countyscore
38.1
County Score
Property Tax 71.9Disaster Risk 58.4Income & Jobs 54.8

County Report Card

About Woodward County, Oklahoma

Trailing the National Standard

Woodward County's composite score of 38.1 sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. While fiscal scores are strong, social and safety metrics lower the overall ranking.

Below the Oklahoma Average

At 38.1, Woodward County trails the Oklahoma state average of 43.0. It faces tougher challenges in safety and education compared to many of its state neighbors.

Strong Fiscal and Risk Profiles

The county performs well in financial categories with a tax score of 71.9 and a risk score of 58.4. Residents enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.621% and solid income levels at $65,060.

Safety and Education Concerns

A safety score of 15.0 and a school score of 18.1 represent the county's most significant hurdles. Health outcomes also remain low at 28.4, reflecting a need for improved local services.

Suited for Working Professionals

Woodward County is best for individuals who prioritize income and low taxes over community amenities. It offers a practical home base for those focused on building wealth in a low-risk environment.

2040608010071.9481528.418.154.858.440.449Tax71.9Cost48Safety15Health28.4Schools18.1Income54.8Risk58.4Water40.4Weather4938.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Woodward County DNA

Foverall

How Woodward County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Woodward County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (71.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (15/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.9+19.900000000000006
Cost
48
Safety
15-40
Health
28.4-21.6
Schools
18.1-35.9
Income
54.8
Risk
58.4+11.399999999999999
Water
40.4-17.6
Weather
49
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Whether buying or refinancing in Woodward County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$178,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$847/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$178,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,060/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.7

per 100K

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

Woods County
Oklahoma
56.8
Harper County
Oklahoma
58.8
Dewey County
Oklahoma
49.1
Ellis County
Oklahoma
54.6
Major County
Oklahoma
58.7
Comanche County
Kansas
58.2
Roger Mills County
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58.7
Alfalfa County
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57.7

Deep Dives

Woodward County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Woodward County

via TaxByCounty

Woodward sits near national tax average

Woodward County's effective tax rate of 0.621% sits slightly below the national median of 0.67%, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. At $1,105 median annual tax on $178,000 homes, Woodward delivers below-national tax burden despite comparable property values.

Woodward ranks middle of Oklahoma counties

Woodward County's effective rate of 0.621% slightly exceeds Oklahoma's state average of 0.652%, placing it in the middle tier statewide. Its median tax of $1,105 runs 15% above the state median of $959, indicating a modest tax premium.

Woodward bridges high and low rates

Woodward County's 0.621% effective rate sits squarely between the region's extremes: it beats the high-tax counties (Washington at 0.935%, Wagoner at 0.812%) but lags the most affordable (Washita and Woods at 0.542% and 0.515%). This middle-ground positioning makes Woodward a moderate option for the area.

Median home: $178K costs $1,105 yearly

A typical Woodward County home valued at $178,000 generates an annual property tax bill of $1,105. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,292; without one, homeowners pay $830 annually.

Moderate rates don't rule out appeal potential

Woodward County homeowners should still review their assessments, as overvaluation occurs regardless of county tax rates. If your property is assessed 10–15% above fair market value, an appeal could save hundreds annually—the Woodward County assessor can guide you through the process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Woodward County

via CostByCounty

Woodward stays slightly below national burden

Woodward County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% is below the implicit national standard, offering renters reasonable affordability. Though the median household income of $65,060 trails the national median of $74,755, housing costs remain proportionally manageable.

Well-positioned among Oklahoma counties

At 15.6%, Woodward County's rent-to-income ratio sits below Oklahoma's state average of 17.0%, ranking among the state's more affordable markets. The median rent of $847 is modestly above the state median of $814, but incomes and overall costs align favorably.

Woodward ties for regional affordability leadership

Woodward County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is second-best in the region, trailing only Washita (15.0%) and beating Washington (17.7%), Wagoner (16.1%), and Woods (19.1%). It offers a strong middle ground between Washita's rock-bottom costs and the more challenged markets.

Balanced costs for renters and buyers alike

Median gross rent is $847 monthly, while homeowners average $873—nearly identical affordability for both groups. With a median household income of $65,060 annually ($5,421 monthly), housing consumes roughly 15.6% of earnings, one of the better ratios in the region.

Woodward balances affordability with stability

Woodward County offers strong value for relocators seeking both affordability and stability, with median home values near $178,000 and competitive rent-to-income ratios. If Washita feels too remote or you prefer larger towns, Woodward delivers comparable affordability with likely better amenities and employment options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Woodward County

via IncomeByCounty

Woodward falls below national average

Woodward County's median household income of $65,060 lags the national median of $74,755 by $9,695, placing it below typical American household earnings. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties for household income.

Above Oklahoma's state average

Woodward County's median household income of $65,060 exceeds Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $6,787, positioning it among the state's better-earning counties. The county ranks in Oklahoma's upper-middle income tier, outperforming the state norm by roughly 11.6%.

Regional earnings leader

Woodward County's median income of $65,060 trails only Wagoner County ($78,520) among these five counties and outpaces Washita ($61,980), Washington ($61,205), and Woods ($50,512) counties. The county anchors the panhandle region as its strongest earnings center.

Balanced housing affordability

Woodward County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, ensuring housing costs remain manageable. With a median home value of $178,000, homeownership remains genuinely achievable for median-income households.

Build toward long-term security

Woodward County households have reasonable capacity to invest in retirement savings and property appreciation with household incomes above state averages. Working with a financial planner can help families leverage Woodward's economic advantages into lasting wealth and generational security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Woodward County

via CrimeByCounty

Woodward County Aligns with National Averages

Woodward County’s total crime rate of 2,390.9 per 100K closely mirrors the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 96.2, exceeding the national safety baseline.

Competitive Safety Scores Within the State

Woodward County stays slightly safer than the Oklahoma average, which has a higher crime rate of 2,647.7 per 100K. Its safety score of 96.2 is also higher than the state average of 95.8.

Regional Property Crime Comparisons

Compared to other rural Oklahoma counties, Woodward faces higher property crime rates at 2,111.6 per 100K. Three agencies manage local reporting, tracking activity that is slightly more frequent than in adjacent counties.

A Focus on Reducing Property Theft

Violent crime in Woodward County is 279.3 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main concern here, slightly exceeding the national rate of 2,015.7.

Enhancing Security for Local Homeowners

Strengthening home security is particularly important in areas where property crime is the primary concern. Residents should consider installing visible security cameras and joining local neighborhood watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Woodward County

via SchoolsByCounty

Woodward County's Comprehensive School System

Woodward County supports 3,437 students across 13 public schools and four districts. The county's educational assets include seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools. This infrastructure provides a steady pipeline from early childhood through secondary graduation.

Balanced Investment and Academic Growth

The county reports an 80.8% graduation rate and a composite school score of 47.5. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,438, nearly matching the Oklahoma state average of $6,520. While slightly below national benchmarks, the county maintains a consistent level of funding for its students.

Woodward District Drives Local Enrollment

The Woodward district is the largest by far, educating 2,508 students across seven schools. Mooreland follows as a significant secondary district with 586 students enrolled in two schools. Like many of its neighbors, the county operates 100% traditional public schools with no charter options.

A Blend of Town Hubs and Rural Schools

The county features an even split between seven rural schools and six town-based facilities. Average school size is 264 students, but Woodward High School serves as a central hub with 708 students. Families find a range of experiences from large high schools to specialized campuses like the Woodward Early Childhood Center.

Find Your Place in the Woodward Community

Proximity to key campuses like Mooreland Elementary makes Woodward County an attractive option for regional homebuyers. The centralized town school structure offers convenience and a sense of community for growing families. Start your home search here to join a district that balances rural roots with comprehensive educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Woodward County

via RiskByCounty

Woodward's risk remains below national average

Woodward County scores 41.63 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating while staying modestly below typical U.S. county baseline exposure. The score reflects limited but non-negligible vulnerability concentrated in wildfire and tornado hazards. Compared to national standards, Woodward residents enjoy substantially lower natural disaster risk than average Americans.

Below-average risk statewide

Woodward County's 41.63 composite score falls beneath Oklahoma's state average of 55.47, positioning it as a lower-risk Oklahoma region. The county ranks favorably compared to most state peers in natural disaster exposure. Woodward residents benefit from below-average hazard vulnerability relative to the state's broader profile.

Moderate risk in northwest cluster

Woodward County scores 41.63, riskier than nearby Woods (28.09) and Washita (31.93) but far safer than the northeastern counties of Wagoner (73.25) and Washington (76.11). The county occupies a middle position within this five-county comparison. Woodward's risk profile reflects a balance of modest western Oklahoma hazards.

Wildfire dominates Woodward's hazards

Wildfire risk peaks at 89.28 in Woodward County, making it the primary natural disaster concern for property owners and land managers. Tornado risk (51.37) ranks second and remains noteworthy, while flood risk (36.83) and earthquake risk (33.33) pose minimal threats. Seasonal wildfire management and monitoring become essential practices for all residents.

Prioritize wildfire coverage now

Woodward homeowners should verify wildfire insurance coverage or riders given the county's high 89.28 wildfire risk score. Standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit wildfire damage, making explicit coverage a critical gap to address. Annual policy reviews should focus on wildfire exposure, particularly for properties near vegetation or in rural settings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Woodward County

via WaterByCounty

Low violation rate leads the state in Woodward

Woodward County recorded only 6 health violations over five years, resulting in a violation rate of 31.7 per 100,000 residents. This is one of the lowest rates in Oklahoma, comparing very favorably to the state average of 960.4. Despite these low numbers, the county still technically holds a failing grade for drinking water quality.

Woodward's assessed waterway fails health standards

The 2022 EPA reporting cycle confirms that 100.0% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. Chlorophyll-A and turbidity are the primary causes of these failures in the local watershed. This impairment level is higher than the Oklahoma state average of 76.7% for assessed waters.

Extensive monitoring network active in Woodward

With 18 monitoring sites and 21,088 measurements over five years, Woodward County has one of the most robust data footprints in the region. Scientists focus heavily on nutrients and physical water characteristics. This high volume of data allows for a very detailed understanding of local water chemistry trends.

North Canadian River flow remains well below mean

The primary USGS gauge on the North Canadian River at Woodward shows a current discharge of 19 cfs. This flow is only 23% of the long-term mean of 86 cfs for this location. Such low flow conditions typically reflect regional drought and can stress local aquatic habitats.

Focus on sediment filtration for local turbidity

Given that turbidity is a primary impairment cause in local waters, residents should utilize sediment filters to improve water clarity. The 23% flow rate of the North Canadian River suggests that pollutants may be more concentrated during this dry period. Although the violation rate is very low, the F grade means residents should continue to monitor annual water quality reports.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Woodward County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Annual Averages with Low Rainfall

Woodward County averages 57.3°F annually, staying about three degrees above the national median temperature. With only 26.3 inches of annual rain, it is significantly drier than the average U.S. county.

One of Oklahoma's Cooler Corners

The county's 57.3°F annual average is roughly 3.1 degrees lower than the Oklahoma state average of 60.4°F. It is also one of the driest counties in the state, falling nearly 11 inches short of the state's 37.2-inch precipitation average.

The Snowiest of the Region

Woodward County sees 11.4 inches of snow annually, which is higher than neighbors like Washita and Woods. Its July average of 80.8°F is also slightly milder than the intense heat found further south and east.

Moderate Heat but Chilly Winters

Extreme heat is still a factor with 77 days reaching 90°F, though this is fewer than many other Oklahoma counties. Winter brings a January average of 34.3°F, contributing to the county's relatively high snowfall for the region.

Equip for Dryness and Snow

Homeowners should prepare for 11.4 inches of snow with proper salt and removal tools during the winter months. Because the county only receives 26.3 inches of rain, xeriscaping and moisture-retaining soil amendments are recommended for any outdoor projects.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Woodward County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Fine Sandy Loam Profile

Woodward County features fine sandy loam with a pH of 6.56, nearly identical to the national median. This makes the soil significantly more neutral than the Oklahoma state average of 6.06.

High Sand Content for Fast Drainage

Dominated by 51.2% sand, this soil offers exceptional aeration and is very easy to till. With only 14.0% clay, the soil drains rapidly, which is beneficial for root health but requires more frequent nutrient applications.

Drought-Hardy Potential with Limited Storage

Organic matter stands at 1.06%, and available water capacity is 0.116 in/in, both falling below the state averages. These soils are best suited for plants that can thrive with less consistent moisture.

Well-Drained Entisols Support Growth

These soils are classified as well-drained Entisols and belong to hydrologic group A, indicating high infiltration rates. This means water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of standing water on your property.

Grapes and Grains for Woodward

Zone 7a is perfect for growing grapes, pecans, and grains that prefer well-drained sandy loams. Take advantage of this responsive soil and start your agricultural journey today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Woodward County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Woodward County

With a difficulty score of 54.4, Woodward is one of the easier places in Oklahoma to keep a lawn green. This score beats the state average of 46.1 and is notably higher than the national median of 50.0.

Standard Heat and Low Rainfall

The county averages 77 extreme heat days, very close to the Oklahoma state average of 76. Annual precipitation is a bit low at 26.3 inches, so efficient irrigation is the primary challenge for local growers.

Excellent Drainage and Solid pH

The soil pH of 6.56 is nearly ideal for turfgrass, requiring very few amendments. This fine sandy loam is well-drained and contains 51.2% sand, providing an excellent structure for deep root development.

Moderate Drought Awareness

Woodward has seen 15 weeks in drought over the past year, but severe drought is currently at 0.0% area coverage. While the ground is abnormally dry, the sandy soil helps roots access what moisture is available.

Planting Around the Spring Frost

Wait until after the last frost on April 21 to seed your Zone 7a lawn. Durable, drought-resistant grasses are recommended to handle the low annual rainfall and 80.8°F July averages.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodward County's county score?
Woodward County, Oklahoma has a composite county score of 38.1 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 Woodward County rank among counties in Oklahoma?
Woodward County ranks #56 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 Woodward County, Oklahoma?
The median annual property tax in Woodward County is $1,105, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Woodward County a tax score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woodward County?
The median household income in Woodward County, Oklahoma is $65,060 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woodward County earns an income score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woodward County, Oklahoma a good place to live?
Woodward County scores 38.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Oklahoma. The best way to evaluate Woodward 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 Woodward County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.