Payne County, Oklahoma

Income Data

-16% vs. Oklahoma average
$48,937
Median Household Income
$28,980
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,937
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,980
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oklahoma
#64 / 77
by median household income

How Payne County Compares

Payne County$48,937
Oklahoma Average$58,273
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,937
Median Household Income
$28,980
Per Capita Income
$217,700
Median Home Value
22.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Payne County, Oklahoma

Payne income below national median despite college town

Payne County's median household income of $48,937 lags the national median of $74,755 by $25,818—a 35% gap driven partly by Stillwater's large student population. Yet Payne's college economy supports above-average home values at $217,700.

Lower income but higher housing costs

Payne County's median household income of $48,937 trails Oklahoma's state average of $58,273 by $9,336, placing it among lower-earning counties. However, its median home value of $217,700 is the highest in this region, reflecting Stillwater's demand.

Payne trades income for housing demand

Payne County's $48,937 household income ranks lowest among this county group, but its median home value of $217,700 far exceeds neighbors like Ottawa ($114,300) and Pittsburg ($146,300). This reflects Stillwater's appeal as a college and regional hub.

Housing costs stretch household budgets significantly

Payne County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% is the highest in this region, meaning housing consumes roughly $1,158 monthly for a median household—approaching affordability pressure. The gap between median income and median home value creates particular challenges for first-time buyers.

Navigate Payne County's unique income-housing dynamic

Payne households face the challenge of lower incomes paired with higher housing costs, making smart financial planning essential. Explore down payment assistance programs, first-time homebuyer incentives, and employer benefits through Stillwater's institutions to build sustainable wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Payne County, Oklahoma?
The median household income in Payne County, Oklahoma is $48,937, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Payne County?
The per capita income in Payne County is $28,980, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $48,937.
How does Payne County compare to the Oklahoma average?
Payne County's median household income of $48,937 is lower than the Oklahoma state average of $58,273. The per capita income is $28,980, compared to the state average of $30,609.
What is the per capita income in Payne County, Oklahoma?
The per capita income in Payne County, Oklahoma is $28,980, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Payne County a low-income area in Oklahoma?
Payne County's median household income of $48,937 is below the Oklahoma average of $58,273. The per capita income of $28,980 is also lower than the state average of $30,609. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Payne County rank for income in Oklahoma?
Payne County ranks #64 out of 77 counties in Oklahoma by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,937 and per capita income of $28,980, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Payne County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Payne County median

County median: $48,937 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-35%

vs. Payne County MedianAbout equal
vs. Oklahoma Average16% below
vs. National Median35% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.4x

Your monthly income ($4,078) vs. median rent ($922/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Payne County, Oklahoma? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Oklahoma

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.