Carter County, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
48,555
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,723/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,624
0.0% year-over-year change

Carter County population

How many people live in Carter County

Carter County is home to 48,555 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Carter County locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
48,555
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
23,698
Female
51.2%
24,857
Value Percent YoY change
Male 23,698 48.8% 0.7%
Female 24,857 51.2% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Carter County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.6% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.6%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,022 20.6% 0.0%
15 to 24 6,069 12.5% 1.9%
25 to 44 12,467 25.7% 0.9%
45 to 64 11,697 24.1% -0.5%
Over 65 8,300 17.1% 1.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Carter County, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.9% of locals are Caucasian, 6.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 46,594 96% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,155 2.4% 12.6%
Non-citizens 806 1.7% 5.1%
Racial breakdown
White
67.9%
Black or African American
6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
7.3%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.7%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 32,987 67.9%
Black or African American 3,007 6.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,544 7.3%
Asian 608 1.2%
Two or more races 7,128 14.7%
Other 1,281 2.6%

Households in Carter County

A peek inside Carter County households

Carter County has 19,046 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.2% are families, while the remaining 35.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,046
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,822
Family households
12,224
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,822 35.8% -0.8%
Family households 12,224 64.2% 1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Carter County

The housing landscape of Carter County

Carter County's housing consists of 21,624 units, with 77.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,624
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 16,668 77.1%
1 unit, attached 573 2.6%
2 units 354 1.6%
3 or 4 units 409 1.9%
5 to 9 units 419 1.9%
10 to 19 units 235 1.1%
20 to 49 units 162 0.8%
50 or more units 141 0.6%
Mobile home 2,616 12.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 47 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
226
80.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Carter County

In Carter County, the median construction year is 1978. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,816 8.4% 1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,611 7.4% -4.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,158 14.6% 0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,613 7.5% -9.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,424 15.8% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,723 12.6% -2.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,280 10.5% -8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,858 13.2% 5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,915 8.9% 9.2%
Built in 2020 or later 226 1% 80.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Carter County occupancy rates

Out of the 19,046 occupied housing units in Carter County, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,046
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,315
Owner occupied
12,731
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,315 33.2% 3.4%
Owner occupied 12,731 66.8% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Carter County housing costs

Housing costs in Carter County come to a median of $883 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $980.

Median housing costs per month
$883/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Carter County
$980/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Carter County

Carter County education at a glance

About 47.8% of the population in Carter County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 12.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,212 3.3% 13.4%
High school diploma 17,435 47.8% 0.7%
College diploma 8,454 23.2% 0.5%
Associate degree 2,656 7.3% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 4,489 12.3% 3.3%
Graduate degree 2,188 6% -6.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Carter County

How much people earn in Carter County

The average annual household income in Carter County was $83,415 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,723, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Carter County
$83,415/year
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Carter County
$60,723/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Carter County income by age

In Carter County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,926. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,393 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,474, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,150 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,474 9.9%
25 - 44 $67,926 0.6%
45 - 64 $68,393 2.2%
Over 65 $44,150 2.5%
Above poverty level
39,447
Below poverty level
7,576
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 39,447 83.9% -0.9%
Below poverty level 7,576 16.1% 8.3%

Employment in Carter County

Workforce and job types in Carter County

The job market in Carter County is powered by 21,732 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,732
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
15,020
Blue collar
6,712
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,020 69.1% 3.8%
Blue collar 6,712 30.9% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,454 11.3% 10.1%
Private companies 14,325 65.9% -0.3%
Governmental workers 3,057 14.1% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 1,896 8.7% 10.8%
Unemployment rate
3.8%
-0.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Carter County stands at 3.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Carter County

How people get around in Carter County

In Carter County, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,609 91% 2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 126 0.6% 14.6%
Motorcycle 24 0.1% -27.3%
Bicycle 59 0.3% 5.4%
Walk 347 1.6% -4.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Carter County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
73401 36,833 14,388 $61,989 $86,891
73425 201 107 $35,637 $47,754
73437 108 40 $35,227 $34,853
73438 2,938 1,302 $50,286 $60,962
73443 3,380 1,251 $58,906 $75,154
73444 103 51 $0 $102,420
73458 741 275 $86,250 $108,527
73463 3,909 1,498 $55,833 $76,342
73481 842 309 $63,250 $81,066
73487 178 71 $31,250 $44,307

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FAQs about Carter County demographics 

What is the total population of Carter County?

Carter County has a total population of 48,555 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Carter County?

The gender ratio in Carter County is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (23,698 residents)
  • 51.2% females (24,857 residents)

What is the median age in Carter County?

The median age in Carter County is 38.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Carter County?

The age distribution in Carter County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.6% (10,022 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (6,069 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (12,467 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (11,697 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (8,300 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter County is as follows:
  • White: 67.9% (32,987 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.2% (3,007 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 7.3% (3,544 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (608 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.7% (7,128 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (1,281 residents)

What percentage of the population in Carter County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Carter County.

How many housing units are there in Carter County?

There are 21,624 housing units in Carter County, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Carter County and what is the average household size?

Carter County has a total of 19,046 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Carter County?

Carter County has a median household income of $60,723, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Carter County?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Carter County, with a workforce of 21,732 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (15,020 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (6,712 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (2,454 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (14,325 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (3,057 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.7% (1,896 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025