Tahlequah, OK
Population 16,513 · Oklahoma
About Tahlequah, OK
Tahlequah is a mid-sized city located in Oklahoma with a population of 16,513 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,515 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 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 Tahlequah features a median home value of $182,800, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tahlequah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $794, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,503 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (2,727 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (3,884 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 Tahlequah shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tahlequah have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.9% of Tahlequah residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 43.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tahlequah Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in Tahlequah, OK
Compared to national averages, Tahlequah has a median household income of $48,515 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,800, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $794 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Tahlequah's income is 14% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 52% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Tahlequah, OK?
Tahlequah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $794/month, and a well-educated community where 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,515) that falls below the national average. However, Tahlequah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tahlequah has a population of 16,513 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Tahlequah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Tahlequah
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 16,536 | $51,792 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Chickasha | 16,349 | $55,039 | $113,200 | Compare |
| El Reno | 17,919 | $54,459 | $157,000 | Compare |
| McAlester | 18,098 | $48,044 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Altus | 18,670 | $55,550 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Glenpool | 13,885 | $76,726 | $191,400 | Compare |
| Durant | 19,209 | $44,753 | $155,800 | Compare |
| Claremore | 19,921 | $57,120 | $172,500 | 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 Tahlequah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tahlequah
What is the population of Tahlequah, OK?
The population of Tahlequah, OK is 16,513 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 Tahlequah?
The median household income in Tahlequah, OK is $48,515 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tahlequah?
The median home value in Tahlequah, OK is $182,800, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Tahlequah?
The median monthly rent in Tahlequah, OK is $794, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tahlequah?
The unemployment rate in Tahlequah, OK is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tahlequah, OK a good place to live?
Tahlequah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,513 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Tahlequah, OK?
34.9% of residents in Tahlequah aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Tahlequah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tahlequah, OK: median home value is $182,800 (25% below national), median rent is $794/month, and median household income is $48,515. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tahlequah?
The poverty rate in Tahlequah, OK is 20.3%, 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 Tahlequah, OK?
Tahlequah's population is 7.0% White, 43.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.