Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Oklahoma
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cherokee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cherokee County ranks #2,319 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cherokee County, Oklahoma
Cherokee County slightly above national affordability threshold
At 17.9%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the federal 15% ideal but remains below the 30% stress threshold, making housing reasonably accessible. The county's median household income of $53,668 trails the national median by $21,087, putting less cushion in monthly budgets.
Near-average affordability across Oklahoma
Cherokee County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above Oklahoma's 17.0% state average, placing it in the middle-tier of county affordability. Median rent of $803 runs just below the state benchmark of $814.
Most affordable rents in this comparison set
Cherokee County's $803 median rent is among the lowest in the region, trailing only Choctaw County ($676) and Cimarron County ($682). Despite lean incomes, renters here enjoy some of the region's lowest housing costs.
Homeownership slightly cheaper than renting
Renters pay $803 monthly while homeowners carry $694 mortgages on homes valued at $160,300, making ownership a better deal for those who can access credit. Housing consumes roughly 18% of the $53,668 median household income either way.
Budget-conscious movers should explore Cherokee
If housing affordability is your top concern, Cherokee County delivers some of Oklahoma's lowest rents without sacrificing state-average income levels. Pair this with Cimarron County's even lower costs or Carter County's slightly higher income opportunities to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cherokee County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Cherokee County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $803/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $803/month rent versus $694/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $109/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,743/year. With a median household income of $53,668, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Cherokee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Oklahoma, Cherokee County is less affordable than Grant County by roughly 6% ($803/mo vs $856/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cherokee County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,252
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
The median home in Cherokee County may be a stretch
Median home value is $160,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,280 vs. your max of $1,252.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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