Tulsa County

Oklahoma · OK

#76 in Oklahoma
60.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Tulsa County, Oklahoma

Tulsa ranks above national median

Tulsa County scores 60.2, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally and above the national median of 50.0. While above average, it lags behind other major metro counties.

Below Oklahoma state average

At 60.2, Tulsa County falls notably below Oklahoma's state average of 68.4, marking it as the lowest performer in this eight-county comparison despite being the state's second-largest metro area.

Strong health and resilience profile

Tulsa County achieves a health score of 62.2 and an exceptional risk score of 2.1—the lowest in this group, indicating strong community stability and resources. Its income score of 27.3 and median income of $67,317 also lead these eight counties.

Cost and tax burden weigh heavy

Tulsa County suffers the highest effective tax rate at 1.012%, the highest median home value at $213,500, and the highest rent at $1,060/month—making it by far the most expensive option. Its cost score of 71.4 and tax score of 73.8 are the weakest here.

For metro professionals with means

Tulsa County suits higher-earning professionals and families who prioritize urban amenities, health resources, and economic stability over affordability. It's the only truly urban option but demands significantly deeper pockets than its rural counterparts.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.8Cost71.4SafetyComing SoonHealth62.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.3Risk2.1WaterComing Soon
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼27.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
62.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
2.1
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

Tulsa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tulsa County

via TaxByCounty

Tulsa County's tax rate leads state

At 1.012%, Tulsa County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 10% nationally, significantly exceeding the U.S. median of 0.73%. The $2,161 median annual property tax approaches the national median of $2,690, making Tulsa one of Oklahoma's priciest tax jurisdictions.

Highest effective rate in Oklahoma

Tulsa County ranks 1st among Oklahoma's 77 counties with its 1.012% effective tax rate—55% higher than the state average of 0.652%. Residents pay $1,202 more annually than Oklahoma's state median of $959.

Significantly higher than adjacent counties

Tulsa's 1.012% rate substantially exceeds neighboring Rogers County (0.783%) and Wagoner County (around 0.75%), making it notably the highest-taxing area in northeast Oklahoma.

Median home valued at $213,500

On a median home value of $213,500, Tulsa County property owners pay $2,161 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,315 per year; those without pay $1,892.

Appeal assessments to reduce burden

Tulsa County residents should closely scrutinize their property assessments, as overvaluation is especially costly at higher tax rates. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales and filing a timely appeal could yield thousands in annual savings.

Cost of Living in Tulsa County

via CostByCounty

Tulsa's urban costs squeeze moderate incomes

Tulsa County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability red line, where renters devote nearly one-fifth of paychecks to rent alone. At $1,060/month against a median income of $67,317, Tulsa presents the price of urban proximity—higher rents that strain even moderate incomes.

Above Oklahoma's average rent burden

Tulsa County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 17.0% by 1.9 percentage points, reflecting the urban-area premium. This positions Tulsa among the state's pricier rental markets, though still within the manageable range for employed households.

Urban pricing with strong income base

Tulsa County's $1,060 monthly rent ranks among the region's highest, matching Rogers County at $1,018 as Oklahoma's two urban rental markets. Yet Tulsa's median income ($67,317) exceeds most panhandle counties, providing slightly more cushion against these elevated costs.

Renters pressed, owners stretched thin

Renters spend $1,060/month (18.9% of income) while homeowners pay $1,169/month (20.8% of income) on median household earnings of $67,317. Tulsa shows unusual pressure on homeowners—at 20.8%, ownership costs near the affordability ceiling, suggesting strong demand for scarce housing.

Tulsa County for urban seekers with means

If you're earning near Tulsa's $67,317 median and seek urban amenities, your 18.9% rent burden remains manageable—though higher than rural alternatives like Roger Mills (13.6%). Compare these costs against the job opportunities and cultural benefits Tulsa offers to determine whether the urban premium justifies your housing spend.

Income & Jobs in Tulsa County

via IncomeByCounty

Tulsa County earns near the national average

At $67,317, Tulsa County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $7,400. The county ranks in the middle-to-upper range of U.S. counties, reflecting a diversified urban and suburban economy.

Oklahoma's second-highest income county

Tulsa County's $67,317 median household income ranks among Oklahoma's highest, exceeding the state average of $58,273 by nearly $9,000. Only Rogers County ($77,688) outearns Tulsa, cementing the county's role as Oklahoma's economic powerhouse.

Dominant income advantage in region

Tulsa County significantly outearns Rogers County's rural neighbors and all panhandle counties, including Roger Mills ($62,721), Stephens ($60,236), and Texas ($59,275). Its metropolitan economy and diverse job base create wage opportunities unavailable in surrounding rural areas.

Housing costs are manageable

At 18.9%, Tulsa County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the 15% ideal, reflecting normal urban housing pressures. With a median home value of $213,500, higher-earning households have access to quality housing, though affordability challenges persist for lower-wage workers.

Maximize your metro-area income advantage

Tulsa County's above-average wages and diverse job market create strong wealth-building opportunities for residents. Automate 15–20% of income into employer retirement plans, index funds, and additional savings—your urban economy and income stability provide the foundation for accelerated long-term wealth growth.

Health in Tulsa County

via HealthByCounty

Tulsa County matches U.S. life expectancy

At 74.4 years, Tulsa County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 73.5 years, placing it solidly in the middle of the national range. The county's 20.2% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the national 21% average, suggesting typical health outcomes for a major metropolitan area.

Oklahoma's health leader

At 74.4 years, Tulsa County's life expectancy exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years by 1.7 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties. As Oklahoma's largest county by population and economic center, Tulsa's superior health infrastructure and insurance rates drive stronger outcomes than rural peers.

Urban advantage over rural counties

Tulsa County's 74.4-year life expectancy and 20.2% poor/fair health rate consistently outperform all rural counties in this profile, exceeding Seminole County (69.0 years) and Sequoyah County (70.3 years) by wide margins. Urban density and healthcare infrastructure concentration give Tulsa County measurable health advantages.

Best provider network in Oklahoma

With 105 primary care providers and 493 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Tulsa County boasts the most robust healthcare infrastructure of any county profiled—nearly three times more primary care physicians than rural counties like Tillman. At 14.2% uninsured, Tulsa matches Rogers County as Oklahoma's best-insured counties, enabling residents to access this abundant provider network.

Leverage Tulsa's healthcare abundance

Tulsa County's exceptional provider network means coverage directly translates to care access. If you're among the 14.2% uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to enroll in Medicaid or an ACA plan—your choice of providers and specialists in Tulsa County is unmatched in Oklahoma.

Disaster Risk in Tulsa County

via RiskByCounty

Tulsa County faces highest national risk

Tulsa County's composite risk score of 97.90 places it in the relatively high category nationally, far exceeding the Oklahoma state average of 55.47. This major metropolitan county experiences substantial natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.

Oklahoma's highest-risk county

Tulsa County ranks as Oklahoma's most hazard-prone county by composite risk, with a score 76% above the state average. The county faces natural disaster exposure unmatched by any other Oklahoma community.

Far exceeds risk in adjacent counties

Tulsa County's 97.90 score dramatically outpaces neighboring Rogers County (80.06) and all surrounding communities, reflecting the urban density and geography of the greater Tulsa metropolitan area. No adjacent county approaches Tulsa's risk exposure.

Tornadoes and floods are critical threats

Tornado risk (99.08) and flood risk (97.93) are Tulsa County's most severe hazards, with both ranking among the highest exposure levels statewide. Wildfire risk (91.25) and earthquake risk (89.92) add substantial additional threats.

Maximum protection measures essential

Tulsa County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with flood coverage through the NFIP and robust wind/hail protection for tornado season. Investment in a safe room or storm shelter is strongly recommended given the exceptional tornado and flood risk.

ByCounty Network

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