countyscore
53.8
County Score
Property Tax 81.4Cost of Living 74.3Disaster Risk 68.1

County Report Card

About Washita County, Oklahoma

Outperforming the National Median

Washita County stands strong with a composite score of 53.8, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-performing rural county relative to national standards.

A Top Performer in Oklahoma

The county significantly outperforms the Oklahoma state average of 43.0 with its 53.8 score. It ranks as one of the state's more attractive options for overall livability and fiscal health.

Low Taxes and High Affordability

The county shines with a tax score of 81.4 and a cost score of 74.3, driven by a low 0.542% effective tax rate. Median home values are exceptionally accessible at $113,300.

Healthcare and Water Access Issues

Access to healthcare is a concern with a score of 20.8, and water quality follows closely at 11.2. Education scores are also lower at 21.2, suggesting room for growth in community services.

Perfect for Frugal Rural Living

Washita County is an excellent match for families seeking homeownership and low tax burdens. It offers a safe, affordable lifestyle for those who don't mind traveling for healthcare or premium schools.

2040608010081.474.367.520.821.245.268.111.255.2Tax81.4Cost74.3Safety67.5Health20.8Schools21.2Income45.2Risk68.1Water11.2Weather55.253.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Washita County DNA

Foverall

How Washita County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Washita County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (81.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
81.4+29.400000000000006
Cost
74.3+26.299999999999997
Safety
67.5+12.5
Health
20.8-29.2
Schools
21.2-32.8
Income
45.2
Risk
68.1+21.099999999999994
Water
11.2-46.8
Weather
55.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$775/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,980/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

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55.5
Caddo County
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41.3
Custer County
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Beckham County
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Greer County
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Blaine County
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Comanche County
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Deep Dives

Washita County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washita County

via TaxByCounty

Washita offers relief from national burden

Washita County's effective tax rate of 0.542% sits significantly below the national median of 0.67%, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. At $614 median annual tax, residents pay roughly one-quarter what Americans pay nationally ($2,690), reflecting both lower rates and lower home values.

Washita ranks among Oklahoma's most affordable

Washita County's effective rate of 0.542% falls well below Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, positioning it in the lower tier statewide. Its median tax of $614 represents just 64% of the state median of $959, offering genuine property tax relief.

Washita ties for region's lowest rate

Washita County's 0.542% effective rate matches Woods County as the region's lowest, beating Woodward (0.621%), Wagoner (0.812%), and Washington (0.935%) substantially. For tax-conscious homeowners, Washita delivers the most affordable property tax environment in this five-county area.

Median home: $113.3K costs just $614

A typical Washita County home valued at $113,300 generates an annual property tax bill of only $614. With a mortgage, that rises to $753; without one, homeowners pay $460 annually—among the lowest tax obligations in the state.

Even modest savings help in tight markets

Despite lower overall rates, Washita homeowners can still benefit from assessment appeals if their property was overvalued. Even a 5–10% reduction in assessed value yields real savings on already-low tax bills—reach out to the Washita County assessor to explore your options.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washita County

via CostByCounty

Washita wins on national affordability scale

Washita County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the nation's most affordable, beating the implicit national standard considerably. Even with a median household income of $61,980—below the national median—housing costs remain remarkably manageable.

Oklahoma's most affordable housing market

Washita County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of 15.0%, the lowest among all comparison counties and well below Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%. The median rent of $775 is the cheapest in the region, making this county an affordability standout.

Washita leads the affordability pack

With a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio, Washita County beats all nearby counties: Woodward (15.6%), Wagoner (16.1%), Washington (17.7%), and Woods (19.1%). Median rent at just $775 is the lowest in the comparison group, offering genuine affordability for renters.

Housing takes the smallest piece here

Median gross rent is just $775 monthly, while homeowners average $629—the most affordable combination in the region. With a median household income of $61,980 annually ($5,165 monthly), housing costs consume only 15% of earnings, the best ratio we're tracking.

Washita offers unmatched rural affordability

For anyone prioritizing cost of living, Washita County is the region's clearest winner, with the lowest rents, cheapest homes (median $113,300), and best rent-to-income ratio. If you're relocating on a tight budget or early-career salary, Washita deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washita County

via IncomeByCounty

Washita trails national income levels

Washita County's median household income of $61,980 falls $12,775 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting limited wage opportunities in rural southwestern Oklahoma. The county ranks in the lower third of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Slightly above Oklahoma's median

Washita County's median household income of $61,980 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $3,707, placing it modestly above the typical Oklahoma household. The county ranks in Oklahoma's middle income tier, performing slightly better than state norms.

Comparable to Washington County

Washita County's median income of $61,980 nearly matches Washington County ($61,205) and substantially trails Wagoner County ($78,520) by $16,540. The county represents typical small-town Oklahoma economics, with modest but stable household earnings.

Best affordability ratio in region

Washita County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is the lowest among these five counties, indicating excellent housing affordability relative to earnings. With a median home value of just $113,300, housing costs consume the smallest share of household income here.

Low costs create wealth-building opportunity

Washita County's affordable housing and cost of living provide a genuine advantage for household wealth accumulation despite modest incomes. Families here can redirect savings toward long-term investments and financial goals more easily than higher-cost regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washita County

via CrimeByCounty

Washita County Beats National Crime Averages

Washita County earns a high safety score of 98.8, reflecting a community where crime is relatively rare. The local crime rate of 759.3 per 100K stays well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Safer Than the Typical Oklahoma County

The county beats the Oklahoma safety average of 95.8, signaling a more secure environment than many other parts of the state. Its total crime rate is nearly 70% lower than the state average of 2,647.7 per 100K.

Strong Local Law Enforcement Presence

Washita County maintains a competitive edge over regional neighbors with a remarkably low violent crime rate of 64.0 per 100K. Three reporting agencies work together to keep local incident numbers consistently low.

The Reality of Local Crime Trends

Local data reveals 695.3 property crimes per 100K, which is the primary driver of total incidents. Violent crimes comprise a small portion of activity, remaining significantly lower than the national average of 369.8.

Simple Habits for Continued Safety

Proactive safety habits, such as installing motion-sensor lights, can discourage opportunistic property crimes. Maintaining home security awareness ensures that Washita County remains a top-tier safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Washita County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Washita

Washita County maintains an intimate educational environment with nine public schools serving 1,781 total students. The infrastructure includes four elementary, one middle, and four high schools spread across four districts. This small footprint ensures a high level of community integration for local families.

Targeted Investment in Rural Education

The county invests $6,872 per pupil, which exceeds the Oklahoma state average of $6,520. While the graduation rate of 77.8% sits below the national benchmark, the county maintains a school score of 46.8. Local districts focus their resources on maintaining small class sizes and personalized instruction.

Cordell and Burns Flat-Dill City Leaders

Cordell is the largest district in the county, managing three schools and 599 students. Burns Flat-Dill City follows with 493 students, featuring Will Rogers Elementary as the county's largest individual school. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus entirely on traditional local districts.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Rural schools make up the majority of the landscape with six rural and three town-based campuses. The average school size is remarkably small at just 198 students per facility. Attending school here feels personal, with Cordell Junior High enrolling only 137 students, fostering tight-knit peer groups.

Rural Charm and Personalized Schools

If you value a setting where every teacher knows your child's name, explore homes in Cordell or Canute. The county's above-average per-pupil spending demonstrates a clear commitment to local students. Discover how a rural lifestyle in Washita County can offer a unique and supportive educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washita County

via RiskByCounty

Washita remains well below national risk

Washita County scores just 31.93 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and sitting comfortably below typical U.S. county exposure. The score reflects modest natural disaster vulnerability across all major hazard categories. Compared to national averages, Washita residents enjoy significantly lower natural disaster risk than most Americans.

One of Oklahoma's safest counties

Washita County's 31.93 composite score falls well below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, making it one of the state's lower-risk regions. The county ranks favorably compared to most of its Oklahoma peers in natural disaster exposure. Washita residents benefit from below-average hazard vulnerability statewide.

Safest among these five counties

Washita County scores 31.93, substantially lower than neighboring Wagoner (73.25), Washington (76.11), and Woodward (41.63) counties. Only Woods County (28.09) poses less natural disaster risk in this regional comparison. Washita's favorable risk profile stands out as notably safer relative to nearby communities.

Wildfire and tornado risks remain modest

Washita County's primary hazards are wildfire (68.89) and tornado risk (60.72), both elevated compared to the county's overall low composite score. Flood risk (19.75) is exceptionally low, offering residents protection from the region's wettest events. Earthquake and hurricane risks remain negligible for planning purposes.

Standard homeowners coverage suffices

Washita homeowners can rely on comprehensive homeowners insurance policies without requiring specialized wildfire or flood riders, given the county's very low 31.93 composite risk score. Basic wind coverage for the modest tornado risk (60.72) is prudent but unlikely to command premium increases. Annual policy review remains a best practice even in low-risk counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Washita County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking water grade F despite low violation count

Washita County recorded 26 health violations over five years, resulting in a failing water quality grade. Despite the grade, the county violation rate of 291.5 per 100,000 residents is much better than the Oklahoma average of 960.4. Frequent monitoring is still required to ensure compliance with federal health standards.

Most Washita water bodies meet impairment criteria

Three out of four assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired under the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle. The 75.0% impairment rate is nearly identical to the Oklahoma state average of 76.7%. Chlorophyll-A and turbidity are the primary stressors identified by federal regulators.

Robust monitoring active across eleven county sites

A network of 11 monitoring sites has generated 6,335 measurements in the last five years. The data primarily covers physical water characteristics and habitat assessments. This active monitoring footprint provides a clearer picture of ecological changes than in neighboring counties with fewer sites.

Limited real-time streamflow data for Washita County

There is currently no primary USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for the major waterways within this county. Without real-time NWIS data, local water managers rely more heavily on historic compliance records and periodic sampling. This lack of live data makes it harder to track immediate impacts from storm events or droughts.

Watch for turbidity and monitor local updates

Because 75% of local waters suffer from high turbidity, sediment filtration is a smart investment for private well owners. Residents should stay alert to utility notices, as the F grade signals recurring issues in the distribution system. In the absence of live streamflow data, quarterly water quality reports are your primary tool for safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washita County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Hub in the Southern Plains

Washita County maintains an average annual temperature of 60.0°F, placing it significantly warmer than the national median of roughly 54.4°F. This humid subtropical climate experiences long, intense summers and relatively mild winters compared to the rest of the United States.

Aligned with the Oklahoma Average

The county's 60.0°F annual average sits nearly identical to the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. While it mirrors the state's thermal profile, its annual precipitation of 28.8 inches is notably lower than the statewide average of 37.2 inches.

Drier than Eastern Oklahoma Neighbors

Washita County is considerably more arid than counties to the east, receiving roughly 8.4 fewer inches of rain than the state average. Its summer average of 80.7°F reflects a heat profile common across the central Oklahoma plains.

Three Months of Extreme Summer Heat

Residents face 90 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, centered around a scorching July average of 82.7°F. Winter remains manageable with a January average of 38.2°F and a modest 6.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Water Conservation

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the 90 days of extreme heat each year. Given the low 28.8 inches of annual rainfall, homeowners should also consider drought-resistant landscaping and water-efficient outdoor planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washita County

via SoilByCounty

Favorable Neutral pH Levels

Washita County boasts a pH of 6.73, which is more alkaline than the Oklahoma average of 6.06 and sits just above the national median. This near-neutrality is highly favorable for the nutrient uptake of most common crops.

Sandy Texture Ensures Excellent Aeration

With 43.7% sand and 34.0% silt, these soils are light and provide excellent aeration for plant roots. The relatively low clay content of 14.9% means the ground is easy to work but may lose moisture quickly.

Boosting Organic Matter for Better Yields

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 0.98%, and water capacity sits slightly below the state norm at 0.139 in/in. Adding compost or organic mulch can help improve these numbers and increase your garden's productivity.

Managing High Runoff Risks

The soil belongs to hydrologic group D, which indicates a high runoff potential when the ground becomes saturated. Despite the sandy texture, local land managers should plan for controlled drainage to prevent erosion during heavy storms.

Resilient Crops for Western Oklahoma

Zone 7b is perfect for heat-loving staples like cotton and wheat that thrive in sandy soil. Consider planting drought-resistant varieties to make the most of the warm climate and neutral pH.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washita County

via LawnByCounty

Heat Challenges Define Washita Lawns

A lawn difficulty score of 41.3 puts this county below the state average of 46.1 and the national median of 50.0. Growing a lush lawn in Zone 7b requires extra effort here due to extreme summer temperatures and dry spells.

Scorching Summers and Limited Rain

Lawns face 90 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 76 days. With only 28.8 inches of annual precipitation, you fall short of the 30-50 inches ideal for most lawns, making supplemental irrigation essential.

Near Ideal Soil Chemistry

The soil pH is 6.73, which falls perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. With 43.7% sand, the soil drains well, though this means it may also dry out faster during the intense 82.7°F July peaks.

Total Coverage of Severe Drought

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, with 28 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the past year. To survive these 100% drought conditions, utilize mulching mowers to return moisture and nutrients to the soil.

Time Your Planting for Success

Bermudagrass is your best bet to handle the 90-degree summer heat once the last frost passes around April 5. Start seeding in early spring to establish deep roots before the relentless summer sun arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washita County's county score?
Washita County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Washita County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Washita County ranks #11 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 Washita County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Washita County is $614, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Washita County a tax score of 81.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washita County?
The median household income in Washita County, Oklahoma is $61,980 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washita County earns an income score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washita County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Washita County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Washita 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 Washita County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.