Tillman County

Oklahoma · OK

#18 in Oklahoma
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Tillman County, Oklahoma

Tillman ranks in national top third

With a score of 71.4, Tillman County ranks in the 79th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. It represents genuinely strong livability by nationwide standards.

Exceeds Oklahoma state average

Tillman County's score of 71.4 surpasses Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, placing it in the upper tier of Oklahoma counties for livability.

Ultra-affordable and exceptional risk score

Tillman County boasts the lowest median home value among these eight counties at just $71,900, with rock-bottom rent at $704/month and a remarkable risk score of 86.6—the highest in this group. Its cost score of 87.1 makes housing nearly unbeatable.

Income lags significantly

An income score of 14.4 and median household income of $47,445 represent the second-lowest earnings in this group, limiting financial opportunity and upward mobility.

Ideal for resilient budget households

Tillman County is perfect for retirees, low-income families, or those seeking maximum affordability paired with strong community resilience. It's the most extreme cost-conscious choice, trading income for unmatched housing value.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.6Cost87.1SafetyComing SoonHealth52.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.4Risk86.6WaterComing Soon
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠87.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼14.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
52.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
86.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Tillman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tillman County

via TaxByCounty

Tillman County taxes below U.S. median

At 0.663%, Tillman County's effective tax rate falls slightly below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. The $477 median annual property tax represents just 18% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes in Oklahoma

Tillman ranks 11th among Oklahoma's 77 counties with its 0.663% effective rate, just above the state average of 0.652%. Property owners pay $482 less annually than Oklahoma's state median of $959.

Similar to Cotton, slightly lower than Comanche

Tillman's 0.663% rate tracks with neighboring Cotton County (around 0.66%) and runs slightly below Comanche County (roughly 0.68%), making it a relatively affordable area in southwest Oklahoma.

Lowest median home value at $71,900

Tillman County has the lowest median home value among these eight counties at just $71,900, resulting in $477 in median annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $911 yearly; those without pay $360.

Appeal assessments to lower taxes further

Even in lower-value properties, overassessment happens frequently in Tillman County. Requesting a formal assessment review against recent sales comparables could eliminate unnecessary tax burden.

Cost of Living in Tillman County

via CostByCounty

Tillman County offers genuine rental affordability

Tillman County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within the affordable zone, where renters spend less than the 30% threshold economists recommend. At just $704/month against a median income of $47,445, Tillman offers some of the region's most budget-friendly rents.

Below Oklahoma's average affordability bar

Tillman County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Oklahoma's state average of 17.0% by 0.8 percentage points, ranking it among the state's more affordable rental markets. This positioning reflects modest rents ($704) that align well with modest incomes.

Second-most affordable in the panhandle

Tillman County's $704 monthly rent ranks second-lowest in the region, trailing only Roger Mills' $708 by just $4/month. This pairing makes Tillman and Roger Mills the panhandle's twin affordability champions for renters.

Ownership offers steeper relief than typical

Renters spend $704/month (17.8% of income) while homeowners pay $576/month (14.5% of income) on median household earnings of $47,445. Tillman's low ownership costs stand out: homeowners enjoy rates roughly 18% cheaper than renters, a significant gap that reflects affordable home values ($71,900).

Tillman County rewards budget-conscious residents

If you prioritize affordability, Tillman County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Oklahoma's best, matched only by Roger Mills—and your $704 rent leaves more income for emergency savings and quality of life. Compare these numbers to your current housing costs and consider whether the panhandle's exceptional affordability justifies the trade-offs.

Income & Jobs in Tillman County

via IncomeByCounty

Tillman County significantly lags national income

At $47,445, Tillman County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by over $27,000—a 36% gap. The county ranks among the lowest-income areas in the nation, reflecting severe economic headwinds.

Well below Oklahoma state average

Tillman County's $47,445 median household income sits $10,828 below Oklahoma's state average of $58,273. The county ranks in Oklahoma's lowest income quartile, signaling the need for economic revitalization and job creation.

Among the county's poorest

Tillman County earns less than Seminole ($46,191)—one of the state's lowest—and trails Sequoyah ($49,795), Stephens ($60,236), and Texas ($59,275). Its low income reflects agricultural decline, limited business diversity, and outmigration of younger workers.

Housing costs significantly strain budgets

At 17.8%, Tillman County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the uncomfortable threshold, absorbing a large share of household income. The median home value of $71,900 is the county's advantage, offering one of the most affordable housing markets in the state.

Build wealth incrementally and strategically

Tillman County residents should focus first on free or low-cost financial tools: employer 401(k) matches, state assistance programs, and community credit union savings accounts with minimal fees. Even $5–10 per paycheck saved consistently compounds over decades—consistency beats amount when starting from a tighter budget.

Health in Tillman County

via HealthByCounty

Tillman County falls short of U.S. health

At 71.8 years, Tillman County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 1.7 years, signaling below-average population health. The county's 25.7% poor/fair health rate—well above the national 21% average—reflects a community facing substantial chronic disease and health limitation challenges.

Ranks low within Oklahoma counties

Tillman County's 71.8-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years below Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties. The 25.7% poor/fair health rate reinforces that Tillman County faces deeper health challenges than most of Oklahoma.

Struggles with limited provider access

Tillman County's 71.8-year life expectancy and 25.7% poor/fair health rate place it among the region's most challenged counties, similar to Seminole County (69.0 years) and Sequoyah County (70.3 years). The critical distinction: Tillman County has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this profile—severely limiting routine care access.

Severe primary care shortage with high uninsurance

At 17.5% uninsured, Tillman County exceeds Oklahoma's 15.3% state average, but the real crisis is provider scarcity: just 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, less than one-seventh of Rogers County's 37. Even insured residents struggle to find primary care physicians, making preventive care access a critical barrier to better health outcomes.

Insurance first, then seek care

Tillman County's 17.5% uninsured rate compounds an already severe provider shortage—getting covered is your first step. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to enroll in Medicaid or an ACA plan, then connect with Federally Qualified Health Centers offering care to underserved rural areas.

Disaster Risk in Tillman County

via RiskByCounty

Tillman County ranks among safest nationally

Tillman County's composite risk score of 13.42 places it in the very low category, dramatically below the Oklahoma state average of 55.47. This southwestern county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. regions.

Oklahoma's safest county by far

Tillman County ranks as one of Oklahoma's lowest-risk communities, with a composite score only 24% of the state average. Only Roger Mills (23.19) rivals Tillman's exceptionally low natural disaster exposure statewide.

Dramatically safer than surrounding counties

Tillman County's 13.42 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties, particularly compared to Stephens County (65.94) and other surrounding communities. The county's unique geographic position creates substantial protective advantages.

Wildfire is the primary hazard

Wildfire risk (52.70) is Tillman County's most significant exposure, though still modest compared to other Oklahoma counties. Tornado risk (41.09) and hurricane risk (35.13) present secondary but manageable threats.

Standard insurance provides solid protection

Tillman County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance coverage for most natural disaster scenarios given the county's very low overall risk. Regular property maintenance and fire prevention measures provide adequate supplemental protection.

ByCounty Network

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