countyscore
40.4
County Score
Cost of Living 87.2Property Tax 73.6Weather & Climate 53.5

County Report Card

About Seminole County, Oklahoma

Quiet Living Below National Medians

Seminole County posts a composite score of 40.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it falls in the lower half of national rankings, it maintains a distinct niche for affordability. Life here is defined by low costs rather than high-speed growth.

Nearing the Oklahoma State Benchmark

At 40.4, the county is just shy of the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. This makes it a representative example of rural Oklahoma living where costs are kept in check. It offers a familiar, stable environment for those deeply rooted in the state.

Unbeatable Housing Affordability

An impressive cost score of 87.2 makes this one of the most affordable places to live, with a median home value of just $91,200. The tax score of 73.6 further aids the budget, as the effective tax rate sits at a low 0.605%. Residents benefit from some of the lowest monthly rents in the state at $730.

Confronting Economic and Health Gaps

Income and health scores are major pain points at 8.6 and 7.6 respectively. A median household income of $46,191 limits local purchasing power and indicates a need for economic diversification. Water infrastructure also requires critical attention, as shown by the 1.3 water score.

Suited for Retirees and Remote Workers

Seminole County is an excellent choice for those with fixed incomes or remote jobs who want to own a home for under $100,000. The low cost of entry compensates for the limited local job market. It favors the budget-conscious who are willing to travel for health and premium services.

Score breakdown

Tax73.6Cost87.2Safety17.8Health7.6Schools22.6Income8.6Risk42.9Water1.3Weather53.5
🏛73.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧1.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.3
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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Nearby counties

Hughes County
Oklahoma
45.4
Pottawatomie County
Oklahoma
33.1
Pontotoc County
Oklahoma
42.9
Okfuskee County
Oklahoma
42.2
Coal County
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Lincoln County
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McClain County
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Cleveland County
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Deep Dives

Seminole County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Seminole County

via TaxByCounty

Seminole taxes below U.S. average

Seminole County's 0.605% effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom 30% nationwide. At $552 in median annual property taxes, residents pay less than one-fifth the national median of $2,690.

Among Oklahoma's more affordable counties

Seminole County ranks 27th in effective tax rate among Oklahoma's 77 counties, at 0.605% versus the state average of 0.652%. The median property tax of $552 runs $407 below Oklahoma's state median of $959.

Similar to Pottawatomie, Okfuskee

Seminole's 0.605% rate aligns with surrounding central Oklahoma counties like Pottawatomie (around 0.60%) and Okfuskee (similar range). This cluster makes Seminole fairly typical for the region.

Median homes assessed at $91,200

Seminole County has the lowest median home value among these eight counties at $91,200, which translates to $552 in median annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $886 annually; those without pay $419.

Verify your home's assessed value

Even at lower tax rates, Seminole County homeowners should review their assessments against current market values. If local home sales suggest your property is overassessed, request a formal appeal to reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seminole County

via CostByCounty

Seminole's housing crunch exceeds national stress

Seminole County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio signals genuine housing pressure, where renters devote nearly one-fifth of their paychecks to rent alone. At $730/month against a median income of only $46,191, Seminole households struggle with affordability significantly more than the national average.

Among Oklahoma's least affordable counties

Seminole County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in Oklahoma, exceeding the state average of 17.0% by 2.0 percentage points. This places Seminole in the affordability danger zone, where housing consumes a disproportionate share of modest household incomes.

Worse off than Sequoyah and Texas County

Seminole County's rents ($730/month) sit between Sequoyah's $796 and Tillman's $704, but the county's lowest incomes ($46,191) create the region's tightest squeeze. Renters here strain harder to pay rent than almost any neighbor.

Renters squeezed, owners get relief

Renters pay $730/month (19.0% of income) while homeowners pay just $498/month (12.8% of income) on median household earnings of $46,191. This gap reveals a county where ownership offers real relief—but only for those who can access down payments on homes valued at $91,200.

Reconsider if you rent in Seminole

Seminole County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes nearly 1 of every 5 dollars earned—among Oklahoma's tightest burdens. If you're renting here and earning near the median, compare your costs to Roger Mills ($708 rent, 13.6% ratio) or Tillman County to see if relocation could reclaim income for other needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seminole County

via IncomeByCounty

Seminole County lags far behind national income

At $46,191, Seminole County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $28,500—a 38% gap. This places the county among lower-income areas nationally, reflecting limited economic opportunities and wage stagnation.

Below-average earnings for Oklahoma

Seminole County's $46,191 median household income sits $12,082 below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273. The county ranks in the lower quartile of Oklahoma counties, signaling economic challenges that require targeted development.

Struggling alongside similar rural counties

Seminole County earns below Sequoyah ($49,795) and Tillman ($47,445), and significantly less than Stephens ($60,236) and Texas ($59,275). These disparities reflect limited job diversity and reliance on declining industries across rural southeastern Oklahoma.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 19.0%, Seminole County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, indicating housing pressures on lower-income households. The median home value of $91,200 appears affordable in isolation, but represents a larger financial burden for families earning below $50,000.

Start small, build steady wealth habits

Even with tight budgets, Seminole County residents can build wealth by automating small contributions—$25–50 per paycheck—into savings and low-cost index funds. Pair this with free financial literacy resources to maximize every dollar and improve long-term economic security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Seminole County

via CrimeByCounty

Seminole County Beats National Averages

Seminole County earns a safety score of 96.5, indicating a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 2,191.5 per 100,000 people is comfortably lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These figures suggest that local law enforcement effectively manages public safety concerns.

Above Average Safety in Oklahoma

The county's safety score of 96.5 sits above the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Furthermore, the local crime rate of 2,191.5 is significantly better than the state's average of 2,647.7. Five agencies contribute to these reports, providing a clear picture of the county's safety landscape.

Comparing Seminole and Nearby Counties

Seminole County’s crime rate of 2,191.5 is lower than Rogers County at 2,263.5 and Sequoyah County at 2,379.9. It also reports a violent crime rate of 237.4, which is lower than Tillman County’s 413.5. This data highlights Seminole as a relatively quiet hub in the region.

Property Crime vs. Violent Threats

Property crime represents the bulk of local activity at 1,954.1 incidents per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 237.4 is nearly 36% lower than the national average of 369.8. The data shows that residents are much more likely to encounter property issues than violent ones.

Simple Steps for Better Security

Since property crime is the most common local issue, residents should focus on securing garages and sheds. Installing motion-sensor lights can effectively deter opportunistic thieves. Staying connected with neighbors is another proven way to keep Seminole County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Seminole County

via HealthByCounty

Seminole County faces significant health gap

At 69.0 years, Seminole County's life expectancy falls 4.5 years short of the U.S. average of 73.5 years, marking one of Oklahoma's steepest health challenges. With 25.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 21%—the county struggles with chronic disease burden and health equity issues.

Among Oklahoma's hardest-hit counties

Seminole County's 69.0-year life expectancy lags the Oklahoma average of 72.7 years by 3.7 years, placing it near the bottom of the state's health rankings. This persistent gap reflects broader challenges in healthcare access, chronic disease management, and economic factors affecting rural Oklahoma communities.

Struggles compared to nearby counties

Seminole County's 69.0-year life expectancy is significantly lower than Stephens County (73.8 years) and markedly worse than Rogers County (75.9 years). The 25.6% poor/fair health rate here exceeds most neighboring counties, suggesting concentrated health challenges requiring targeted intervention.

High uninsurance, limited primary care access

With 17.9% of residents uninsured—above Oklahoma's 15.3% average—many Seminole County residents lack consistent healthcare access. The county offers only 34 primary care providers per 100,000, though it does maintain 314 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating some mental health infrastructure amid broader healthcare gaps.

Getting covered starts here

If you're among Seminole County's 17.9% uninsured, coverage is within reach. Visit Healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or contact the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or community health center services that can improve your family's health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Seminole County

via SchoolsByCounty

Abundant Districts Serving Local Communities

Seminole County supports 4,787 students across 27 public schools and 11 different school districts. This includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 11 high schools spread throughout the region.

Investment Above the State Average

The county spends $6,628 per pupil, slightly exceeding the Oklahoma average of $6,520. Despite this investment, the graduation rate of 82.8% remains below the state average of 84.3% and the national mark of 87.0%.

Seminole Leads with Charter Options

The Seminole district is the largest, enrolling 1,457 students across 4 schools. Uniquely, the county hosts 2 charter schools, which represent about 7.4% of the total school offerings in the area.

Small Campuses in Rural Settings

Attending school here feels personal, with an average school size of 177 students and 18 of the 27 schools located in rural areas. Wilson ES in Seminole is the largest campus with 499 students, providing a more structured town-based elementary experience.

Community-Focused Living Near Seminole Schools

Home buyers will find a range of rural and small-town options near the county's 11 districts. Exploring homes near the Seminole or Wewoka districts allows families to take advantage of larger school resources while maintaining a community feel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seminole County

via RiskByCounty

Seminole County slightly exceeds national baseline

Seminole County's composite risk score of 57.12 sits just above Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it squarely in the relatively low risk category. The county's exposure mirrors the typical natural disaster patterns found across central Oklahoma.

Mid-range risk among Oklahoma counties

Seminole County ranks near the middle of Oklahoma's 77 counties in natural disaster risk, with its score nearly matching the state average. The county faces moderate exposure compared to both the state's highest-risk counties (like Tulsa) and its safest communities.

Comparable risk to surrounding areas

Seminole County's 57.12 score aligns with other central Oklahoma counties, though it edges below nearby Stephens County (65.94). The county's risk profile reflects the regional diversity of central Oklahoma's hazard landscape.

Wildfires and tornadoes dominate the threat

Wildfire risk (91.13) and tornado risk (78.69) are Seminole County's primary hazards, with wildfire exposure particularly acute across the region's grasslands and forests. Earthquake risk (51.59) and hurricane risk (33.88) present secondary but measurable threats.

Invest in multi-hazard protection

Seminole County homeowners should maintain comprehensive coverage including wind, hail, and fire protection given the wildfire and tornado exposure. Consider installing storm shutters and maintaining defensible space around your home to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Seminole County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warmer than the national median

Seminole County's average annual temperature of 61.2°F is significantly higher than the typical U.S. county experience. It pairs this warmth with a robust 42.6 inches of annual precipitation.

Exceeding Oklahoma's average thermal baseline

The county is warmer and wetter than the state averages of 60.4°F and 37.2 inches respectively. It represents a transition zone into the more humid eastern portion of the state.

Warmer than nearby Rogers County

At 61.2°F, Seminole is warmer than Rogers County and receives more snow than its more urban neighbors. It experiences 82 extreme heat days, which is 20 more than Rogers County typically sees.

Eighty days of extreme summer heat

July brings an average of 82.8°F, contributing to a total of 82 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter remains brief and mild with an average of 41.3°F and only 3.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Plan for long, hot summer seasons

The high number of extreme heat days makes reliable air conditioning a primary necessity for local residents. Light, breathable clothing is essential given the combination of 82-degree July averages and high regional humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Seminole County

via SoilByCounty

Seminole County's Naturally Acidic Profile

With an average pH of 5.76, Seminole County soil is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level also falls slightly below the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. Growers should expect to manage acidity to unlock full nutrient availability for most garden vegetables.

Sandy Texture with Moderate Clay

The soil contains 44.0% sand, 28.9% silt, and 16.1% clay. While the dominant texture is listed as water-influenced, the physical breakdown suggests a medium-textured soil that drains reasonably well. The 16.1% clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming overly loose.

Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter is recorded at 1.32%, which is lower than the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in is nearly identical to the Oklahoma average of 0.144 in/in. This suggests reliable, though not exceptional, growing potential for native and adapted species.

Managing High Runoff in Group D

The county is classified under Hydrologic Group D, indicating soils with high runoff potential when wet. These soils typically have low infiltration rates, which can lead to standing water during heavy Oklahoma spring storms. Planning for raised beds or drainage ditches can help mitigate these hydrological hurdles.

Gardening Success in Zone 7b

Zone 7b offers a long growing season that pairs well with the county's moderate water capacity. Heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and peppers thrive in this climate. Adding organic compost will help bridge the gap between the local 1.32% organic matter and the national ideal.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Seminole County

via LawnByCounty

Struggling with Extreme Oklahoma Heat

Seminole County faces a challenging lawn care environment with a difficulty score of 42.3. This is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0 and trails the state average of 46.1. The Zone 7b climate brings higher temperatures that test the resilience of common turfgrasses.

High Heat and Ample Rainfall

Annual precipitation is healthy at 42.6 inches, meeting the ideal requirements for most Oklahoma lawns. However, the county endures 82 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than the state average of 76 days. The 5,242 growing degree days signal a fast-growing environment that requires frequent mowing.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH of 5.76 is slightly acidic, meaning some nutrient availability may be restricted without amendments. A high sand content of 44.0% combined with 16.1% clay suggests that while drainage is likely good, moisture retention can be an issue. Regular organic matter additions can help the soil hold onto that 42.6 inches of rain.

Intense Pressure from Severe Drought

Current conditions are critical, with 90.6% of the county under severe drought and 100% considered abnormally dry. This follows a difficult year where lawns spent 30 weeks in drought status. To protect your grass, raise mower blades to at least 3 inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Establishing Lawns in Zone 7b

Tall Fescue can work in shaded areas, but sun-drenched lawns should stick to Bermuda grass. Your growing window typically opens after the last frost on April 5 and remains viable until the first frost on November 1. Ensure you address the soil's acidity early in the spring for the best summer performance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seminole County's county score?
Seminole County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 40.4 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 Seminole County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Seminole County ranks #47 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 Seminole County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Seminole County is $552, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Seminole County a tax score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Seminole County?
The median household income in Seminole County, Oklahoma is $46,191 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Seminole County earns an income score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Seminole County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Seminole County scores 40.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Seminole 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 Seminole County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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