countyscore
36.3
County Score
Property Tax 84.2Cost of Living 59.5Weather & Climate 52.1

County Report Card

About Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

Pittsburg County Trails National Average

With a composite score of 36.3, Pittsburg County remains below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a common trend in rural Oklahoma where low costs are balanced by limited infrastructure.

A Standard Rural Oklahoma Profile

The county's score of 36.3 is slightly below the Oklahoma average of 43.0. While it is not a state leader, it offers a predictable rural lifestyle for its residents.

Exceptional Tax and Cost Benefits

Taxation is the county's greatest strength, earning a massive Tax Score of 84.2 with an effective rate of just 0.517%. A Cost Score of 59.5 further reinforces its position as a highly affordable place to live.

Water and Safety Concerns

Pittsburg County struggles with a Water Score of 2.1 and a Safety Score of 13.7. These low scores suggest that public safety and basic utility infrastructure require more investment.

Ideal for Tax-Sensitive Homeowners

This county is tailor-made for people who want the lowest possible tax burden and low home prices. It is less suited for those who prioritize top-tier public services or high-performing schools.

2040608010084.259.513.71617.824.526.72.152.1Tax84.2Cost59.5Safety13.7Health16Schools17.8Income24.5Risk26.7Water2.1Weather52.136.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Pittsburg County DNA

Foverall

How Pittsburg County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pittsburg County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (84.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.2+32.2
Cost
59.5+11.5
Safety
13.7-41.3
Health
16-34
Schools
17.8-36.2
Income
24.5-26.5
Risk
26.7-20.3
Water
2.1-55.9
Weather
52.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$857/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,787/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.2

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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Nearby counties

McIntosh County
Oklahoma
41.7
Latimer County
Oklahoma
44.5
Hughes County
Oklahoma
45.4
Atoka County
Oklahoma
47
Pushmataha County
Oklahoma
51.6
Haskell County
Oklahoma
50.7
Coal County
Oklahoma
59.8
Okmulgee County
Oklahoma
43.5

Deep Dives

Pittsburg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pittsburg County

via TaxByCounty

Pittsburg offers Oklahoma's lowest rates

Pittsburg County's 0.517% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the entire United States, costing homeowners just one-fifth of what the national median suggests. This exceptionally low burden makes Pittsburg one of America's most tax-friendly counties.

Pittsburg ranks lowest in Oklahoma

At 0.517%, Pittsburg County has the lowest effective rate of any Oklahoma county, falling 20% below the state average of 0.652%. The county's median tax of $756 is among the state's most affordable, undercutting the state median of $959 by 21%.

Pittsburg leads the region in affordability

Pittsburg's 0.517% rate is the absolute lowest in the five-county northern cluster, beating Ottawa (0.619%), Pawnee (0.695%), Osage (0.727%), and Payne (0.865%). Pittsburg residents enjoy the region's most favorable tax climate by a significant margin.

Median Pittsburg home costs $756 yearly

On Pittsburg County's median home value of $146,300, property owners pay roughly $756 in annual property taxes—the cheapest in the state. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $986; without one, annual costs average $567.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Pittsburg County's bargain rates make it an attractive place to own property, but assessment errors still happen here too. Compare your appraised value to recent comparable sales in your area; if the county's figure is significantly higher, contacting the assessor's office about an appeal could yield additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pittsburg County

via CostByCounty

Pittsburg County rents moderately affordable

Pittsburg County renters spend 18.8% of household income on rent, sitting above the affordability benchmark but reasonable given national context. With a median household income of $54,787—27% below the U.S. median—the county maintains modest rental costs relative to earnings.

Slightly above Oklahoma's affordability average

Pittsburg County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% state average by 1.8 percentage points, placing it in the less-affordable half of state counties. The gap reflects both higher-than-average rent prices ($857 vs. $814 state average) and lower household incomes.

Mid-range costs in regional context

Pittsburg County's $857 median rent falls between Osage County ($786) and Pawnee County ($872), while its household income of $54,787 ranks in the middle of this county group. This positioning yields moderate affordability—neither particularly strained nor especially comfortable.

Balanced housing investment across tenure

Renters spend $857 monthly (18.8% of income) while homeowners invest $697, giving homeowners a slight affordability advantage. The median home value of $146,300 sits solidly in the middle of this county group, offering reasonable entry points for buyers.

Pittsburg offers stable middle-ground housing

If you're considering Pittsburg County, you'll find moderate housing costs without extreme affordability challenges or premiums; it's a stable choice for middle-income families. Check whether your household income aligns with the $54,787 median to gauge your real purchasing power in the local market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pittsburg County

via IncomeByCounty

Pittsburg income falls below national average

Pittsburg County's median household income of $54,787 trails the national median of $74,755 by $19,968—a 27% gap reflecting rural southeastern Oklahoma's economic position. Despite this, the county exceeds several neighboring counties regionally.

Below average, but holding its own statewide

Pittsburg County's median household income of $54,787 falls $3,486 below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273, ranking it in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $29,823 approaches but trails the state average of $30,609.

Pittsburg ranks mid-range in the region

Pittsburg County ($54,787) earns more than Ottawa ($48,656) and Pushmataha ($44,634) but less than Osage ($60,482) and Pawnee ($57,551). This middle position reflects McAlester's role as a regional economic anchor in southeastern Oklahoma.

Housing affordability is solid

Pittsburg County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicates housing costs claim roughly $860 monthly for a median household, remaining comfortably within affordability guidelines. Median home values of $146,300 support modest homeownership for working families.

Build wealth with sound financial practices

Pittsburg households benefit from reasonable housing costs relative to income, creating opportunities for savings and investments. Connect with local banks and credit unions to develop budgets, emergency funds, and long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pittsburg County

via CrimeByCounty

Pittsburg County Safety Overview

Pittsburg County's total crime rate of 2,472.7 per 100K is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.1.

Tracking with Oklahoma Crime Trends

The county's total crime rate of 2,472.7 per 100K sits just below the Oklahoma average of 2,647.7. Its safety score of 96.1 is slightly higher than the state average of 95.8.

A Comparative Look at Regional Safety

At 2,472.7 crimes per 100K, Pittsburg County is safer than Pottawatomie County but has double the crime rate of nearby Pushmataha County. Nine reporting agencies provide the data that shapes this local safety profile.

Violent Crime Remains Relatively Low

Violent crime in the county is 256.0 per 100K, which is well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime makes up the vast majority of incidents at 2,216.7 per 100K.

Home Security Tips for Residents

Because property crime reaches 2,216.7 per 100K, residents should prioritize securing windows and garages. Consistent home security habits help protect against the county's most frequent types of crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pittsburg County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Widespread and Multi-District System

Pittsburg County features a diverse educational landscape with 32 public schools spread across 15 separate districts. This system serves 7,414 students through 18 elementary, 3 middle, and 10 high schools. The high number of districts relative to enrollment highlights a commitment to keeping education localized in rural communities.

Steady Performance in Rural Oklahoma

The county's 82.3% graduation rate is slightly below the state average of 84.3% and lower than the 87.0% national benchmark. School spending is measured at $6,250 per pupil, which is roughly 4% lower than the state average. The overall school score of 47.9 reflects a solid educational foundation despite per-pupil funding that is far below the national average of $13,000.

McAlester Schools Lead the Way

The McAlester school district is the largest in the county, managing 8 schools and serving 2,956 students. Other notable districts include Hartshorne and Canadian, which serve 708 and 450 students respectively. The county also hosts one charter school, offering a small alternative to the traditional public school model.

Small Schools with a Rural Heartland Feel

Education in Pittsburg County is predominantly rural, with 20 schools in rural locales and 12 in towns. The average school size is a manageable 232 students, though McAlester High School remains a major center with 957 students. This mix allows families to choose between the resources of a larger town school and the intimacy of rural campuses like Krebs Public School.

Discover a Home Near McAlester's Best

Pittsburg County offers families a variety of school settings, from small rural districts to the more robust McAlester system. When buying a home, consider how these 15 districts offer unique community cultures and learning environments. Finding the right school district is the first step toward finding your ideal home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pittsburg County

via RiskByCounty

Pittsburg County faces above-average disaster risk

Pittsburg County's composite risk score of 73.28 places it in the relatively low category but well above the national average. The county's wildfire risk of 95.20 is particularly notable and ranks among the highest in the nation.

Higher risk than average across Oklahoma

At 73.28, Pittsburg's composite score exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it in the state's upper tier of risk. The county's wildfire exposure is especially pronounced compared to state peers.

Regional wildfire hotspot in southeast Oklahoma

Pittsburg's score of 73.28 is significantly higher than nearby Pushmataha County (32.79) and Pontotoc County (62.91), making it the highest-risk county in the immediate area. Its wildfire score of 95.20 is the most extreme in the region.

Wildfire dominates Pittsburg's hazard profile

Pittsburg's wildfire risk of 95.20 is among the nation's highest and stands as the county's most critical natural hazard. Tornado risk at 81.20 and flood risk at 67.08 create additional, though secondary, concerns for the county.

Make wildfire protection your top priority

Pittsburg County homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance coverage and physical property hardening—clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant roofing, and creating defensible space around structures. Ensure comprehensive wind coverage for tornado risk and verify flood coverage separately, particularly for low-lying properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pittsburg County

via WaterByCounty

Pittsburg County Drinking Water Surpasses State Violation Average

Pittsburg County earns an F grade with 844 health violations documented over five years. The county's violation rate of 1,661.1 per 100,000 residents sits well above the Oklahoma average of 960.4.

Acidity and Mercury Compromise Pittsburg County Watersheds

All three assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired for the 2022 reporting cycle. Mercury, turbidity, and pH imbalances are the primary reasons these waters fail federal standards.

Robust Biological Monitoring at Eighteen Local Sites

Monitoring teams have captured 19,350 measurements at 18 sites across Pittsburg County recently. The efforts focus on physical and biological characteristics, including algae and phytoplankton studies.

Lack of Live Streamflow Data for Pittsburg County

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for this county. Residents must rely on drinking water compliance records and watershed health reports for intelligence.

Address Acidity and Safety Concerns in Pittsburg

High violation rates and water acidity (pH) issues make home water testing and filtration highly advisable. Stay alert to local health department notices regarding mercury in fish from impaired water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pittsburg County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Wet Regional Hub

Pittsburg County is significantly warmer than the national median, with an annual average temperature of 62.3°F. This puts the county in the upper tier of warm-weather locations in the United States.

Warmer and Wetter than State Averages

At 62.3°F, the county is nearly two degrees warmer than the Oklahoma state average. It is also much wetter than typical, receiving 46.3 inches of rain compared to the 37.2-inch state average.

The Humid Heart of Southeast Oklahoma

Pittsburg is notably wetter than its northern neighbors, benefiting from moisture moving up from the Gulf. This creates a more lush and humid environment than seen in central or western Oklahoma.

Sweltering Summers and Mild Winters

Summer temperatures average 80.9°F with 73 days topping 90°F. Winter is mild by comparison, featuring a 43.3°F winter average and only 1.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritizing Humidity Control and Drainage

High annual rainfall of 46.3 inches makes gutter maintenance and property drainage essential for homeowners. Dehumidifiers are also recommended to manage the indoor climate during the long, humid summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pittsburg County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Inceptisols in the Uplands

Pittsburg County is dominated by Inceptisols with a quite acidic average pH of 5.24. This is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and requires significant management for traditional gardening. These are relatively young soils that still retain many of the characteristics of their parent bedrock.

Gravelly Sandy Loam Texture

The dominant texture here is a gravelly sandy loam, consisting of 39.7% sand, 32.2% silt, and 17.1% clay. The presence of gravel and high sand content makes the soil feel gritty and very loose. This coarse texture means it doesn't hold nutrients as well as silty or clay-heavy soils.

Lower Organic Matter and Fair Capacity

Organic matter content is low at 1.45%, falling below the state average of 1.72%. Despite the gravelly texture, the available water capacity is a decent 0.148 in/in, slightly above the state average. This provides a small buffer against drought, though the low organic matter limits overall nutrient availability.

Fast Drainage with Low Runoff

Unlike many neighbors, these soils are 'excessively drained' and belong to hydrologic group B. This means water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of surface ponding but increasing the need for frequent irrigation. It is an ideal profile for building foundations due to the lack of swelling clays.

Hardy Options for Zone 7b

In the warmer hardiness zone 7b, the acidic and gravelly soil favors timber, native pines, and berries. The low soil score of 22.4 reflects the challenges of farming this rocky terrain without amendments. Gardeners should focus on native plants or raised beds to overcome the high acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pittsburg County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Pittsburg County Lawns

With a score of 36.0, Pittsburg County is one of the more challenging places in Oklahoma to keep a lawn green. Despite being in the warmer 7b hardiness zone, it falls well below the national median score of 50.0.

Wet Climate Meets Intense Heat

Abundant annual precipitation of 46.3 inches supports growth, but 73 days of extreme heat can quickly scorch sensitive blades. The 5,478 growing degree days indicate a long, active season that demands frequent mowing.

Challenging Acidity and Fast Drainage

The soil pH is notably acidic at 5.24, well outside the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring significant lime treatment. Because the soil is excessively drained and gravelly, it loses water quickly despite the high rainfall.

Severe Drought Affects Half the County

Nearly 47% of the county currently experiences severe drought, following 24 weeks of drought over the past year. Water conservation is mandatory for success here, especially given how fast the gravelly soil dries out.

Early Starts for Zone 7b

The growing season begins early with a last frost date of March 31 and extends until November 3. Centipede grass is a good option for the acidic soil, but it must be established during the humid spring window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pittsburg County's county score?
Pittsburg County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 36.3 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 Pittsburg County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Pittsburg County ranks #63 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 Pittsburg County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Pittsburg County is $756, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Pittsburg County a tax score of 84.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pittsburg County?
The median household income in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma is $54,787 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pittsburg County earns an income score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pittsburg County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pittsburg County scores 36.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.