865% rate significantly exceeds Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, making it the costliest county in the state by effective rate. The county's median tax of $1,884 nearly doubles the state median of $959, reflecting the highest burden statewide.

Payne taxes significantly outpace the region

Payne's 0.865% rate towers over its four northern neighbors: Osage (0.727%), Pawnee (0.695%), Ottawa (0.619%), and Pittsburg (0.517%). This makes Payne a notable outlier in the five-county cluster, with tax costs 33% higher than the regional median.

Median Payne home costs $1,884 yearly

On Payne County's median home value of $217,700, property owners pay approximately $1,884 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, costs rise to $2,119; without one, the annual bill averages $1,451.

Payne residents have the most to gain from appeals

Given Payne's higher tax rates, assessment accuracy becomes even more critical—an overvalued property here costs substantially more than elsewhere in Oklahoma. Carefully review your assessment notice; if your appraised value seems inflated relative to recent market sales, file an appeal with the county assessor to potentially recover hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Payne County

via CostByCounty

Payne County faces significant affordability strain

Payne County renters spend 22.6% of household income on rent—well above the 15% affordability benchmark and among the most strained in these counties. The median household income of $48,937 sits 35% below the national average, making rental costs genuinely burdensome for typical families.

Oklahoma's least affordable rental market

Payne County's 22.6% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, marking it as the state's least-affordable county in this analysis. The combination of the highest median rents ($922/month) and lowest incomes creates the region's most severe housing affordability crisis.

Highest rents, lowest incomes

Payne County's $922 median rent surpasses all peer counties while its $48,937 household income ties for the lowest, creating a perfect affordability storm. Renters here pay roughly $100-150 more monthly than neighbors in Osage, Ottawa, or Pontotoc counties.

Renters squeezed hardest in Payne

Renters spend $922 monthly (22.6% of income) while homeowners pay $1,035—the only county where mortgages exceed rents. The median home value of $217,700 is highest in this group, suggesting college-town demand (Stillwater) inflates prices beyond local incomes.

Payne County carries real affordability risks

If relocating to Payne County, carefully assess whether your income exceeds the $48,937 median; renters here face cost-burden pressures not seen in neighboring counties. College-town dynamics in Stillwater drive higher home values, so weigh whether local job prospects justify the housing premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Payne County

via IncomeByCounty

Payne income below national median despite college town

Payne County's median household income of $48,937 lags the national median of $74,755 by $25,818—a 35% gap driven partly by Stillwater's large student population. Yet Payne's college economy supports above-average home values at $217,700.

Lower income but higher housing costs

Payne County's median household income of $48,937 trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $9,336, placing it among lower-earning counties. However, its median home value of $217,700 is the highest in this region, reflecting Stillwater's demand.

Payne trades income for housing demand

Payne County's $48,937 household income ranks lowest among this county group, but its median home value of $217,700 far exceeds neighbors like Ottawa ($114,300) and Pittsburg ($146,300). This reflects Stillwater's appeal as a college and regional hub.

Housing costs stretch household budgets significantly

Payne County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% is the highest in this region, meaning housing consumes roughly $1,158 monthly for a median household—approaching affordability pressure. The gap between median income and median home value creates particular challenges for first-time buyers.

Navigate Payne County's unique income-housing dynamic

Payne households face the challenge of lower incomes paired with higher housing costs, making smart financial planning essential. Explore down payment assistance programs, first-time homebuyer incentives, and employer benefits through Stillwater's institutions to build sustainable wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Payne County

via CrimeByCounty

Payne County Outperforms National Averages

Payne County reports a total crime rate of 2,253.3 per 100K, keeping it below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a strong safety score of 96.4.

Safer Than the Oklahoma Average

The county's total crime rate of 2,253.3 is lower than the state average of 2,647.7 per 100K. Its safety score of 96.4 also beats the statewide score of 95.8.

Comparing Payne and Nearby Counties

Payne County's rate of 2,253.3 per 100K is higher than Pawnee County's 1,128.6 but lower than Pottawatomie County's 2,796.5. Six reporting agencies coordinate to keep the area secure for its residents.

Property Crimes and Low Violence

Violent crime stays low at 273.0 per 100K, while property crime is the primary concern at 1,980.3. Both categories remain lower than national figures, highlighting a relatively calm public safety landscape.

Protecting Your Payne County Residence

With property crime at 1,980.3 per 100K, residents should use deadbolts and alarm systems to deter theft. Home security awareness is key to maintaining the county's safety score of 96.4.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Payne County

via HealthByCounty

Payne County achieves strong life expectancy

Payne County residents live 75.9 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—a notable achievement for rural Oklahoma. Only 19.9% report poor or fair health, among the lowest rates in the state and well below national averages.

Oklahoma's healthiest county

Payne County ranks among the healthiest in Oklahoma, with life expectancy 3.2 years above the state average of 72.7 years. Its 19.9% poor/fair health rate stands as one of the state's lowest, reflecting strong health management and lower chronic disease burden.

Regional leader in health outcomes

Payne County's 75.9-year life expectancy leads neighboring Pawnee (71.4 years) and Osage (75.8 years), making it the northeast region's health champion. With 14.4% uninsured residents, Payne also beats state average, ensuring more people have access to preventive and routine care.

Strong provider network supports outcomes

Payne County has 46 primary care providers per 100,000—among the highest in rural Oklahoma—enabling accessible preventive care and chronic disease management. With 342 mental health providers per 100,000, the county supports robust mental health services, contributing to overall wellness.

Maintain your health advantage

While 14.4% of Payne County residents remain uninsured, the county's strong provider network means coverage is achievable and affordable. Visit HealthCare.gov or call your local health department to enroll—staying insured keeps you connected to the providers driving these strong health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Payne County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Hub of Public Education

Payne County boasts a comprehensive education system with 26 public schools serving 10,725 students across 7 districts. The infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 6 high schools, plus two specialized campuses. This diverse landscape supports a large student population within both vibrant towns and rural stretches.

Academic Excellence Near National Benchmarks

Payne County achieves a strong 86.8% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 84.3% and nearly matching the national 87.0% rate. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,017, which is lower than the state average and less than half of the national $13,000 average. The county's school score of 49.7 slightly exceeds the Oklahoma median, indicating high performance and efficiency.

Stillwater District Drives County Growth

Stillwater is the county's educational powerhouse, enrolling 6,146 students across 9 schools. Cushing and Perkins-Tryon follow as significant districts, serving 1,699 and 1,577 students respectively. Traditional public schools represent 100% of the local options, as no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Vibrant Campuses with Diverse Settings

Schools in Payne County are notably large for the region, averaging 413 students per campus. Stillwater High School is the largest by far, with 1,317 students, creating a bustling, high-resource environment. While 16 schools are in rural settings, the 10 town-based schools host the majority of the student population, providing a distinct suburban-collegiate feel.

Settle Near Top-Performing Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Payne County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. High-performing schools in the Stillwater and Cushing areas make neighboring real estate highly desirable. Use these strong academic metrics to guide your home search and secure your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Payne County

via RiskByCounty

Payne faces elevated national disaster risk

Payne County's composite risk score of 83.94 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average and among the nation's higher-risk counties. This reflects particularly acute tornado and wildfire exposure across the county.

Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties

At 83.94, Payne's composite score significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking it among the state's most hazard-prone counties. The county's risk is driven by exceptionally high tornado and wildfire exposure.

Clear regional risk leader in central Oklahoma

Payne's score of 83.94 places it ahead of nearby Pottawatomie County (82.32) and well above Pontotoc County (62.91) and Pushmataha County (32.79). Payne stands as the highest-risk county in its immediate region.

Tornadoes and wildfires create compound threat

Payne County faces an extraordinary tornado risk of 94.72 and wildfire risk of 89.60—among Oklahoma's highest in both categories. Flood risk at 67.62 adds a third significant concern, particularly during spring storm season.

Invest in comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Payne County residents face multiple serious threats and should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with explicit wind/hail, wildfire, and flood coverage. Consider a separate flood policy, maintain defensible space around structures, and identify safe shelter locations for tornadoes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Payne County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Plains Climate Profile

Payne County averages 60.2°F annually, staying well above the national median temperature. This warm climate is characteristic of the transition zone between the humid east and the arid west.

Matching the State Temperature Average

The county’s 60.2°F average is nearly identical to the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. In terms of moisture, its 36.2 inches of annual rainfall falls just short of the 37.2-inch state mark.

Consistent Weather Across Central Oklahoma

Payne shares a similar profile with neighboring Pawnee, though it receives slightly less rainfall at 36.2 inches. It maintains a consistent climate typical of the North Central Oklahoma region.

A Long Season of Extreme Heat

Residents face 74 days per year where temperatures reach 90°F or higher, mostly during the 82.3°F July peaks. Winters are relatively dry, though the county still sees 5.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Investing in Summer Endurance

The 74 extreme heat days require reliable air conditioning and smart landscaping for shade. Homeowners should also prepare for occasional winter storms that bring the county's 5.8 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Payne County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils Near Stillwater

Payne County maintains a pH of 6.16, which is slightly higher and less acidic than the state average of 6.06. This falls just below the national median of 6.5, creating a favorable environment for most agricultural crops. The soil is chemically balanced for the region, minimizing the need for heavy lime applications.

Sandier Profiles for Better Aeration

With a sand content of 43.4% and silt at 33.1%, these soils are coarser than many neighboring counties. The 17.0% clay content is low enough to prevent major compaction issues while still providing some structure. This mix ensures good aeration for plant roots and easier tilling for local farmers.

Moisture Retention Surpasses State Levels

Organic matter levels average 1.53%, trailing the state benchmark of 1.72%. However, the soil compensates with an available water capacity of 0.151 in/in, which is better than the Oklahoma average. This water storage is vital for sustaining crops during the hot, dry summer months.

Slow Infiltration in Hydrologic Group D

The dominant hydrologic group is D, which signifies high runoff potential and slow water movement through the soil profile. Because the soil doesn't absorb water quickly, managed drainage is essential for large-scale gardening or construction. Soil erosion remains a primary concern during the spring rainy season.

Diverse Planting in Zone 7a

Payne County sits in hardiness zone 7a, allowing for a long growing season of approximately 200 days. The sandier soil and 7a climate are perfect for melons, peppers, and native wildflowers. It is an excellent environment for hobbyists looking to start a backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Payne County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Average Difficulty in Payne

Payne County scores a 45.1 for lawn difficulty, closely matching the Oklahoma state average of 46.1. Homeowners in this 7a hardiness zone face slightly more resistance than the typical American gardener.

Heat Stress and Rain Balances

The county receives 36.2 inches of rain annually, which is slightly less than the state average but within the ideal lawn range. However, 74 days of extreme heat and 5,051 growing degree days mean lawns require heavy watering in July and August.

Sandy Soils Require Consistent Moisture

The soil features a high sand content of 43.4%, which promotes excellent drainage but may cause nutrients to leach quickly. With a pH of 6.16, the chemistry is ideal for grass, requiring minimal adjustment for most varieties.

Enduring Chronic Dry Conditions

Payne County has struggled through 36 weeks of drought in the last year, one of the higher totals in the region. Current data shows 100% of the county is abnormally dry, so rain sensors and smart irrigation are essential tools.

Spring Start for Payne County Lawns

Aim to seed or sod after the April 5 last frost to take advantage of the spring rains before the October 30 first frost. Bermuda grass is the local favorite for its ability to handle both the heat and the 7a winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Payne County's county score?
Payne County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 30.1 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 Payne County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Payne County ranks #74 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 Payne County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Payne County is $1,884, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Payne County a tax score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Payne County?
The median household income in Payne County, Oklahoma is $48,937 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Payne County earns an income score of 12.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Payne County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Payne County scores 30.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Payne 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 Payne 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.