Tonkawa, OK
Population 3,018 · Oklahoma
About Tonkawa, OK
Tonkawa is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 3,018 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,711 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tonkawa features a median home value of $83,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tonkawa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $802, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,359 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (877 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (309 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tonkawa shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tonkawa have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of Tonkawa 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 7.4% White, 13.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tonkawa, OK
Compared to national averages, Tonkawa has a median household income of $57,711 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,000, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $802 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Tonkawa's income is 2% above the state average of $56,382, and home values are 31% below the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Tonkawa, OK?
Tonkawa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $802/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,711) that falls below the national average. However, Tonkawa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tonkawa has a population of 3,018 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Tonkawa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Tonkawa
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavener | 2,998 | $39,356 | $57,100 | Compare |
| Cache | 3,045 | $61,554 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Pawhuska | 2,984 | $48,625 | $107,900 | Compare |
| Checotah | 3,057 | $37,125 | $111,100 | Compare |
| Okemah | 3,058 | $32,232 | $65,000 | Compare |
| Jones | 2,975 | $76,058 | $204,500 | Compare |
| Calera | 2,949 | $54,179 | $159,500 | Compare |
| Park Hill | 3,092 | $49,583 | $153,400 | 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 Tonkawa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tonkawa
What is the population of Tonkawa, OK?
The population of Tonkawa, OK is 3,018 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 Tonkawa?
The median household income in Tonkawa, OK is $57,711 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tonkawa?
The median home value in Tonkawa, OK is $83,000, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tonkawa?
The median monthly rent in Tonkawa, OK is $802, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tonkawa?
The unemployment rate in Tonkawa, OK is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tonkawa, OK a good place to live?
Tonkawa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,018 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tonkawa, OK?
22.1% of residents in Tonkawa 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 Tonkawa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tonkawa, OK: median home value is $83,000 (66% below national), median rent is $802/month, and median household income is $57,711. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tonkawa?
The poverty rate in Tonkawa, OK is 14.5%, 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 Tonkawa, OK?
Tonkawa's population is 7.4% White, 13.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.