countyscore
58.7
County Score
Property Tax 88.1Cost of Living 78.7Disaster Risk 76.8

County Report Card

About Roger Mills County, Oklahoma

A National Leader in Small-Town Quality

With a composite score of 58.7, Roger Mills County comfortably outperforms the national median of 50.0. This score reflects an exceptionally high standard of living relative to the average American county. Residents enjoy a rare blend of financial stability and community resilience.

Dominating the Oklahoma Average

The county's 58.7 overall score sits significantly higher than the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. This strong performance places Roger Mills as a premier choice within the state. It offers a level of livability that few of its neighbors can match.

A Financial and Environmental Sanctuary

Tax and cost dimensions are the county's crown jewels, scoring 88.1 and 78.7 respectively. With a low effective tax rate of 0.479% and a median home value of $152,600, your money goes much further here. A high risk score of 76.8 also indicates strong resistance to natural disasters.

Focusing on Water and Wellness

The water score of 6.9 is the most pressing area for infrastructure improvement. Health services also trail behind with a score of 37.5, suggesting residents may travel for specialized care. Addressing these environmental and service gaps remains the primary hurdle for the local government.

Ideal for Practical, Cost-Conscious Families

This county is a perfect fit for families looking to maximize their wealth while avoiding environmental risks. The combination of low taxes and high affordability creates a stable foundation for long-term growth. It suits those who prioritize financial freedom over urban amenities.

2040608010088.178.749.337.546.447.376.86.955Tax88.1Cost78.7Safety49.3Health37.5Schools46.4Income47.3Risk76.8Water6.9Weather5558.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Roger Mills County DNA

Foverall

How Roger Mills County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Roger Mills County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (88.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.1+36.099999999999994
Cost
78.7+30.700000000000003
Safety
49.3
Health
37.5-12.5
Schools
46.4
Income
47.3
Risk
76.8+29.799999999999997
Water
6.9-51.1
Weather
55
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$708/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,721/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.6

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
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Nearby counties

Ellis County
Oklahoma
54.6
Hemphill County
Texas
53.4
Beckham County
Oklahoma
42.9
Dewey County
Oklahoma
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Custer County
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Wheeler County
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Lipscomb County
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Woodward County
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38.1

Deep Dives

Roger Mills County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roger Mills County

via TaxByCounty

Roger Mills taxes well below national average

At 0.479%, Roger Mills County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the U.S. median of 0.73%. The national median property tax bill is $2,690 annually, while Roger Mills residents pay just $731, a difference of nearly $2,000 per year.

Lowest-taxing county in Oklahoma

Roger Mills has the lowest effective tax rate among Oklahoma's 77 counties, at 0.479% compared to the state average of 0.652%. Homeowners here also pay $228 less annually than the state median of $959 in property taxes.

Much lower than nearby Beaver, Woodward

Roger Mills' 0.479% rate undercuts similar panhandle counties significantly. Neighboring Beaver County taxes at roughly 0.60%, while Woodward County averages higher still, making Roger Mills a relative tax haven in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Median home costs $152,600 to own

On a median home value of $152,600, Roger Mills property owners pay approximately $731 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes average $681 per year; without one, $789.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners overpay due to inflated assessments. If your property seems overvalued compared to recent sales, filing an appeal with the county assessor could lower your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roger Mills County

via CostByCounty

Roger Mills outpaces national affordability

At 13.6%, Roger Mills County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national standard of affordability, where economists recommend spending no more than 30% of income on housing. Renters here spend significantly less of their paycheck on rent than the typical American household, making it a genuinely affordable corner of the housing market.

The most affordable county in Oklahoma

Roger Mills County ranks as Oklahoma's most affordable place to rent, with a 13.6% rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average of 17.0% by 3.4 percentage points. This distinction reflects both modest rents ($708/month) and solid household incomes ($62,721), a rare combination in rural Oklahoma.

Cheaper than surrounding counties

Roger Mills' $708 monthly rent trails Stephens County ($865), Texas County ($939), and Tillman County ($704) in the region. Only Tillman County comes close to matching these affordability levels, making Roger Mills and Tillman the budget-friendly choices for renters across the panhandle.

Renters and owners both win here

Renters spend $708/month while homeowners pay $681/month in costs on a median income of $62,721—meaning housing claims just 13.6% of renter income and roughly 13% of owner income. This tight pairing shows Roger Mills offers genuine affordability for both paths to housing.

Consider Roger Mills for affordability

If housing costs weigh on your budget, Roger Mills County deserves serious consideration: median rent trails the state by $106/month, and the 13.6% rent-to-income ratio gives you breathing room for other essentials. Compare these numbers to your current housing burden and see if the panhandle's affordability matches your financial goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roger Mills County

via IncomeByCounty

Roger Mills earns above the national average

At $62,721, Roger Mills County's median household income falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $12,000. The county still ranks solidly in the middle of U.S. counties, outperforming many rural and small-town economies across the country.

Top income tier in Oklahoma

Roger Mills County's $62,721 median household income ranks among Oklahoma's highest, sitting $4,448 above the state average of $58,273. This positions the county as a relative economic hub within Oklahoma, driven by its agricultural and small-business base.

Stronger than most panhandle peers

Roger Mills County outearns several neighboring panhandle counties, including Stephens ($60,236) and Texas ($59,275). Its income advantage reflects a more diverse local economy and stronger wage opportunities compared to surrounding rural areas.

Housing costs are very manageable

At just 13.6%, Roger Mills County's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the state, well below the 15-20% range considered affordable. The median home value of $152,600 remains accessible for households earning the county median, indicating solid housing affordability.

Build on your income advantage

With housing costs well-controlled, Roger Mills County households have real opportunity to save and invest beyond basic living expenses. Consider setting aside 10–15% of your income for retirement accounts, emergency savings, and long-term wealth building—your housing affordability gives you room to do it.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roger Mills County

via CrimeByCounty

Roger Mills Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Roger Mills County boasts an elite safety score of 98.2, placing it far above most U.S. jurisdictions. Its total crime rate of 1,139.3 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency makes it a standout for public safety on the national stage.

Outperforming the Oklahoma Average

The county's safety score of 98.2 easily surpasses the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. With crime reporting coming from a single agency, the data suggests a remarkably quiet local environment. Residents experience significantly less activity than the state average total crime rate of 2,647.7.

A Regional Leader in Low Crime

Compared to Texas County’s rate of 1,300.6, Roger Mills County sees even fewer incidents at 1,139.3 per 100,000 people. It also maintains a much lower crime profile than Stephens County, which reports 1,828.9 incidents. This suggests a uniquely calm atmosphere even when compared to its safe rural neighbors.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of just 87.6 per 100,000 residents compared to the national 369.8. The vast majority of local incidents involve property crime, which sits at 1,051.7. Because only one agency reports data, these numbers reflect a highly localized safety profile.

Maintaining Peace in Roger Mills

While crime rates are exceptionally low, basic home security remains a smart preventative measure. Simple steps like motion-activated lighting can deter the property crimes that make up the bulk of local incidents. Staying vigilant helps preserve the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Roger Mills County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Roger Mills County maintains a focused education network consisting of 6 public schools managed by 3 local districts. The county serves a total of 713 students across 3 elementary and 3 high schools.

Strong Investment Despite Lower Graduation Rates

The county invests $8,927 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the Oklahoma state average of $6,520 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. While the graduation rate of 82.3% trails both the state and national averages, the county maintains a respectable school score of 53.6.

Cheyenne and Hammon Lead the County

The Cheyenne district is the largest in the area, serving 307 students across 2 schools. Hammon follows closely with 282 students, and there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Quiet, Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a small-town atmosphere with an average of just 119 students per school. Cheyenne ES is the largest facility with 228 students, while Cheyenne HS provides a very intimate setting for its 79 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Local Schools

Families seeking a tight-knit community where every teacher knows their students should explore the residential options in Cheyenne and Hammon. School quality is a primary factor for home buyers looking for the stability and personal attention found in these rural districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roger Mills County

via RiskByCounty

Roger Mills sits well below national risk

Roger Mills County's composite risk score of 23.19 places it in the very low category, significantly below the state average of 55.47. This county faces substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, making it one of Oklahoma's safest communities.

One of Oklahoma's lowest-risk counties

Roger Mills ranks among Oklahoma's safest counties, with a composite risk score nearly 60% below the state average. Only a handful of Oklahoma counties carry lower overall natural disaster risk than this panhandle region.

Notably safer than neighboring counties

Roger Mills' score of 23.19 is dramatically lower than nearby Beaver County and other panhandle neighbors that score 50 or higher. The county's remote location and landscape characteristics create a protective advantage across multiple hazard types.

Wildfire poses the clearest hazard

Wildfire risk (89.15) is Roger Mills' most significant exposure, though still typical for the Oklahoma panhandle's semi-arid grasslands. Tornado and earthquake risks remain modest compared to other Oklahoma counties, with scores of 39.09 and 18.64 respectively.

Standard homeowners coverage recommended

While Roger Mills faces very low overall risk, homeowners should maintain standard fire and property insurance given the wildfire exposure. Review your policy annually to ensure adequate coverage for your home's replacement value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Roger Mills County

via WaterByCounty

Roger Mills Earns Grade F for Compliance

The county recorded 13 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a violation rate of 515.3 per 100,000 people. While this rate sits below the Oklahoma average of 960.4, it still triggers a failing grade under federal standards.

Watershed Assessments Pending for Roger Mills

Local water bodies in Roger Mills County are not yet covered under the federal §303(d) assessment program. Because no local streams have been analyzed for the current reporting cycle, the share of impaired waters remains unknown.

Monitoring Focused on Physical Habitat

Four monitoring sites currently track water quality across the county, generating 1,709 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and habitat conditions to monitor the local environment.

Washita River Flow Hits Critical Lows

The Washita River near Cheyenne currently flows at just 1 cfs, which represents only 4% of its long-term mean. This significant drop from the 20 cfs average highlights severe hydrological stress in the region.

Action Needed Amid Low River Flows

Extreme low flow in the Washita River may concentrate natural contaminants, so residents should monitor utility notices closely. Given the failing compliance grade, installing a certified home water filter provides an extra layer of safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roger Mills County

via WeatherByCounty

Arid Plains with Wide Temperature Swings

Roger Mills County features a 58.6°F annual average, slightly cooler than the state average but warmer than the national median. It is characterized by its dry climate, receiving only 27.6 inches of rain annually.

Drier and Cooler than the State Average

The county is significantly drier than the Oklahoma average of 37.2 inches, falling nearly 10 inches short. Its 58.6°F average also makes it one of the cooler counties in the state overall.

Western Border Climate Extremes

Located on the Texas border, the county experiences more snowfall (7.1 inches) than most of central and eastern Oklahoma. The lack of humidity compared to eastern neighbors leads to more dramatic daily temperature changes.

Fierce Heat and Snowy Winters

Summers are brutal with 74 days of 90°F+ heat, while winters are the snowiest in this group at 7.1 inches. This creates a landscape of extremes, from a dry 81.4°F July to a 36.3°F January.

Ready for Drought and Snow

The low 27.6-inch rainfall requires drought-resistant landscaping and careful water management. Residents also need to prepare for winter storms, as the 7.1 inches of snow can create drifts in the open plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roger Mills County

via SoilByCounty

Roger Mills County's Slightly Alkaline Soil Profile

The county features an average pH of 6.81, which is notably higher than the national median of 6.5 and the Oklahoma average of 6.06. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the soil score of 31.6 reflects a challenging environment for some high-yield crops. Gardeners here manage a profile that leans more alkaline than most of the state.

Sand Dominates the County Landscape

Sand makes up 55.5% of the soil, paired with 27.2% silt and a low 12.7% clay content. This high sand percentage ensures the soil remains easy to work and resists compaction. However, the low clay level means nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains.

Navigating Lean Organic Matter Content

Organic matter stands at 1.07%, trailing behind the Oklahoma average of 1.72% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.132 in/in, indicating the soil holds less moisture than the state average of 0.144 in/in. Focused composting is essential to improve these fertility metrics.

Slow Internal Water Movement Challenges

This county falls into Hydrologic Group D, which typically signals high runoff potential and slow infiltration. While the specific drainage class remains unrecorded, the sand-heavy texture usually provides some surface relief. Builders and farmers must plan for surface water management to avoid erosion.

Successful Gardening in Hardiness Zone 7a

Roger Mills County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, perfect for heat-tolerant vegetables and native grasses. The sandy, alkaline soil supports drought-resistant species like lavender, okra, and southern peas. Starting a garden here requires regular mulching to preserve the limited water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roger Mills County

via LawnByCounty

Roger Mills County Lawn Care Challenges

Maintaining a lawn in Roger Mills County is moderately difficult, with a score of 42.0 out of 100. This falls below both the national median of 50.0 and the Oklahoma state average of 46.1. This Zone 7a region requires extra effort compared to neighbor counties due to more restrictive growth conditions.

Arid Climate Impacts Growing Success

The county receives just 27.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is below the 30-50 inches ideal for most turfgrass. Local lawns endure 74 days of extreme heat above 90°F and must manage 4,685 growing degree days. While the growing season length data is limited, the high heat days necessitate a strict irrigation schedule during peak summer.

Well-Balanced Soil for Local Lawns

The soil pH of 6.81 is nearly perfect, sitting right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The composition is sandy-heavy at 55.5% with a low clay content of 12.7%, ensuring that roots won't get trapped in heavy mud. While specific drainage class data is missing, the high sand percentage typically suggests rapid water movement.

Managing Constant Drought Pressure

Lawns here face significant stress, with 30 weeks spent in drought conditions over the past year. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, and 7.5% faces severe drought levels. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems that can survive these dry spells.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

Bermuda and Buffalo grass are excellent choices for this climate given their natural heat and drought tolerance. Plan your seeding or sodding after the last spring frost on April 16 but before the first fall frost on October 23. Starting early in the spring allows the root system to establish before the 74 days of extreme heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roger Mills County's county score?
Roger Mills County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Roger Mills County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Roger Mills County ranks #4 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 Roger Mills County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Roger Mills County is $731, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Roger Mills County a tax score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roger Mills County?
The median household income in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma is $62,721 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roger Mills County earns an income score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roger Mills County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Roger Mills County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Roger Mills 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 Roger Mills 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.