Cherokee
Oklahoma

What stands out

Three things set Cherokee County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the uninsured rate is in the top 12% of American counties (15.9%), violent crime is in the top 13% of American counties (4.7 per 1,000), and rainfall is in the top 14% of American counties (52 inches a year). Within Oklahoma it ranks 22nd of 77 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. 47,412 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +145).

Oklahoma has a graduated income tax reaching 4.5%, exempts Social Security, and has some of the lowest home prices and property taxes in the country. Most of the state is in the highest-risk tornado zone in the world, and the Oklahoma City area has also seen frequent earthquakes linked to oil and gas wastewater disposal. Native American tribal nations hold significant jurisdiction across the eastern half of the state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $52,410 a year, lower than 74% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,123. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 55% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Oklahoma takes 4.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,144 a year.

Home

The median home costs $213K, cheaper than 58% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $786 a month. Property tax is 0.59% of home value, roughly $858 a year on that median home, lower than 78% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.0 years, shorter than 70% of American counties. There are 122 active physicians in the county, about 25.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.5 of 5 stars. 15.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.95 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 55% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 29 points. 48% of eligible voters turned out. Under Oklahoma law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 82 out of 100, riskier than 82% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 205 Mbps down, faster than 52% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.