countyscore
36.8
County Score
Property Tax 78.4Cost of Living 69.3Weather & Climate 62.6

County Report Card

About Sequoyah County, Oklahoma

Affordable Living Below National Averages

Sequoyah County earns a composite score of 36.8, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a region that prioritizes low entry costs over comprehensive public amenities. It represents a rural lifestyle with significant room for infrastructural development.

A Competitor in State Affordability

The county's 36.8 score trails the state average of 43.0, yet it remains a viable option for Oklahomans seeking lower taxes. With an effective tax rate of 0.567%, it competes well against more expensive neighboring counties. It serves as a budget-friendly alternative in the eastern part of the state.

Low Taxes and Housing Costs

The tax score of 78.4 and cost score of 69.3 are the county’s primary advantages. A median home value of $127,500 and monthly rents under $800 make it accessible for first-time buyers. These financial metrics provide a cushion for residents in a tightening national economy.

Health and Income Need Attention

Low scores in health (8.8) and income (14.0) suggest a need for improved local healthcare access and higher-paying jobs. Safety also scores low at 15.1, highlighting a need for community-wide protective service improvements. The median income of $49,795 trails much of the state, impacting overall livability.

Best for Budget-First Homeowners

Sequoyah County is a strong fit for individuals who want to minimize their tax burden and mortgage payments. It offers a path to homeownership that is increasingly rare in more developed counties. This location is ideal for those who can find work nearby or remotely while living simply.

Score breakdown

Tax78.4Cost69.3Safety15.1Health8.8Schools19.1Income14Risk20.9Water18.3Weather62.6
🏛78.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.2
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

Haskell County
Oklahoma
50.7
Le Flore County
Oklahoma
37.7
Sebastian County
Arkansas
35.1
Crawford County
Arkansas
43.7
Adair County
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Muskogee County
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Cherokee County
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Latimer County
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Deep Dives

Sequoyah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sequoyah County

via TaxByCounty

Sequoyah's tax rate moderately below U.S. average

At 0.567%, Sequoyah County's effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The $723 median annual property tax is less than one-third the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rate in Oklahoma

Sequoyah ranks 2nd among Oklahoma's 77 counties for lowest effective tax rate at 0.567%, trailing only Roger Mills County at 0.479%. Residents pay $236 less annually than Oklahoma's state median of $959.

Lowest among eastern Oklahoma peers

Sequoyah's 0.567% rate substantially undercuts neighboring Muskogee County (around 0.75%) and Cherokee County (similar to Muskogee), making it a tax haven in the eastern region.

Median homes worth $127,500

On a median home value of $127,500, Sequoyah County property owners pay approximately $723 annually in taxes. With a mortgage, taxes run $976 per year; without one, $551.

Challenge inflated property assessments

Sequoyah County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent arm's-length sales in similar neighborhoods. Overassessed properties are common even in low-tax counties, and appeals can result in substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sequoyah County

via CostByCounty

Sequoyah County's housing burden runs deep

Sequoyah County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio marks the highest strain among the surveyed counties, where renters devote nearly one-fifth of earnings to rent. Against a median household income of only $49,795, the $796 monthly rent represents a significant drag on household finances.

Among Oklahoma's toughest affordability tests

Sequoyah County ranks among the state's least affordable places to rent, with a 19.2% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds Oklahoma's 17.0% average by 2.2 percentage points. Only a handful of Oklahoma counties present steeper housing challenges for renters.

Rents higher, incomes lower than peers

Sequoyah's $796 rent ranks among the region's highest, while its $49,795 median income ranks among the lowest—a double squeeze. Only Texas County ($939) exceeds Sequoyah's rents, but Texas County also commands higher incomes, making Sequoyah's burden uniquely difficult.

Both renters and owners stretch budgets

Renters spend $796/month (19.2% of income) while homeowners pay $667/month (16.1% of income) on median household earnings of $49,795. This county offers no easy path to affordable housing—both renters and owners allocate substantial shares of modest paychecks to shelter.

Sequoyah renters should explore alternatives

If you're renting in Sequoyah County at the median income, your 19.2% housing burden ranks among Oklahoma's worst—nearly the maximum economists recommend for financial health. Compare these costs to more affordable counties like Roger Mills (13.6% ratio) or Tillman (17.8% ratio) to see if relocation could ease your financial strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sequoyah County

via IncomeByCounty

Sequoyah County faces significant national income gap

At $49,795, Sequoyah County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $25,000—a 33% shortfall. The county ranks among lower-income rural areas across the U.S., reflecting broader economic challenges in southeastern Oklahoma.

Below Oklahoma's income average

Sequoyah County's $49,795 median household income lags Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $8,478. The county ranks in the lower half of Oklahoma counties, suggesting limited wage growth and employment diversity.

Slightly ahead of the poorest counties

Sequoyah County outearns Seminole ($46,191) and Tillman ($47,445), but falls short of Stephens ($60,236) and Texas ($59,275). The pattern reflects economic clustering in southeastern and south-central Oklahoma, where wages remain depressed.

Housing costs place pressure on families

At 19.2%, Sequoyah County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, straining household budgets significantly. With a median home value of $127,500, many families earning the county median must allocate disproportionate income to housing.

Build wealth despite income constraints

Sequoyah County residents can strengthen their financial future by leveraging low-cost tools: employer 401(k) matches, high-yield savings accounts, and employer assistance programs. Every $10 per paycheck invested compounds over time—consistency matters more than amount when building wealth from a tighter budget.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sequoyah County

via CrimeByCounty

Sequoyah County Matches National Levels

Sequoyah County reports a total crime rate of 2,379.9 per 100,000 residents, almost identical to the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a strong safety score of 96.2. These metrics indicate a public safety environment that is typical for a mid-sized American county.

Tracking Better Than State Averages

Sequoyah's safety score of 96.2 remains higher than the Oklahoma state average of 95.8. Its total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 2,647.7, showing better-than-average performance for the region. Ten agencies actively report data to ensure transparency across the county.

Regional Safety Comparison for Sequoyah

At 2,379.9 incidents per 100,000 people, Sequoyah County has a higher crime rate than neighbors like Seminole County at 2,191.5. However, its safety score remains very competitive with Rogers County’s 96.4. The county manages a complex safety profile across its 10 reporting jurisdictions.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

The violent crime rate here is 384.4, which is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more frequent, occurring at a rate of 1,995.5 per 100,000 residents. Residents should be aware that local crime is almost entirely focused on property-related offenses.

Prioritizing Home Safety in Sequoyah

With property crime making up the majority of reported incidents, home security cameras are highly recommended. These tools provide both a deterrent to theft and valuable evidence for the 10 local law enforcement agencies. Basic precautions significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sequoyah County

via HealthByCounty

Sequoyah County's life expectancy trails nation

At 70.3 years, Sequoyah County's life expectancy falls 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years, reflecting persistent health challenges. The county's 26.6% poor/fair health rate—significantly above the national 21% average—underscores a population dealing with higher rates of chronic disease and health limitation.

Below-average health across Oklahoma

Sequoyah County's 70.3-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Oklahoma's 77 counties, 2.4 years below the state average of 72.7 years. The county's 26.6% poor/fair health rate—the highest among these eight profiled counties—signals deep-rooted health disparities in this rural area.

Lowest life expectancy in region

Sequoyah County's 70.3 years represents the worst outcome among nearby counties, substantially lower than Stephens County (73.8 years) and Rogers County (75.9 years). The 26.6% poor/fair health rate here is the highest in the region, highlighting concentrated health challenges requiring urgent attention.

Uninsured residents face care barriers

At 16.5% uninsured, Sequoyah County exceeds Oklahoma's 15.3% state average, leaving one in six residents without health coverage. The county provides 35 primary care providers and 313 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, but gaps in insurance coverage and transportation can limit many residents' ability to access available care.

Coverage transforms health outcomes

Sequoyah County's health challenges make insurance coverage essential. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov, call the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, or visit a local Federally Qualified Health Center to enroll in Medicaid or an ACA plan—your access to preventive care depends on it.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sequoyah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Educational Footprint in East Oklahoma

Sequoyah County operates 25 public schools, including 13 elementary and 7 high schools, for a total student body of 7,518. These schools are distributed across 12 unique districts, providing local control for most communities.

Consistent Performance and State-Level Funding

The county maintains an 83.9% graduation rate, staying nearly even with the Oklahoma state average. Educational funding stands at $6,203 per pupil, which is just below the state average of $6,520.

Sallisaw and Muldrow Anchor the Region

Sallisaw is the primary district with 4 schools and 1,825 students, while Muldrow follows with 1,292 students. No charter schools are currently active in the county, focusing resources on the 12 traditional public districts.

A Blend of Town and Country Learning

Schools here average 301 students, with 16 rural and 9 town-based locations throughout the county. Sallisaw HS is the largest school with 558 students, while Liberty ES serves 514 students in a focused primary environment.

Find Your Home Near Top Sequoyah Schools

Families looking for a mix of town convenience and rural peace should consider the Sallisaw or Muldrow areas. Access to consistent graduation rates and stable district leadership makes this county a practical choice for real estate investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sequoyah County

via RiskByCounty

Sequoyah County faces elevated national risk

Sequoyah County's composite risk score of 79.10 significantly exceeds the Oklahoma state average of 55.47, placing it among the nation's higher-risk counties. This eastern Oklahoma county experiences substantial exposure across multiple natural hazard categories.

Among Oklahoma's highest-risk counties

Sequoyah County ranks in the upper tier of Oklahoma's risk profile, with a score 43% above the state average. Only counties like Tulsa and Rogers carry comparable or higher composite risk exposure.

Elevated risk mirrors eastern Oklahoma pattern

Sequoyah County's 79.10 score closely matches Rogers County (80.06) in northeastern Oklahoma, reflecting the region's consistent vulnerability to multiple hazards. The eastern border counties consistently rank among the state's most at-risk communities.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose severe threats

Tornado risk (86.04) and wildfire risk (96.12) are Sequoyah County's primary hazards, with wildfire exposure among the highest statewide. Flood risk (73.60) and earthquake risk (67.05) add significant secondary exposure.

Comprehensive insurance and preparation critical

Sequoyah County residents must maintain full homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance through the NFIP. A designated storm shelter and regular property maintenance for fire risk are essential protective measures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sequoyah County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm and exceptionally wet climate

Sequoyah County averages 60.2°F annually, which is notably warmer than the national median temperature. Its 47.4 inches of annual precipitation makes it one of the wetter regions in the central United States.

A moisture-rich corner of the state

While its temperature matches the state average of 60.4°F, its rainfall exceeds the state average by over 10 inches. This high precipitation supports a lush landscape not found in western Oklahoma.

Wetter than almost all surrounding areas

Sequoyah's 47.4 inches of rain makes it significantly wetter than Seminole or Tulsa counties. However, it experiences fewer extreme heat days than Seminole, totaling 61 days over 90°F annually.

Mild winters and rainy summer months

The county sees a modest 1.9 inches of annual snowfall and a winter average of 40.5°F. Summer heat peaks at 81.1°F in July, driven by 61 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Invest in heavy-duty wet weather gear

Given the 47.4 inches of annual rain, high-quality rain jackets and waterproof footwear are essential local investments. Homeowners should prioritize moisture control and mold prevention due to the high humidity levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sequoyah County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Sequoyah County

Sequoyah County soil averages a pH of 5.50, marking it as significantly more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This level is also lower than the Oklahoma state average of 6.06. Such acidity often requires agricultural lime to support the growth of traditional forage and row crops.

A Silty Mix with Solid Structure

The composition features 40.5% silt and 30.3% sand, rounded out by 18.6% clay. This silty-sand balance offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient retention. The moderate clay content helps the soil hold its shape and support plant root systems effectively.

Superior Water Retention for Growers

The available water capacity of 0.151 in/in is higher than the Oklahoma average of 0.144 in/in. While organic matter at 1.50% is slightly below the state average, the high water capacity provides a buffer against heat. This profile supports a soil score of 30.0, indicating fair productivity.

Runoff Risks in Hydrologic Group D

Like many neighboring areas, Sequoyah County is categorized in Hydrologic Group D. This indicates that the soil has a high runoff potential and may struggle to absorb water during intense downpours. Proper landscape grading is vital for residential builders to protect foundations from moisture.

Long Seasons in USDA Zone 7b

The warm climate of Zone 7b allows for a diverse range of crops, from summer melons to winter brassicas. Because the soil is acidic and silt-heavy, it is particularly well-suited for berries and native timber. Digging in organic amendments will further enhance the 1.50% organic matter base.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sequoyah County

via LawnByCounty

Sequoyah Leads the State in Ease

Sequoyah County is one of the more favorable places for lawns in Oklahoma, boasting a difficulty score of 47.2. This exceeds the state average of 46.1, though it remains slightly below the national median of 50.0. The Zone 7b climate here provides a relatively stable foundation for turf.

Optimal Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives a generous 47.4 inches of rain per year, which is near the top of the ideal range for lawn health. Extreme heat is less of a factor here than in other counties, with only 61 days over 90°F compared to the state average of 76. A robust 4,968 growing degree days ensures plenty of energy for grass development.

Adjusting for Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH is quite low at 5.50, which falls below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and can stunt grass growth. With 18.6% clay and 30.3% sand, the soil texture is balanced but requires monitoring for nutrient deficiencies. Applying lime is a standard requirement for local homeowners to balance the soil chemistry.

Resilient Performance Amid Dry Spells

Sequoyah County is currently faring better than neighbors, with only 9.7% of the area in severe drought. Over the last year, lawns faced 14 weeks of drought, which is relatively low for Oklahoma. Even with these better conditions, following a consistent watering schedule is key to maintaining the county's higher-than-average score.

Leveraging a Long Growing Season

With the last spring frost occurring early on March 30, you have a head start on the growing season. This early start, combined with a late first frost on November 7, provides ample time to establish heat-tolerant species like Bermuda. Focus on soil pH correction in the early spring to maximize the benefits of the local rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sequoyah County's county score?
Sequoyah County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Sequoyah County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Sequoyah County ranks #61 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 Sequoyah County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Sequoyah County is $723, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Sequoyah County a tax score of 78.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sequoyah County?
The median household income in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma is $49,795 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sequoyah County earns an income score of 14/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sequoyah County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Sequoyah County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Sequoyah 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 Sequoyah County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.