countyscore
56.8
County Score
Property Tax 84.3Disaster Risk 71.9Schools 69.5

County Report Card

About Woods County, Oklahoma

A Leader in National Livability

Woods County achieves a composite score of 56.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high quality of life driven by strong civic metrics.

Superior Quality Within Oklahoma

Woods County far exceeds the state average of 43.0, marking it as a premier destination within Oklahoma. It combines low taxes with surprisingly high-performing public schools.

Exceptional Taxes and Local Schools

The county boasts a 84.3 tax score and a 69.5 school score, a rare combination for the region. Homeowners benefit from a very low effective tax rate of 0.515%.

Modest Incomes and Low Safety

The income score is the county's primary weakness at 15.8, with a median household income of $50,512. Safety also lags with a score of 44.6, which is below the state's top performers.

Best for Community-Oriented Families

Woods County is perfect for families who value quality education and a low cost of living. It is a top choice for those who prioritize community stability over high-salary corporate jobs.

Score breakdown

Tax84.3Cost59.1Safety44.6Health45.7Schools69.5Income15.8Risk71.9Water33Weather50.5
🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.3
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

Woodward County
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38.1
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Major County
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58.7
Harper County
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Barber County
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Deep Dives

Woods County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Woods County

via TaxByCounty

Woods County keeps taxes well below national

Woods County's effective tax rate of 0.515% ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, far below the 0.67% median. Though the median annual tax is $731, the county's low rate on modest-valued homes ($141,900) delivers genuine affordability compared to the national median of $2,690.

Woods ranks lowest statewide

Woods County holds Oklahoma's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.515%, undercutting the state average of 0.652%. Its median tax of $731 trails the state median of $959 by 24%, making it a rare tax haven in Oklahoma.

Woods ties Washita for region's best deal

Woods County's 0.515% effective rate matches Washita as the region's lowest, beating Woodward (0.621%), Wagoner (0.812%), and Washington (0.935%) by wide margins. Residents enjoy the region's most tax-friendly environment, though home values remain modest.

Median home: $141.9K costs $731 yearly

A typical Woods County home valued at $141,900 generates an annual property tax bill of $731. With a mortgage, expect $1,215; without one, homeowners pay just $478—reflecting the county's rock-bottom effective rate.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in Oklahoma's most tax-friendly county, assessment errors occur and properties are sometimes overvalued. If you believe your Woods County home is overassessed, an appeal could recover several hundred dollars over time—contact the county assessor to check your assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Woods County

via CostByCounty

Woods County ranks among nation's priciest

Woods County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% is notably above the national standard, reflecting tight affordability for renters. With the region's lowest median household income at $50,512—32% below the national median—residents here face real housing pressure.

Oklahoma's most stressed housing market

At 19.1%, Woods County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all comparison counties and exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 17.0% by a significant margin. This county faces the toughest affordability challenge in the region we're analyzing.

Woods County's affordability crisis tops the region

Woods County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is substantially worse than any peer: Washita (15.0%), Woodward (15.6%), Wagoner (16.1%), and Washington (17.7%). The combination of the lowest incomes and above-average rents creates a genuine affordability squeeze.

Housing dominates Woods County budgets

Median gross rent is $806 monthly, while homeowners pay $783—nearly equivalent costs for both renters and buyers. Against the state's lowest median household income of just $50,512 annually ($4,210 monthly), housing consumes nearly one-fifth of household earnings, the highest burden in our comparison.

Woods County demands careful financial planning

With the region's tightest affordability ratio and lowest incomes, Woods County is best suited for buyers seeking cheap homes (median $141,900) or those with stable, above-average earnings. If you're relocating with modest income, seriously compare options in Washita or Woodward first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Woods County

via IncomeByCounty

Woods significantly below national earnings

Woods County's median household income of $50,512 falls $24,243 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in America. This substantial gap reflects severe economic challenges in this rural panhandle county.

Lowest income in Oklahoma

Woods County's median household income of $50,512 trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $7,761, making it one of the state's lowest-earning counties. The gap underscores the county's economic struggles relative to even Oklahoma's modest statewide income levels.

Significantly behind all peers

Woods County's median income of $50,512 lags every neighboring county profiled here, falling $11,548 below Wagoner County and $10,000 below Washita County. The county faces the region's most challenging economic conditions by a considerable margin.

Housing strains household budgets

Woods County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% is the highest among these five counties, placing housing costs under greater strain on household finances. With a median home value of $141,900, housing represents a larger economic burden relative to the county's modest median income.

Maximize limited resources wisely

Woods County households must prioritize essential expenses and build emergency savings before pursuing investments, given tighter financial margins. Local nonprofit organizations and county extension offices often offer free financial literacy programs—valuable resources for households managing tight budgets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Woods County

via CrimeByCounty

Woods County Maintains Strong Safety Rating

Woods County presents a solid safety score of 98.0, indicating a secure living environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,235.4 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Secure Pocket in Northwest Oklahoma

While the state average crime rate sits at 2,647.7 per 100K, Woods County operates at a much safer level. The county's safety score of 98.0 ranks it well above the statewide benchmark of 95.8.

Consistent Safety Across the Region

Woods County maintains lower violent crime rates than several neighboring jurisdictions, with only 173.2 incidents per 100K. Four reporting agencies provide robust coverage to maintain this high level of public safety.

Understanding the Property Crime Landscape

Property crimes make up the majority of reported incidents at 1,062.2 per 100K. However, both property and violent crime rates in Woods County remain below the respective national averages.

Stay Vigilant to Stay Safe

Keeping a watchful eye and using basic home security tech can prevent minor property thefts. Local residents are encouraged to use smart locks and secure garages to stay ahead of regional trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Woods County

via HealthByCounty

Woods County leads Oklahoma health outcomes

Woods County's life expectancy of 76.0 years exceeds the national average of 74.5 years by 1.5 years, with just 18.8% reporting poor or fair health versus 19% nationally. These figures reflect strong preventive care practices and chronic disease management across the county.

Woods ranks among Oklahoma's healthiest

At 76.0 years, Woods County residents live 3.3 years longer than Oklahoma's state average of 72.7 years, placing it among the state's health leaders. The low poor/fair health rate of 18.8% demonstrates effective disease prevention and health promotion.

Woods offers exceptional provider access

Woods County leads all peer counties with 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an impressive 420 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in the region. This robust healthcare infrastructure enables residents to access care locally without long travels.

Low uninsured rate supports health equity

Just 12.6% of Woods County residents lack health insurance, just slightly above Oklahoma's 15.3% average and well-managed through the county's strong provider network. High insurance penetration combined with abundant providers means most residents can get timely, preventive care.

Keep that advantage—maintain your coverage

While Woods County has one of Oklahoma's lowest uninsured rates, 12.6% of residents still go without coverage. If you're among them, visit HealthCare.gov to secure insurance and keep Woods County's health advantage strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Woods County

via SchoolsByCounty

Woods County: A High-Performing Network

Woods County operates nine public schools serving a compact student body of 1,294 individuals across three districts. The system features five elementary, one middle, and three high schools. This streamlined infrastructure supports a highly focused academic environment for the community.

Top-Tier Results and Strong Funding

Woods County achieves an exceptional 91.6% graduation rate, far surpassing both the state average and the 87% national benchmark. This success is backed by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $8,901, which is over $2,000 more than the state average. The resulting school score of 58.5 reflects these high standards.

Alva Leads the County Educational Effort

The Alva district is the primary educational provider, serving 1,039 students across five different schools. Waynoka and Freedom districts manage the remaining student population through smaller, traditional public facilities. The county maintains a strictly traditional public school model with zero charter schools.

Small Town Values and Tiny Classes

Education in Woods County is characterized by extremely small school sizes, averaging just 144 students. The largest school, Alva High, enrolls only 263 students, while the Freedom district serves just 32 students in total. This mix of five town and four rural locales ensures an intimate, focused learning atmosphere.

Secure Your Home in a Top-Performing County

With some of the best graduation rates in Oklahoma, Woods County is a premier destination for families. High per-pupil spending and small class sizes near Alva Middle School make this area a smart real estate investment. Explore homes here to give your children access to a high-scoring, well-funded school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Woods County

via RiskByCounty

Woods County remains exceptionally safe

Woods County scores just 28.09 on composite risk, achieving a Very Low rating and ranking among America's safest counties by natural disaster exposure. The score reflects minimal vulnerability across nearly all major hazard categories. Compared to national averages, Woods residents benefit from dramatically lower natural disaster risk than typical U.S. counties.

Oklahoma's lowest-risk county profile

Woods County's 28.09 composite score sits far below Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, placing it among the state's safest regions for natural disaster exposure. The county ranks as one of Oklahoma's most favorable locations from a hazard perspective. Woods residents enjoy below-average vulnerability statewide across all major threat categories.

Safest in this five-county group

Woods County scores 28.09, the lowest composite risk among all five counties and substantially safer than Washita (31.93), Woodward (41.63), Wagoner (73.25), and Washington (76.11). The county represents a regional low point for natural disaster exposure. Residents benefit from notably better risk profiles than surrounding communities.

Wildfire is only notable hazard

Wildfire risk (74.68) is the only meaningful natural disaster threat in Woods County, likely driven by grassland management and seasonal conditions. Tornado risk (33.56) remains well below state norms, and flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all register as minimal. Seasonal wildfire awareness is the primary hazard management priority.

Basic homeowners insurance is adequate

Woods County homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance policies without specialized riders, given the county's exceptional 28.09 composite risk score. Property maintenance focused on defensible space during wildfire season offers greater protection than premium increases. Annual policy review ensures adequate coverage, but no extraordinary measures are necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Woods County

via WeatherByCounty

Above National Temperature Medians

Woods County reports an average annual temperature of 58.3°F, keeping it warmer than the typical American county median. The region's climate is characterized by significant seasonal swings and a semi-arid influence from the High Plains.

Cooler than the Oklahoma Average

At 58.3°F, Woods County is roughly two degrees cooler than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It also receives 28.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is 9 inches less than the state benchmark.

Transitioning Toward the High Plains

Compared to central Oklahoma, Woods County experiences a cooler winter average of 36.5°F and higher annual snowfall of 10.0 inches. This shift reflects its northern position and proximity to the drier, elevated regions of the Panhandle.

Harsh Summers and Snowy Winters

The county endures 86 days of extreme heat above 90°F, peaking with a July average of 82.3°F. In the winter, the climate shifts drastically to support 10 inches of snow, which is higher than many of its southern neighbors.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Residents must balance heavy summer cooling needs with winter snow readiness, including owning a reliable snow shovel for the 10-inch annual average. Insulation and weather stripping are vital to manage the gap between the 34.7°F January lows and the 86 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Woods County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Neutral Soils for Growing

Woods County reaches a neutral pH of 7.00, outperforming the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.06. This balanced chemistry provides an ideal environment for most plants to access the nutrients they need.

Sandy and Variable Soil Texture

The soil is comprised of 46.4% sand and 31.3% silt, creating a variable texture that focuses on drainage. A 17.5% clay fraction helps keep the soil from being too loose, providing stability against the region's winds.

Water Management in a Dry Climate

At 1.22%, organic matter levels are below the Oklahoma average of 1.72%. The available water capacity of 0.139 in/in suggests that supplemental irrigation is helpful during the dry spells common to Northern Oklahoma.

Understanding Group D Hydrologic Risks

The county is categorized in hydrologic group D, meaning there is a higher risk of water runoff during extreme weather. Builders should account for this when designing foundations or managing field drainage.

Versatile Planting in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone and neutral pH support a wide variety of cool-season crops and hardy shrubs. With consistent watering, your Woods County garden can become a standout in the neighborhood.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Woods County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth Potential in Woods County

Woods County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.3, outperforming the state average of 46.1. While it remains slightly more difficult than the national median of 50.0, it is a relatively stable environment for Zone 7a gardening.

Hot Days and Dry Air

Expect 86 days of extreme heat annually, which is significantly more than the state average of 76. Annual precipitation averages 28.2 inches, meaning you will need to supplement rainfall to reach the 30-inch threshold for thriving grass.

Perfectly Neutral Soil pH

Your soil pH is a perfect 7.00, providing an ideal chemical foundation for almost any grass type. The soil contains 46.4% sand, which promotes excellent drainage but requires careful monitoring of moisture levels during heat waves.

Manageable Drought Conditions

The county has experienced 14 weeks of drought this year, though it currently faces 0.0% severe drought levels. Even though conditions are abnormally dry, your lawn is at much lower risk compared to neighboring counties.

Wait for the Late April Thaw

The last spring frost typically hits around April 12, marking the start of your planting window. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Buffalograss or Bermuda to withstand the 86 days of temperatures above 90°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woods County's county score?
Woods County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Woods County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Woods County ranks #6 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 Woods County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Woods County is $731, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Woods County a tax score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woods County?
The median household income in Woods County, Oklahoma is $50,512 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woods County earns an income score of 15.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woods County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Woods County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Woods 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 Woods 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.