countyscore
51.5
County Score
Property Tax 93.8Cost of Living 92Disaster 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.

2040608010093.89245.67.326.98.667.20.454.6Tax93.8Cost92Safety45.6Health7.3Schools26.9Income8.6Risk67.2Water0.4Weather54.651.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Pushmataha County DNA

Foverall

How Pushmataha County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Pushmataha County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.8+41.8
Cost
92+44
Safety
45.6-9.399999999999999
Health
7.3-42.7
Schools
26.9-27.1
Income
8.6-42.4
Risk
67.2+20.200000000000003
Water
0.4-57.6
Weather
54.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Pushmataha County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$132,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$667/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$132,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,940/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Pushmataha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pushmataha County's county score?
Pushmataha County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 51.5 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 $518, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Pushmataha County a tax score of 93.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pushmataha County?
The median household income in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is $47,940 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pushmataha County earns an income score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pushmataha County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Pushmataha County scores 51.5/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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