McAlester, OK
Population 18,098 · Oklahoma
About McAlester, OK
McAlester is a mid-sized city located in Oklahoma with a population of 18,098 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,044 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McAlester features a median home value of $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McAlester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $906, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,162 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (4,187 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,986 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McAlester shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McAlester have an average one-way commute time of 15.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of McAlester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.2% White, 20.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How McAlester Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in McAlester, OK
Compared to national averages, McAlester has a median household income of $48,044 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,500, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $906 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, McAlester's income is 15% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 15% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in McAlester, OK?
McAlester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $906/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,044) that falls below the national average. However, McAlester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McAlester has a population of 18,098 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare McAlester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near McAlester
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Reno | 17,919 | $54,459 | $157,000 | Compare |
| Altus | 18,670 | $55,550 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Durant | 19,209 | $44,753 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Ada | 16,536 | $51,792 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Tahlequah | 16,513 | $48,515 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Chickasha | 16,349 | $55,039 | $113,200 | Compare |
| Claremore | 19,921 | $57,120 | $172,500 | Compare |
| Sand Springs | 19,973 | $73,400 | $186,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare McAlester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McAlester
What is the population of McAlester, OK?
The population of McAlester, OK is 18,098 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in McAlester?
The median household income in McAlester, OK is $48,044 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McAlester?
The median home value in McAlester, OK is $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McAlester?
The median monthly rent in McAlester, OK is $906, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McAlester?
The unemployment rate in McAlester, OK is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is McAlester, OK a good place to live?
McAlester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,098 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McAlester, OK?
20.5% of residents in McAlester aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in McAlester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McAlester, OK: median home value is $137,500 (44% below national), median rent is $906/month, and median household income is $48,044. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McAlester?
The poverty rate in McAlester, OK is 22.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is McAlester, OK?
McAlester's population is 6.2% White, 20.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.