Okemah, OK
Population 3,058 · Oklahoma
About Okemah, OK
Okemah is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 3,058 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,232 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Okemah features a median home value of $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Okemah one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $694, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,332 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (476 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (639 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Okemah shows an unemployment rate of 0.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 43.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Okemah have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.3% of Okemah 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 3.4% White, 35.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Okemah Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in Okemah, OK
Compared to national averages, Okemah has a median household income of $32,232 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $694 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Okemah's income is 43% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 46% below the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Okemah, OK?
Okemah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $694/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,232) that falls below the national average. However, Okemah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Okemah has a population of 3,058 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Okemah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Okemah
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checotah | 3,057 | $37,125 | $111,100 | Compare |
| Cache | 3,045 | $61,554 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Park Hill | 3,092 | $49,583 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Tishomingo | 3,097 | $40,536 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Tonkawa | 3,018 | $57,711 | $83,000 | Compare |
| Wewoka | 3,112 | $37,232 | $63,600 | Compare |
| Bethel Acres | 3,113 | $82,500 | $177,700 | Compare |
| Heavener | 2,998 | $39,356 | $57,100 | 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 Okemah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Okemah
What is the population of Okemah, OK?
The population of Okemah, OK is 3,058 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Okemah?
The median household income in Okemah, OK is $32,232 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Okemah?
The median home value in Okemah, OK is $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Okemah?
The median monthly rent in Okemah, OK is $694, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Okemah?
The unemployment rate in Okemah, OK is 0.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Okemah, OK a good place to live?
Okemah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,058 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Okemah, OK?
11.3% of residents in Okemah 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 Okemah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Okemah, OK: median home value is $65,000 (73% below national), median rent is $694/month, and median household income is $32,232. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Okemah?
The poverty rate in Okemah, OK is 43.6%, 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 Okemah, OK?
Okemah's population is 3.4% White, 35.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.