countyscore
33.1
County Score
Property Tax 68.6Lawn Care 63.8Cost of Living 54.7

County Report Card

About Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma

Pottawatomie County Faces National Gaps

Pottawatomie County scores 33.1, trailing the national median of 50.0 significantly. The ranking reflects a struggle to match national standards in safety and infrastructure.

Below the State Average Benchmark

With a composite score of 33.1, the county sits roughly 10 points below the Oklahoma average of 43.0. It ranks as a more affordable but less serviced alternative to the Oklahoma City metro area.

Solid Incomes and Tax Savings

The county maintains a strong Tax Score of 68.6 and an Income Score of 41.5. A median household income of $60,828 helps residents manage the local cost of living effectively.

Safety and Water Infrastructure Hurdles

Safety is a concern with a score of 9.8, while the Water Score of 5.4 indicates utility challenges. These scores suggest that local tax revenue has not yet fully addressed core community services.

A Value Play for Commuters

Pottawatomie County suits residents who work in nearby cities and want to keep more of their paycheck through low taxes. It is best for those who can tolerate lower local service scores in exchange for higher disposable income.

2040608010068.654.79.82015.941.517.75.453.6Tax68.6Cost54.7Safety9.8Health20Schools15.9Income41.5Risk17.7Water5.4Weather53.633.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Pottawatomie County DNA

Foverall

How Pottawatomie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Pottawatomie County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (5.4/100), though Property Tax (68.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.6+16.599999999999994
Cost
54.7
Safety
9.8-45.2
Health
20-30
Schools
15.9-38.1
Income
41.5-9.5
Risk
17.7-29.3
Water
5.4-52.6
Weather
53.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Pottawatomie County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$869/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,828/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

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 Pottawatomie County with San Joaquin County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Seminole County
Oklahoma
40.4
McClain County
Oklahoma
39.8
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
42.9
Cleveland County
Oklahoma
31.5
Hughes County
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45.4
Lincoln County
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46.6
Okfuskee County
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42.2
Oklahoma County
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34.4

Deep Dives

Pottawatomie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pottawatomie County

via TaxByCounty

Pottawatomie taxes rank far below national

Pottawatomie County's 0.651% effective tax rate is roughly one-quarter the national property tax burden, where homeowners typically pay $2,690 on a $281,900 property. This positions Pottawatomie well below the national median, making it a highly tax-friendly county overall.

Pottawatomie nearly matches state average

At 0.651%, Pottawatomie County sits virtually at Oklahoma's 0.652% state average, placing it dead center among the state's 77 counties. The county's median tax of $1,013 runs 5% above the state median of $959, reflecting near-perfect alignment with statewide norms.

Pottawatomie represents regional balance

Pottawatomie's 0.651% rate sits comfortably in the middle of the five-county cluster, below Osage (0.727%) and Pawnee (0.695%) but above Ottawa (0.619%) and Pittsburg (0.517%). This positioning reflects the county's status as a central Oklahoma anchor in a moderately taxed region.

Median Pottawatomie home costs $1,013 yearly

On Pottawatomie County's median home value of $155,700, property owners pay approximately $1,013 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill reaches $1,330; without one, annual costs average $737.

Pottawatomie residents should check their assessments

Overassessed properties remain surprisingly common across Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie homeowners should verify their valuations against recent comparable sales. If your county appraisal significantly exceeds nearby market values, contact the assessor's office about filing an appeal to potentially lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pottawatomie County

via CostByCounty

Pottawatomie County rents are very affordable

Pottawatomie County renters spend 17.1% of household income on rent, just above the affordability benchmark but reasonable given the county's strong median income of $60,828. This rate sits only 2.3 percentage points above the national average, making it one of the more affordable options in this county group.

Slightly above Oklahoma's affordability baseline

Pottawatomie County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it essentially at the state norm. The county achieves this through moderate rent costs ($869) paired with solid household incomes ($60,828).

Competitive rents, good income support

Pottawatomie's $869 median rent ranks mid-range among these eight counties, while its $60,828 median income ranks second-highest, balancing costs and earning power effectively. Compared to Payne County's $922 rent on $48,937 income, Pottawatomie residents enjoy significantly lower affordability stress.

Strong affordability across both tenure types

Renters spend $869 monthly (17.1% of income) while homeowners invest $746, creating solid affordability margins for both groups. The median home value of $155,700 remains accessible for buyers earning near the county median, supporting the affordability story.

Pottawatomie offers strong balanced housing costs

If you're considering Pottawatomie County, the combination of moderate rents, reasonable home values, and above-average household income creates favorable conditions for both renters and buyers. Verify your household income aligns with or exceeds the $60,828 county median to ensure you'll enjoy similar affordability advantages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pottawatomie County

via IncomeByCounty

Pottawatomie near regional income leaders

Pottawatomie County's median household income of $60,828 trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,927—an 19% gap—but stands among this region's highest earners. The county's central location supports both rural and suburban economies.

Above Oklahoma's state average income

Pottawatomie County's median household income of $60,828 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $2,555, placing it in the upper half of state counties. Per capita income of $29,013 is near the state average of $30,609.

Second-highest earner in its peer group

Pottawatomie County ($60,828) ranks just behind Pontotoc ($62,564) and Osage ($60,482) in household income, significantly outpacing Ottawa ($48,656) and Pushmataha ($44,634). Shawnee's presence as a regional center drives economic stability.

Healthy housing affordability margins

Pottawatomie County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% indicates housing costs take roughly $867 monthly from a median household budget, remaining safely affordable. Median home values of $155,700 offer reasonable pathways to homeownership.

Capitalize on Pottawatomie's economic strengths

Above-average incomes and solid affordability create space for Pottawatomie households to save and invest strategically. Explore employer retirement plans, educational savings accounts, and investment opportunities through local financial institutions to secure long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pottawatomie County

via CrimeByCounty

Pottawatomie County Safety Statistics

The total crime rate here is 2,796.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.6 for the county.

Close to State Average Crime Rates

Pottawatomie's safety score of 95.6 is nearly identical to the Oklahoma average of 95.8. The total crime rate of 2,796.5 is slightly above the state average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Regional Comparison with Neighbors

Pottawatomie County's crime rate of 2,796.5 is higher than neighboring Payne County's rate of 2,253.3. Seven reporting agencies manage law enforcement across this central Oklahoma area.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is recorded at 407.0 per 100K, slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main driver of local statistics at 2,389.5 per 100K.

Improving Security in Pottawatomie County

With property crime at 2,389.5 per 100K, residents should utilize alarm systems and secure door frames. Taking proactive steps is the best way to guard against local theft and burglary risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Pottawatomie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Pottawatomie County operates 41 public schools across 15 districts, serving a substantial enrollment of 12,502 students. The network is built around 21 elementary, 9 middle, and 11 high schools. This robust infrastructure caters to a wide range of needs, from large town centers to smaller rural communities.

Consistent Performance with Efficient Funding

The county maintains a graduation rate of 83.9%, nearly matching the Oklahoma state average of 84.3%. Spending is lean at $5,911 per pupil, which is below the state average of $6,520 and significantly under the national $13,000 average. Despite these funding constraints, the county’s 48.0 school score indicates stable academic delivery.

Shawnee and Tecumseh Lead the Way

The Shawnee district is the county's largest, serving 3,332 students across 7 schools, followed by Tecumseh with 1,968 students. The county also offers educational choice through 2 charter schools, which represent about 5% of all schools. These options provide families with alternatives to the 15 traditional public school districts.

Rural Schools with Mid-Sized Appeal

With 28 rural schools and 13 town-based schools, the county offers a variety of locales for families. Average school size is 313 students, though Shawnee High School is a major center with 987 students. This mix provides both the expansive resources of larger town schools and the localized focus of rural campuses like Bethel Elementary.

A Home for Every Educational Preference

Pottawatomie County's 15 districts and charter options mean you can find a home near the specific type of school your child needs. From the academic hubs of Shawnee to the quiet rural schools in the surrounding areas, school quality is a major driver of local home value. Explore the diverse neighborhoods that make this county a flexible choice for families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pottawatomie County

via RiskByCounty

Pottawatomie faces elevated national disaster risk

Pottawatomie County's composite risk score of 82.32 places it in the relatively moderate category, well above the national average. The county ranks among the nation's higher-risk areas, driven by exceptionally high tornado exposure and elevated wildfire risk.

Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties

At 82.32, Pottawatomie's composite score significantly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, ranking it among the state's most hazard-prone counties. Only a few Oklahoma counties face greater overall natural disaster exposure.

Clear regional risk leader in central Oklahoma

Pottawatomie's score of 82.32 nearly matches Payne County (83.94) as the region's highest-risk county, substantially exceeding Pontotoc (62.91), Pawnee (48.09), and Pushmataha (32.79). It anchors the high-risk zone in central Oklahoma.

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat here

Pottawatomie's tornado risk of 96.56 is among the highest in the nation, making it the county's dominant hazard concern. Wildfire risk at 92.24 and earthquake risk at 68.42 add significant secondary threats that require preparation.

Tornado preparation is critical in Pottawatomie

Pottawatomie County residents face extraordinary tornado risk (96.56) and should prioritize identifying or building safe shelter and maintaining comprehensive wind/hail coverage in their insurance. Add wildfire and earthquake coverage to policies, and ensure flood protection is adequate for this multi-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Pottawatomie County

via WaterByCounty

Pottawatomie County Records Hundreds of Health Violations

Pottawatomie County carries an F grade with 325 health violations reported over five years. Despite this, its violation rate of 667.6 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the state average of 960.4.

Full Impairment Noted Across All Assessed Watersheds

Four out of four assessed water bodies in Pottawatomie County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Mercury and turbidity are the driving contaminants cited in the 2022 reporting cycle.

Active Biological Monitoring Spans Thirty-One Local Sites

Monitoring stations have logged 21,646 measurements across 31 sites in the county over the last five years. These efforts heavily emphasize physical, biological, and algae data collection.

North Canadian River Flow Sinks to Quarter Capacity

The North Canadian River at Shawnee currently flows at 136 cfs, which is only 25% of its long-term mean. This reduction impacts water movement through a massive 14,005 square mile drainage area.

Monitor Water Sources Amid High Impairment Rates

With all assessed water bodies impaired by mercury and turbidity, residents should use caution with surface water. Diminished streamflow further justifies regular testing for those using private wells near river basins.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pottawatomie County

via WeatherByCounty

A Rainy Patch of the Plains

While local temperature records are incomplete, Pottawatomie County receives 40.3 inches of annual precipitation. This is higher than the national median, supporting a diverse ecosystem of prairies and cross-timbers.

Wetter and Snowier than State Norms

The county receives 40.3 inches of rain, exceeding the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches. It also records 6.3 inches of annual snowfall, which is higher than many of its immediate neighbors.

Regional Moisture and Winter Surprises

Compared to surrounding counties, Pottawatomie stands out for its 6.3 inches of snow. While summer and winter temperature averages are not recorded, its precipitation levels match the lush profile of Central Oklahoma.

Rainy Cycles and Winter Accumulation

Precipitation is well-distributed, totaling over 40 inches annually. Winter frequently brings more snow than southern Oklahoma, with an average accumulation of 6.3 inches per year.

Prepare for Rain and Winter Chill

With 40.3 inches of rain, keeping a waterproof wardrobe and clear gutters is vital. The 6.3 inches of average snowfall suggests residents should maintain basic winter emergency kits for their vehicles.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pottawatomie County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols Define the Landscape

Pottawatomie County features Mollisols, which are typically fertile, dark soils, with an average pH of 5.95. This is just slightly below the Oklahoma average of 6.06 and notably lower than the 6.5 national median. These soils are historically productive but may need lime to optimize nutrient availability for some crops.

Silty Clay Loam Textures

The soil is a silty clay loam, characterized by 45.6% sand, 28.1% silt, and 16.7% clay. This mix provides a stable structure that is moderately easy to work while maintaining some moisture-holding clay. It strikes a functional balance between the sandiness of the west and the clays of the east.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter content stands at 1.33%, which is below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is almost identical to the state average of 0.144 in/in. This suggests that while carbon levels are lower, the soil's ability to hold water for crops is standard for Oklahoma.

Moderately Well Drained Foundations

The dominant soil is 'moderately well drained' and belongs to hydrologic group C. This indicates that while infiltration is somewhat slow, it is more permeable than the 'D' group soils found in neighboring counties. This makes it a bit more forgiving for gardening and small-scale construction.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 7b

The 7b hardiness zone and Mollisol heritage support a wide range of agricultural activities, from pecans to commercial vegetables. The soil score of 33.5 is near the state average, indicating reliable but not exceptional productivity. Home gardeners can thrive here by adding organic compost to boost the low OM levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pottawatomie County

via LawnByCounty

Pottawatomie Leads the State in Ease

With a high score of 63.8, Pottawatomie County is one of the easiest places in Oklahoma to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 46.1 and the national median of 50.0.

Healthy Rains Drive Local Growth

The county receives 40.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches. While specific heat day data is limited, the rainfall provides a strong buffer against the typical Oklahoma summer.

Silat Clay Loam Supports Turf

The soil pH of 5.95 is very close to the 6.0 ideal, meaning only minor adjustments are needed for peak performance. Moderately well-drained silty clay loam provides a balance of moisture retention and root aeration.

Severe Drought Requires Vigilance

Current conditions are tough, with 96.2% of the county in severe drought and 30 weeks of dry weather recorded last year. Despite the high lawn score, strict water conservation is currently necessary to keep grass alive.

Stable Growth in Hardiness Zone 7b

This 7b zone is ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia that can withstand high temperatures. While frost dates are unavailable, aiming for a mid-spring planting ensures the best establishment before summer stress.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pottawatomie County's county score?
Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 33.1 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 Pottawatomie County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Pottawatomie County ranks #69 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 Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Pottawatomie County is $1,013, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Pottawatomie County a tax score of 68.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pottawatomie County?
The median household income in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma is $60,828 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pottawatomie County earns an income score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pottawatomie County scores 33.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Pottawatomie 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 Pottawatomie 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.