Nowata, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,542
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,776/yr
19.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,735
0.6% year-over-year change

Nowata population

How many people live in Nowata

Nowata is home to 3,542 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.8% of Nowata locals are male, and 53.2% are female.

Total population
3,542
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.8%
1,657
Female
53.2%
1,885
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,657 46.8% 3.2%
Female 1,885 53.2% -1.6%
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 Nowata is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 773 21.8% 8.9%
15 to 24 347 9.8% -13.7%
25 to 44 953 26.9% 4.4%
45 to 64 804 22.7% 0.5%
Over 65 665 18.8% -4.6%
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 Nowata, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.9%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,498 98.8% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 31 0.9% -22.5%
Non-citizens 13 0.4% 44.4%
Racial breakdown
White
65.3%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
14.7%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.6%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 2,312 65.3%
Black or African American 115 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 521 14.7%
Asian 27 0.8%
Two or more races 480 13.6%
Other 87 2.5%

Households in Nowata

A peek inside Nowata households

Nowata has 1,411 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,411
-0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
522
Family households
889
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 522 37% 1.9%
Family households 889 63% -1.7%
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 Nowata

The housing landscape of Nowata

Nowata's housing consists of 1,735 units, with 72.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% 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 9.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,735
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,256 72.4%
1 unit, attached 36 2.1%
2 units 184 10.6%
3 or 4 units 75 4.3%
5 to 9 units 17 1%
10 to 19 units 4 0.2%
20 to 49 units 5 0.3%
Mobile home 158 9.1%
Homes built since 2020
8
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nowata

In Nowata, the median construction year is 1967. About 18.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 324 18.7% -10.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 202 11.6% 3.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 244 14.1% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 140 8.1% 15.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 257 14.8% 5.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 179 10.3% 4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 181 10.4% -7.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 149 8.6% 2.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 51 2.9% 6.2%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.5% N/A
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.

Nowata occupancy rates

Out of the 1,411 occupied housing units in Nowata, 61% are owner-occupied, while 39% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,411
-0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
550
Owner occupied
861
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 550 39% -2.0%
Owner occupied 861 61% 0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
18.7%
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.

Nowata housing costs

Housing costs in Nowata come to a median of $694 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $752.

Median housing costs per month
$694/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 Nowata
$752/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 Nowata

Nowata education at a glance

About 52.9% of the population in Nowata went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 11.2% earned an associate degree and 8.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 72 2.7% -2.7%
High school diploma 1,415 52.9% 0.7%
College diploma 559 20.9% -5.1%
Associate degree 299 11.2% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 217 8.1% -10.0%
Graduate degree 114 4.3% 21.3%
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 Nowata

How much people earn in Nowata

The average annual household income in Nowata was $57,967 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,776, reflecting a +19.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nowata
$57,967/year
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nowata
$47,776/year
19.9% year-over-year change

Nowata income by age

In Nowata, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,650. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,955 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $11,283, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,500 in earnings. Overall, 74.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $11,283 N/A
25 - 44 $65,650 13.7%
45 - 64 $39,955 1.9%
Over 65 $37,500 2.1%
Above poverty level
2,485
Below poverty level
857
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,485 74.4% -2.0%
Below poverty level 857 25.6% 10.2%

Average renter income in Nowata

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nowata, their median household income was $25,182 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,182
Rent-to-income ratio
35.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Nowata

Workforce and job types in Nowata

The job market in Nowata is powered by 1,334 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.9% run their own businesses, 70.1% are employed by private companies, and 11.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,334
4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
970
Blue collar
364
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 970 72.7% 5.0%
Blue collar 364 27.3% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.9%
Private companies
70.1%
Governmental workers
11.8%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 119 8.9% -21.2%
Private companies 935 70.1% 5.4%
Governmental workers 157 11.8% 37.7%
Not for profit companies 123 9.2% -3.9%
Unemployment rate
7.8%
-12.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nowata stands at 7.8%, 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 Nowata

How people get around in Nowata

Commuting methods vary: 89.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,185 89.3% 8.1%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 22 1.7% -67.2%
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 Nowata by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
74048 5,559 2,180 $52,888 $74,863

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FAQs about Nowata demographics 

What is the total population of Nowata?

Nowata has a total population of 3,542 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 Nowata?

The gender ratio in Nowata is as follows:
  • 46.8% males (1,657 residents)
  • 53.2% females (1,885 residents)

What is the median age in Nowata?

The median age in Nowata is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nowata?

The age distribution in Nowata is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (773 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (347 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (953 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (804 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (665 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nowata?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nowata is as follows:
  • White: 65.3% (2,312 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (115 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 14.7% (521 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (27 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.6% (480 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (87 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Nowata.

How many housing units are there in Nowata?

There are 1,735 housing units in Nowata, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Nowata has a total of 1,411 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nowata?

Nowata has a median household income of $47,776, representing a +19.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Nowata?

The employment rate is 92.2% in Nowata, with a workforce of 1,334 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.7% (970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.3% (364 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.9% (119 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.1% (935 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.8% (157 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (123 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