countyscore
42.9
County Score
Property Tax 71.5Weather & Climate 55.6Lawn Care 53.3

County Report Card

About Pontotoc County, Oklahoma

Pontotoc County Nears the Median

Pontotoc County earns a 42.9 composite score, coming within striking distance of the national median of 50.0. This represents one of the more competitive scores in the region.

Matching the Oklahoma State Average

The county's score of 42.9 perfectly mirrors the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It serves as a quintessential example of the lifestyle and economic balance found in the state.

High Incomes and Strong Utilities

Pontotoc boasts an Income Score of 46.8 and a Water Score of 46.4, both of which are high for the state. A median household income of $62,564 provides residents with more purchasing power than their neighbors.

Health Outcomes Need Attention

The county's primary weakness is its Health Score of 19.5, which lags behind its economic metrics. Despite good incomes, residents may find healthcare accessibility or outcomes to be a challenge.

Best for Working Professionals

This county is a strong choice for working families who value decent incomes and reliable water infrastructure. It offers a balanced quality of life that captures the best of the Oklahoma average.

2040608010071.54737.519.536.446.837.146.455.6Tax71.5Cost47Safety37.5Health19.5Schools36.4Income46.8Risk37.1Water46.4Weather55.642.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Pontotoc County DNA

Foverall

How Pontotoc County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pontotoc County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Health (19.5/100), though Property Tax (71.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.5+19.5
Cost
47
Safety
37.5-17.5
Health
19.5-30.5
Schools
36.4-17.6
Income
46.8
Risk
37.1-9.899999999999999
Water
46.4-11.600000000000001
Weather
55.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Pontotoc County

Whether buying or refinancing in Pontotoc County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$170,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$880/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$170,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,564/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.5

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
Compare Pontotoc County with Limestone County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Limestone County
Alabama
Median income: $83,534
42.9
San Luis Obispo County
California
Median income: $93,398
42.9
Tippecanoe County
Indiana
Median income: $58,622
42.9
Big Horn County
Montana
Median income: $56,680
42.9
Suffolk County
New York
Median income: $128,329
42.9
Beckham County
Oklahoma
Median income: $52,323
42.9
Yankton County
South Dakota
Median income: $73,855
42.9
Calaveras County
California
Median income: $79,877
43

Nearby counties

Seminole County
Oklahoma
40.4
Coal County
Oklahoma
59.8
Hughes County
Oklahoma
45.4
Pottawatomie County
Oklahoma
33.1
Murray County
Oklahoma
44.5
Johnston County
Oklahoma
49.7
Garvin County
Oklahoma
41.3
McClain County
Oklahoma
39.8

Deep Dives

Pontotoc County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pontotoc County

via TaxByCounty

Pontotoc's taxes remain far below national

Pontotoc County's 0.626% effective tax rate is roughly one-quarter the national property tax burden, where homeowners typically pay $2,690 annually. This positions Pontotoc well below the national median, making it an exceptionally affordable county for property owners.

Pontotoc slightly below Oklahoma average

At 0.626%, Pontotoc County ranks just below Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 77 counties. The county's median tax of $1,067 sits 11% above the state median of $959, reflecting a near-statewide alignment.

Pontotoc rates competitively in the cluster

Pontotoc's 0.626% rate places it squarely in the middle-lower range of the five-county region, below Osage (0.727%) and Pawnee (0.695%) but above Ottawa (0.619%) and Pittsburg (0.517%). This moderate positioning reflects balanced county finances across south-central Oklahoma.

Median Pontotoc home costs $1,067 yearly

On Pontotoc County's median home value of $170,500, property owners pay approximately $1,067 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill reaches $1,314; without one, annual costs average $714.

Pontotoc homeowners should verify valuations

Property overassessment is common statewide, and Pontotoc residents should review their assessment notices carefully against recent neighborhood sales. If your county appraised value exceeds comparable properties nearby, filing an appeal with the assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pontotoc County

via CostByCounty

Pontotoc County nearly matches national affordability

Pontotoc County renters spend 16.9% of household income on rent, just above the 15% affordability benchmark and competitive with national norms. With a median household income of $62,564—16% below the U.S. median—the county achieves solid housing affordability for renters.

Nearly matches Oklahoma's state average

Pontotoc County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just 0.1 percentage points below Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it squarely at the state norm for affordability. The county achieves this balance through slightly above-average rent ($880) paired with above-average household income ($62,564).

Higher income, moderate rent burden

Pontotoc County's $62,564 median household income is among the highest in this group, allowing residents to absorb rent costs of $880 more comfortably than lower-income peers. Compared to Osage County ($60,482 income), Pontotoc has $2,082 more annual household income to work with.

Balanced housing costs across tenures

Renters spend $880 monthly (16.9% of income) while homeowners pay $842, with both tenure types consuming roughly similar income shares. The median home value of $170,500 remains accessible for buyers earning near the county median.

Pontotoc balances income and housing costs

If relocating to Oklahoma, Pontotoc County offers near-average state affordability with slightly above-average incomes—a stable combination for renters and buyers alike. Compare your household income to the $62,564 median to assess whether you'll enjoy above-average or below-average housing affordability in the county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pontotoc County

via IncomeByCounty

Pontotoc leads region in household income

Pontotoc County's median household income of $62,564 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,191—a 16% gap—but ranks as the highest-earning county in this regional group. Per capita income of $32,176 also leads the region.

Above-average performer in Oklahoma

Pontotoc County's median household income of $62,564 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $4,291, placing it among the state's stronger-earning counties. This positions Pontotoc in the upper half of Oklahoma's 77 counties.

Pontotoc leads its peer group

Pontotoc County ($62,564) outearns all but Osage County ($60,482) in this region, significantly exceeding Ottawa ($48,656) and Pushmataha ($44,634). Ada's economy drives steady household income and employment stability.

Strong affordability profile for the region

Pontotoc County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% means housing costs consume roughly $880 monthly for a median household, well within healthy affordability limits. Median home values of $170,500 support accessible homeownership.

Pontotoc households are positioned to thrive

With above-average incomes and manageable housing costs, Pontotoc families have room to invest in retirement, education, and wealth-building. Work with local financial advisors to maximize employer benefits, diversify investments, and build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pontotoc County

via CrimeByCounty

Pontotoc County Ranks Among the Safest

With a safety score of 97.7, Pontotoc County is significantly more secure than the national average. Its total crime rate of 1,440.3 per 100K is far below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Leading Safety in the State

The county's safety score of 97.7 exceeds the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Its crime rate of 1,440.3 per 100K is also much lower than the statewide average of 2,647.7.

Comparing Pontotoc to Its Neighbors

Pontotoc County is significantly safer than Pottawatomie County, which has nearly double the crime rate. This county remains a low-crime hub for the south-central Oklahoma region.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is extremely low at 112.8 per 100K, less than one-third of the national average. Property crime is also below national trends, standing at 1,327.5 per 100K.

Proactive Security for Pontotoc Homes

While the property crime rate of 1,327.5 is low, residents should still use basic security measures like smart locks. Maintaining these habits helps the county keep its high safety score of 97.7.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pontotoc County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Educational Leader in Southern Oklahoma

Pontotoc County supports 23 public schools and 7 school districts, serving a growing population of 7,087 students. The county’s facilities are well-distributed, including 10 elementary, 6 middle, and 7 high schools. This infrastructure provides a strong backbone for the county's highly-regarded academic reputation.

Outperforming State and National Benchmarks

Pontotoc County excels with a high 89.7% graduation rate, beating both the Oklahoma average of 84.3% and the national rate of 87.0%. The county achieves these results with $6,452 in per-pupil spending, which is highly efficient given it is less than half the national average. A school score of 52.2 further confirms that the county is a regional leader in education quality.

Ada and Byng Anchor the Region

The Ada school district serves as the primary educational hub with 2,657 students across 6 schools. Byng follows closely with 1,784 students, and Latta serves 889 students. Currently, there are no charter schools in the county, with all students enrolled in high-performing traditional public districts.

Robust Community Schools in Quiet Settings

While 18 of the county's 23 schools are located in rural areas, the average school size remains healthy at 308 students. Homer Elementary in Byng is the largest campus with 628 students, while Ada Junior High follows with 606. This environment provides students with a sense of community while maintaining the resources of larger enrollment centers.

Your Future Home in a Top School District

With graduation rates exceeding the national average, Pontotoc County is an exceptional place to invest in a home. The districts of Ada and Byng offer proven track records of academic success that add long-term value to local real estate. Choose a neighborhood that places your family at the heart of these high-achieving school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pontotoc County

via RiskByCounty

Pontotoc County faces moderate national disaster risk

Pontotoc County's composite risk score of 62.91 places it in the relatively low category and only slightly above the national average. However, the county's wildfire and tornado risks deserve particular attention despite the overall moderate profile.

Slightly above Oklahoma's average risk

At 62.91, Pontotoc's score marginally exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, positioning it roughly in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county faces relatively balanced threats across multiple hazard types.

Mid-tier risk among surrounding counties

Pontotoc's score of 62.91 sits between higher-risk Payne County (83.94) and lower-risk Pushmataha County (32.79), with similar risk to Pawnee County (48.09). The county represents a moderate-risk zone in central Oklahoma.

Wildfire and tornado are leading threats

Pontotoc faces a significant wildfire risk of 90.17 and tornado risk of 88.45, making these dual hazards the county's primary concerns. Flood risk at 45.58 represents a lower but still meaningful threat, particularly for riverside properties.

Cover wind, wildfire, and flood exposures

Pontotoc County residents should ensure insurance policies provide robust coverage for wind/hail (88.45 tornado risk) and wildfire (90.17), plus separate flood coverage if needed. Regular property maintenance and vegetation management around structures significantly reduce wildfire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pontotoc County

via WaterByCounty

Pontotoc County Maintains Top-Tier Drinking Water Quality

Pontotoc County earns a D grade, performing exceptionally well with only 8 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 21.7 per 100,000 is a fraction of the state average of 960.4.

Pontotoc Watersheds Show Strong Health and Low Impairment

Only 11.1% of the nine assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired. Turbidity is the only identified cause for the single impaired site according to 2022 federal data.

Localized Monitoring Tracks Physical and Nutrient Data

Ten monitoring sites in Pontotoc County have recorded 3,530 measurements over the last five years. Most data collection revolves around physical water characteristics and nutrient concentrations.

Flow Monitoring Paused at the Blue River

The primary streamgage on the Blue River near Franks is currently not reporting discharge data. While a 49 square mile drainage area is covered, live flow comparisons are unavailable.

Maintain High Standards Despite Low Local Risk

Pontotoc County shows strong compliance and watershed health, making it a regional leader in water quality. Residents should still monitor for turbidity, the county's primary source of watershed impairment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pontotoc County

via WeatherByCounty

Sun-Drenched and Consistently Warm

With an average annual temperature of 61.6°F, Pontotoc County is roughly six degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects a climate dominated by long summers and short, manageable winters.

Slightly Warmer than the Oklahoma Average

Pontotoc sits just above the state average of 60.4°F for temperature and 37.2 inches for precipitation. With 41.5 inches of annual rain, it is part of the state's more productive agricultural belt.

Bridging Central and Southern Oklahoma

The county enjoys more rainfall than its western neighbors, totaling 41.5 inches annually. This extra moisture helps buffer the effects of the 70 extreme heat days experienced each year.

High Heat with Occasional Dustings

July is the peak of summer with an average of 82.8°F and frequent triple-digit afternoons. Winter remains moderate with 4.1 inches of snow and a January average of 39.4°F.

Smart Water and Heat Management

The 70 days of 90°F+ temperatures require efficient cooling and a focus on water conservation during peak summer. Residents should be ready for the occasional 4-inch snowfall that can disrupt travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pontotoc County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH in Central Oklahoma

Pontotoc County has an average pH of 6.17, making it slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.06. While still below the national median of 6.5, this level is generally considered good for most regional agriculture. This chemical balance supports a wide variety of forage and crop types.

High Sand Content for Ease of Work

The soil is relatively sandy, with sand making up 46.6% of the mix alongside 31.3% silt and 20.0% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is easy to till and doesn't get as sticky as clay-heavy soils when wet. However, the 20% clay provides enough body to help retain some essential nutrients.

Meeting State Benchmarks for Growth

The organic matter content is 1.73%, which perfectly aligns with the Oklahoma state average of 1.72%. With an available water capacity of 0.148 in/in, the soil holds slightly more moisture than the state average of 0.144 in/in. These factors contribute to a healthy soil score of 44.0.

Slow Infiltration and Drainage Limits

The county is primarily categorized in hydrologic group D, which indicates a very slow rate of water infiltration. Even with the high sand content, the overall soil structure tends to shed water as runoff during heavy storms. This requires careful management of slopes to prevent topsoil loss during the spring.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7b

Located in zone 7b, the county enjoys a long growing season that is excellent for heat-loving crops like okra and sweet potatoes. The sandy soil warms up quickly in the spring, giving gardeners an early start on the season. It is a great place to establish a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pontotoc County

via LawnByCounty

Fair Growing Conditions in Pontotoc

Pontotoc County scores 53.3 for lawn difficulty, outperforming both the Oklahoma state average and the national median. This 7b hardiness zone offers a relatively friendly environment for homeowners who want a healthy yard.

Optimal Rainfall and Long Seasons

The county enjoys 41.5 inches of annual rain, staying perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch window. With 5,278 growing degree days and 70 days of extreme heat, lawns grow aggressively from early spring through late autumn.

Excellent Foundation for Root Growth

A soil pH of 6.17 is near perfect for most Oklahoma turfgrasses, requiring little to no chemical correction. The soil is well-balanced with 46.6% sand, providing the drainage needed to handle heavy rain events.

Managing Severe Drought Shifts

Despite the good soil, 55.6% of the county is currently in severe drought after 22 dry weeks this past year. Homeowners should utilize soak cycles when watering to ensure moisture reaches deep into the sandy soil.

Long Growing Window for Success

You have a wide planting window between the April 2 last frost and the November 4 first frost. St. Augustine grass is a strong contender for zone 7b, offering great heat resistance and a lush, thick carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pontotoc County's county score?
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 42.9 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 Pontotoc County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Pontotoc County ranks #35 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 Pontotoc County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Pontotoc County is $1,067, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Pontotoc County a tax score of 71.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pontotoc County?
The median household income in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma is $62,564 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pontotoc County earns an income score of 46.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pontotoc County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pontotoc County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Pontotoc 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 Pontotoc County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.