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

Total population
47,942
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,218/yr
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
22,363
0.4% year-over-year change

Cherokee County population

How many people live in Cherokee County

Cherokee County is home to 47,942 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Cherokee County locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
47,942
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
23,438
Female
51.1%
24,504
Value Percent YoY change
Male 23,438 48.9% 0.6%
Female 24,504 51.1% 0.7%
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 Cherokee County is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.5% are children under 15, then 18% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.5%
15 to 24
18%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,405 17.5% 0.7%
15 to 24 8,630 18% -0.2%
25 to 44 11,462 23.9% 1.7%
45 to 64 10,918 22.8% -1.0%
Over 65 8,527 17.8% 2.3%
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 Cherokee County, 95.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. Another 32.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 17% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 45,980 95.9% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 931 1.9% -1.4%
Non-citizens 1,031 2.2% 17.8%
Racial breakdown
White
46.2%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
32.6%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
17%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 22,152 46.2%
Black or African American 607 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 15,640 32.6%
Asian 489 1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 31 0.1%
Two or more races 8,125 17%
Other 898 1.9%

Households in Cherokee County

A peek inside Cherokee County households

Cherokee County has 18,698 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
18,698
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,740
Family households
11,958
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,740 36% 2.6%
Family households 11,958 64% 1.1%
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 Cherokee County

The housing landscape of Cherokee County

Cherokee County's housing consists of 22,363 units, with 64.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 19.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
22,363
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,382 64.3%
1 unit, attached 274 1.2%
2 units 827 3.7%
3 or 4 units 540 2.4%
5 to 9 units 868 3.9%
10 to 19 units 447 2%
20 to 49 units 411 1.8%
50 or more units 194 0.9%
Mobile home 4,302 19.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 118 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
552
41.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cherokee County

In Cherokee County, the median construction year is 1989. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 679 3% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 351 1.6% -31.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,214 5.4% -6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,929 8.6% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,753 16.8% -3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,796 17% 9.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,442 15.4% -7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,848 17.2% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,799 12.5% 12.9%
Built in 2020 or later 552 2.5% 41.2%
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.

Cherokee County occupancy rates

Out of the 18,698 occupied housing units in Cherokee County, 65.7% are owner-occupied, while 34.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
18,698
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,407
Owner occupied
12,291
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,407 34.3% 1.8%
Owner occupied 12,291 65.7% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
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.

Cherokee County housing costs

Housing costs in Cherokee County come to a median of $781 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $831.

Median housing costs per month
$781/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 Cherokee County
$831/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 Cherokee County

Cherokee County education at a glance

About 41.8% of the population in Cherokee County went to high school, while 24.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 16.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,184 3.1% 24.4%
High school diploma 15,809 41.8% 3.3%
College diploma 9,322 24.7% -6.0%
Associate degree 2,020 5.4% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 6,266 16.6% 1.2%
Graduate degree 3,182 8.4% -1.5%
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 Cherokee County

How much people earn in Cherokee County

The average annual household income in Cherokee County was $72,290 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,218, reflecting a -0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cherokee County
$72,290/year
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cherokee County
$53,218/year
-0.8% year-over-year change

Cherokee County income by age

In Cherokee County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,065. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,459 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,225, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,664 in earnings. Overall, 81.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,225 0.7%
25 - 44 $68,065 12.1%
45 - 64 $62,459 -4.3%
Over 65 $44,664 1.9%
Above poverty level
37,478
Below poverty level
8,310
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,478 81.8% 2.1%
Below poverty level 8,310 18.2% -4.8%

Employment in Cherokee County

Workforce and job types in Cherokee County

The job market in Cherokee County is powered by 20,856 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 52.5% are employed by private companies, and 28.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,856
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
16,239
Blue collar
4,617
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,239 77.9% 1.7%
Blue collar 4,617 22.1% -5.2%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
52.5%
Governmental workers
28.2%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,363 11.3% 2.0%
Private companies 10,952 52.5% -2.5%
Governmental workers 5,876 28.2% 3.7%
Not for profit companies 1,665 8% 2.6%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
0.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cherokee County stands at 5.1%, 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 Cherokee County

How people get around in Cherokee County

In Cherokee County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-4.4% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,667 86.1% -1.7%
Bus or trolleybus 79 0.4% 203.8%
Motorcycle 37 0.2% -11.9%
Bicycle 38 0.2% 2.7%
Walk 740 3.6% 2.4%
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 Cherokee County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
74347 2,757 993 $47,526 $68,073
74364 1,931 673 $63,542 $85,454
74427 1,342 633 $50,089 $92,819
74434 9,611 3,585 $73,363 $91,271
74441 5,564 2,095 $52,758 $65,739
74451 4,023 1,865 $59,873 $67,979
74452 279 130 $57,250 $64,887
74457 447 186 $36,667 $76,658
74464 31,116 12,035 $51,262 $70,919
74471 1,475 580 $45,948 $64,384

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FAQs about Cherokee County demographics 

What is the total population of Cherokee County?

Cherokee County has a total population of 47,942 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cherokee County?

The gender ratio in Cherokee County is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (23,438 residents)
  • 51.1% females (24,504 residents)

What is the median age in Cherokee County?

The median age in Cherokee County is 37.3.

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

The age distribution in Cherokee County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.5% (8,405 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18% (8,630 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (11,462 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (10,918 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (8,527 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee County is as follows:
  • White: 46.2% (22,152 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (607 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 32.6% (15,640 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (489 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (31 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17% (8,125 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (898 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.9% of the population in Cherokee County.

How many housing units are there in Cherokee County?

There are 22,363 housing units in Cherokee County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cherokee County has a total of 18,698 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cherokee County?

Cherokee County has a median household income of $53,218, representing a -0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.9% in Cherokee County, with a workforce of 20,856 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.9% (16,239 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.1% (4,617 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (2,363 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.5% (10,952 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.2% (5,876 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (1,665 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