countyscore
51.6
County Score
Cost of Living 93.8Property Tax 93Disaster Risk 67.2

County Report Card

About Pushmataha County, Oklahoma

Pushmataha County Beats National Median

Pushmataha County is a standout with a composite score of 51.6, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking is rare for rural counties and signals a very high quality of life for the cost.

A Top Performer in Oklahoma

The county far exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 43.0 with its 51.6 score. It is one of the most attractive options in the state for residents prioritizing financial freedom.

Unbeatable Affordability and Low Risk

The county features an incredible Cost Score of 93.8 and a Tax Score of 93.0, with an effective tax rate of 0.413%. Safety and environmental stability are also high, reflected in a Risk Score of 67.2.

Economic and Health Limitations

Prosperity is limited by an Income Score of 6.8 and a Health Score of 7.3. While living here is cheap, the median household income is only $44,634, and healthcare access is minimal.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

This county is a paradise for those with outside income who want to live in a low-risk, ultra-affordable environment. It is the definitive choice for anyone looking to make a dollar stretch as far as possible.

Score breakdown

Tax93Cost93.8Safety45.6Health7.3Schools26.9Income6.8Risk67.2Water0.4Weather54.6
🏛93
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36
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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Deep Dives

Pushmataha County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pushmataha County

via TaxByCounty

Pushmataha has one of America's lowest rates

Pushmataha County's 0.413% effective tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in the United States, roughly one-sixth what the national median property tax burden represents. This exceptionally low rate makes Pushmataha one of the most tax-advantaged counties in America.

Pushmataha ranks lowest in Oklahoma

At 0.413%, Pushmataha County has the lowest effective rate in Oklahoma, running 37% below the state average of 0.652%. The county's median tax of $483 is the cheapest in the state, nearly half the statewide median of $959.

Pushmataha leads the state in tax affordability

Pushmataha's 0.413% rate is the absolute lowest among all five-county clusters examined, beating even Pittsburg County (0.517%) significantly. No other county in the state offers a lower tax burden, making Pushmataha the undisputed most affordable county in Oklahoma.

Median Pushmataha home costs just $483 yearly

On Pushmataha County's median home value of $116,800, property owners pay approximately $483 in annual property taxes—the lowest in Oklahoma. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $685; without one, annual costs average just $400.

Even ultra-low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Pushmataha's exceptional affordability makes it a tremendous value for homeowners, yet assessment errors still occur here as well. Review your county appraised value against recent comparable sales in your area; if yours is inflated, filing an appeal with the assessor could save you additional dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pushmataha County

via CostByCounty

Pushmataha County delivers exceptional rent affordability

Pushmataha County renters spend just 16.7% of household income on rent, staying within reasonable affordability despite the county's low median household income of $44,634—40% below the national average. The county achieves this through the lowest rental costs ($620/month) in this entire group.

Below-average affordability burden statewide

Pushmataha County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Oklahoma's 17.0% state average by 0.3 percentage points, ranking it among the most affordable counties despite having the lowest household incomes. The county's exceptionally low rents ($620) more than compensate for tight earnings.

Cheapest rents, lowest incomes

Pushmataha's $620 median rent is 20-30% cheaper than peer counties, and while the $44,634 median income is lowest in this group, the ratio still works in renters' favor. This county offers true affordability for low-income households seeking a rural Oklahoma option.

Strongest affordability for renters

Renters spend just $620 monthly (16.7% of income), while homeowners pay $523, making both tenure types highly affordable by any standard. The median home value of $116,800 is among the lowest, allowing entry-level buyers to invest minimal capital.

Pushmataha suits budget-conscious movers

If affordability is your top priority and you're willing to embrace rural Oklahoma, Pushmataha County delivers the lowest housing costs in this entire analysis. Your actual affordability will depend on local job availability, so research employment options carefully before relocating to this deeply rural county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pushmataha County

via IncomeByCounty

Pushmataha faces significant income gap nationally

Pushmataha County's median household income of $44,634 falls $30,121 short of the national median of $74,755—a 40% gap marking it among Oklahoma's lowest-earning counties. Rural southeastern Oklahoma faces sustained economic headwinds.

Oklahoma's lower-income counties

Pushmataha County's median household income of $44,634 trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $13,639, ranking it among the state's lowest performers. Per capita income of $25,596 also significantly lags the state average of $30,609.

Lowest-earning county in this region

Pushmataha County ($44,634) earns substantially less than all peer counties, lagging nearest competitor Ottawa ($48,656) by $4,022 and trailing Pontotoc ($62,564) by $17,930. Economic diversification remains a priority for the county.

Lower costs offset limited income gains

Pushmataha County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% means housing costs consume roughly $625 monthly for a median household, the lowest in this regional group. Median home values of $116,800 provide affordable homeownership but reflect limited local wealth accumulation.

Build financial resilience in Pushmataha County

With the lowest median income in this region, Pushmataha households must prioritize budgeting, emergency savings, and debt management. Connect with nonprofit credit counseling, USDA rural development programs, and local workforce initiatives to create pathways toward financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pushmataha County

via CrimeByCounty

Pushmataha County is a Safety Leader

Pushmataha County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.1. Its total crime rate of 1,217.2 per 100K is roughly half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Most Oklahoma Counties

The county's safety score of 98.1 is well above the Oklahoma average of 95.8. Its total crime rate of 1,217.2 is less than half of the statewide average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

How Pushmataha Compares to Others

At 1,217.2 crimes per 100K, Pushmataha is twice as safe as nearby Pittsburg County. Only four reporting agencies are needed to manage the low volume of incidents in the area.

Low Rates Across All Crime Types

Violent crime stands at 202.9 per 100K, far lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also impressively low at 1,014.3 per 100K, making it a very secure place to live.

Smart Security for a Safe County

Even in a county with a safety score of 98.1, keeping property crime at 1,014.3 requires community vigilance. Simple measures like porch lights and doorbell cameras can help maintain this high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pushmataha County

via HealthByCounty

Pushmataha County faces severe health crisis

At 68.6 years, Pushmataha County residents live nearly 8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—one of the lowest life expectancies in rural America. More than one in four residents reports poor or fair health, signaling severe chronic disease burden and critical healthcare access failures.

Worst health outcomes in Oklahoma

Pushmataha County ranks dead last in Oklahoma for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 72.7 years by over 4 years. Its 27.1% poor/fair health rate is the state's highest, marking a public health emergency requiring urgent intervention.

Regional health crisis zone

Pushmataha County's 68.6-year life expectancy falls nearly 7 years below county leaders Osage and Payne, creating a stark regional divide. The 16.1% uninsured rate also sits above state average, leaving vulnerable residents without financial or healthcare protection.

Mental health paradox masks primary care failure

Pushmataha County has an exceptionally high 1,028 mental health providers per 100,000—likely inflated by regional reporting—yet only 19 primary care providers per 100,000, creating a dangerous gap. Without accessible primary care to diagnose and manage chronic diseases, even robust mental health services cannot reverse the county's severe health decline.

Coverage is urgent and available

One in six Pushmataha County residents lacks health insurance in a county facing the state's worst health crisis, creating a vicious cycle of delayed care and early mortality. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit HealthCare.gov immediately—insurance is the first step toward accessing the primary care and preventive services your community desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pushmataha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Close-Knit Education in the Rural Southeast

Pushmataha County manages 13 public schools across 7 districts, providing education for 1,996 students. The system is comprised of 7 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools. Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a uniquely consistent educational environment across the entire region.

Strong Local Investment in Student Success

Pushmataha County invests $6,979 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,520. This funding supports an 82.5% graduation rate, slightly trailing the state average but maintaining a competitive school score of 49.5. While funding is still below the national average, the county prioritizes its resources more heavily than many of its neighbors.

Antlers District Anchors the County

The Antlers school district is the county's largest, enrolling 965 students—nearly half of the county's total student body—across three schools. Rattan follows with 464 students, while Clayton serves 213. There are currently no charter schools in Pushmataha County, focusing all educational efforts on traditional community-based districts.

The Essence of Small-School Learning

With an average school size of just 154 students, Pushmataha County offers some of the most intimate learning environments in the state. Brantly Elementary in Antlers is the largest campus with 481 students, while many other schools are significantly smaller. This 100% rural school system ensures that every student is part of a tight-knit community.

Quiet Living Near Community Schools

If you are looking for a home in a place where schools and communities are inseparable, Pushmataha County is an ideal choice. The Antlers and Rattan districts offer stable, well-funded environments for students in a peaceful rural setting. Buying a home here means becoming part of a community that truly values its local educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pushmataha County

via RiskByCounty

Pushmataha among America's lowest-risk counties

Pushmataha County's composite risk score of 32.79 places it in the very low category and well below the national average. This makes Pushmataha one of Oklahoma's safest counties overall, though localized wildfire exposure remains a consideration.

Oklahoma's lowest-risk county assessed here

At 32.79, Pushmataha's composite score falls dramatically below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it the safest county in this group. The county benefits from reduced tornado and earthquake exposure that characterizes much of the state.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Pushmataha's score of 32.79 is substantially lower than all nearby counties, including Pontotoc (62.91), Pittsburg (73.28), and Pottawatomie (82.32). The county represents a notably safer zone in southeast Oklahoma.

Wildfire is the primary concern here

Pushmataha's wildfire risk of 88.71 stands out as its most significant hazard despite the county's overall very low risk rating. Tornado risk at 54.58 and flood risk at 36.07 are substantially lower and represent manageable secondary concerns.

Focus on wildfire protection and standard coverage

Pushmataha County residents should prioritize wildfire prevention through defensible space management and ensure adequate wildfire coverage in their homeowners insurance. Standard comprehensive homeowners insurance should address the county's other relatively modest risks from tornadoes and flooding.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pushmataha County

via WeatherByCounty

A Lush, High-Rainfall Southern Climate

Pushmataha County is one of the wettest spots in the region, receiving a massive 49.9 inches of rain annually. Its 61.4°F average temperature is significantly higher than the national median of 55°F.

Far Exceeding State Rainfall Averages

While its 61.4°F temperature is close to the state average, its 49.9 inches of rain is nearly 13 inches higher than the Oklahoma norm. This makes it a core part of the state's 'Green Country' forest lands.

The Rain Shadow of the Ouachitas

Pushmataha is significantly wetter than Pittsburg County to the north. This high precipitation supports the dense timber and river systems that define the Kiamichi Mountain region.

Extended Heat and Negligible Snow

Summers are long and grueling, with 75 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are mild and damp, averaging only 1.5 inches of snow and a January low near 40.3°F.

Preparing for Humidity and Heavy Rain

Homeowners must manage the 49.9 inches of annual rain with robust roofing and yard drainage. With 75 extreme heat days, high-capacity cooling systems are necessary to combat the humid Oklahoma summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pushmataha County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of the Southeast

Pushmataha County has a very acidic average pH of 5.32, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is characteristic of the region’s heavily leached soils and high rainfall. While data on taxonomic order is limited, the acidic profile is a primary constraint for local agriculture.

Sand-Dominant Soil Profiles

The soil is dominated by sand at 50.4%, with 28.2% silt and 14.4% clay. This high sand content creates a very loose, porous texture that allows for fast initial water entry but poor long-term retention. It is generally low in natural nutrients because they wash through the coarse grains easily.

Low Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is quite low at 1.03%, well below the state average of 1.72%. Additionally, the available water capacity of 0.129 in/in is lower than the Oklahoma average of 0.144 in/in. These factors contribute to the county's low soil score of 14.6, reflecting the challenges for intensive farming.

High Runoff Despite Sandy Texture

Despite the high sand content, the county is categorized in hydrologic group D, indicating high runoff potential during heavy rains. This often occurs because of shallow bedrock or restrictive layers beneath the sandy surface. Effective water management is critical to prevent erosion in this hilly terrain.

Timber and Pine in Zone 8a

Pushmataha County is in the warm 8a hardiness zone, making it ideal for southern pines and acid-loving forestry. The sandy, acidic soil is better suited for timber and specialized fruit like blackberries than for typical row crops. Use raised beds with imported soil to have the most success with a vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pushmataha County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Pushmataha

Pushmataha County has a lawn difficulty score of 36.0, indicating significant hurdles for homeowners. As part of hardiness zone 8a, it is one of the warmest regions in the state, requiring specialized care.

High Rainfall and Intense Heat

This county is quite wet, receiving 49.9 inches of rain annually—nearly 13 inches more than the state average. However, 75 days of extreme heat and 5,203 growing degree days create a tropical-like environment that can stress many grass types.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Profile

A soil pH of 5.32 is quite acidic and will likely require lime to support standard lawn grasses. With 50.4% sand, nutrients and water move through the soil rapidly, necessitating frequent, light fertilization.

Abnormally Dry but Managing Well

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry, though only 1.7% is in severe drought after 21 weeks of dry weather. The high annual rainfall usually helps, but the sandy soil means drought symptoms appear quickly without supplemental water.

Warm-Season Champions for Zone 8a

The April 11 to November 1 growing season is perfect for heat-loving species like Bahiagrass or Bermuda. These types handle the 75 extreme heat days better than cool-season varieties which struggle in the local humidity.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pushmataha County's county score?
Pushmataha County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Pushmataha County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Pushmataha County ranks #16 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 Pushmataha County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Pushmataha County is $483, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Pushmataha County a tax score of 93/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pushmataha County?
The median household income in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is $44,634 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pushmataha County earns an income score of 6.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pushmataha County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pushmataha County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Pushmataha 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 Pushmataha County with other counties side by side.

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