CountyScore

Pittsburg County

Oklahoma · OK

#48 in Oklahoma
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Pittsburg County, Oklahoma

Pittsburg performs above U.S. median

Pittsburg County's composite score of 67.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 34%, placing it in the upper-middle third nationally. This solid performance reflects better livability than most American counties.

Slightly below Oklahoma average

Pittsburg's score of 67.1 trails the Oklahoma state average of 68.4, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 77 counties. The county is competitive within Oklahoma but not among the state's leaders.

Tax efficiency is exceptional

Pittsburg County features Oklahoma's second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.517% (tax score: 87.7) and a cost score of 82.4, making it highly tax-efficient. Median home values of $146,300 and rent at $857/month provide solid affordability.

Income and health could strengthen

The income score of 19.2 reflects a median household income of $54,787, below state averages, while a health score of 55.5 indicates moderate health concerns. These dimensions suggest limited economic dynamism and room for health improvements.

Ideal for tax-conscious families

Pittsburg County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing tax efficiency and affordable housing in a stable, modest-income environment. It suits those seeking maximum tax benefits and low living costs without expecting high incomes or cutting-edge healthcare.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.7Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth55.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.2Risk26.7WaterComing Soon
🏛87.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡26.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pittsburg County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elbert County
Georgia
67.1
Median income: $49,727
Wayne County
Illinois
67.1
Median income: $53,107
Monroe County
Indiana
67.1
Median income: $63,372
Warren County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $92,990
Webster County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $68,054

Deep Dives

Pittsburg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Pittsburg County

via HealthByCounty

Pittsburg County trails U.S. average

Pittsburg County's life expectancy of 71.3 years falls about 5 years short of the U.S. average, reflecting systemic rural health challenges. One in four residents reports poor or fair health, suggesting substantial chronic disease and limited access to preventive services.

Below state average, needs support

At 71.3 years, Pittsburg County underperforms Oklahoma's 72.7-year average and ranks in the lower third statewide. Its 23.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds state median, indicating higher disease burden and potential gaps in healthcare quality.

Struggling alongside southeastern peers

Pittsburg County's 71.3-year life expectancy mirrors Pawnee (71.4 years) but substantially trails Osage and Payne, both near 76 years. At 15.6% uninsured, Pittsburg sits slightly above state average, leaving more residents vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care.

Paradox: strong mental health, weak primary care

Pittsburg County boasts 842 mental health providers per 100,000—exceptionally high, possibly due to university or regional medical centers—yet only 44 primary care providers per 100,000. This mismatch suggests that while specialized mental health care is accessible, basic primary and preventive care remains a challenge.

Insurance closes the care gap

One in six Pittsburg County residents lacks health insurance, contributing to delayed diagnoses and higher disease burden. Explore coverage at HealthCare.gov or contact Pittsburg County's health office—insurance unlocks the primary care services the county needs most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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