Okemah, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,063
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$32,386/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,372
3.0% year-over-year change

Okemah population

How many people live in Okemah

Okemah is home to 3,063 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Okemah locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
3,063
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
1,475
Female
51.8%
1,588
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,475 48.2% 1.6%
Female 1,588 51.8% -1.1%
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 Okemah is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.5% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 22.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.5%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
22.2%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 720 23.5% -5.5%
15 to 24 381 12.4% -6.8%
25 to 44 739 24.1% -0.3%
45 to 64 679 22.2% 13.2%
Over 65 544 17.8% -0.4%
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 Okemah, 99.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 9.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,046 99.4% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17 0.6% -34.6%
Racial breakdown
White
61.2%
Black or African American
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
27.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,875 61.2%
Black or African American 70 2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 837 27.3%
Two or more races 281 9.2%

Households in Okemah

A peek inside Okemah households

Okemah has 1,150 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.3% are families, while the remaining 32.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,150
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
376
Family households
774
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 376 32.7% -0.5%
Family households 774 67.3% 5.0%
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 Okemah

The housing landscape of Okemah

Okemah's housing consists of 1,372 units, with 69.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,372
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 952 69.4%
1 unit, attached 22 1.6%
2 units 139 10.1%
3 or 4 units 161 11.7%
5 to 9 units 23 1.7%
10 to 19 units 7 0.5%
50 or more units 11 0.8%
Mobile home 49 3.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Okemah

In Okemah, the median construction year is 1970. About 11.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 154 11.2% -9.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 173 12.6% -18.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 128 9.3% 0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 226 16.5% -12.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 349 25.4% 43.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 160 11.7% -6.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 51 3.7% -3.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 74 5.4% 100.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 57 4.2% -5.0%
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.

Okemah occupancy rates

Out of the 1,150 occupied housing units in Okemah, 40.7% are owner-occupied, while 59.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,150
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
682
Owner occupied
468
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 682 59.3% 6.7%
Owner occupied 468 40.7% -1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
16.2%
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.

Okemah housing costs

Housing costs in Okemah come to a median of $681 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $726.

Median housing costs per month
$681/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 Okemah
$726/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 Okemah

Okemah education at a glance

About 60.1% of the population in Okemah went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 7.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 98 4.4% -12.5%
High school diploma 1,330 60.1% -2.4%
College diploma 412 18.6% 17.1%
Associate degree 120 5.4% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 165 7.5% 0.6%
Graduate degree 87 3.9% 45.0%
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 Okemah

How much people earn in Okemah

The average annual household income in Okemah was $49,281 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $32,386, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Okemah
$49,281/year
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Okemah
$32,386/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Okemah income by age

In Okemah, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $31,318 overall. Overall, 61.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,583 10.6%
45 - 64 $31,318 6.8%
Over 65 $27,368 8.0%
Above poverty level
1,773
Below poverty level
1,106
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,773 61.6% 8.8%
Below poverty level 1,106 38.4% -11.5%

Average renter income in Okemah

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Okemah, their median household income was $25,417 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,417
Rent-to-income ratio
34.3%
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 Okemah

Workforce and job types in Okemah

The job market in Okemah is powered by 1,060 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.3% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 27.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,060
7.5% year-over-year change
White collar
853
Blue collar
207
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 853 80.5% 13.4%
Blue collar 207 19.5% -11.5%
Employer type
Self employees
3.3%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
27.3%
Not for profit companies
9.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 35 3.3% 94.4%
Private companies 639 60.3% -6.6%
Governmental workers 289 27.3% 16.5%
Not for profit companies 97 9.2% 169.4%
Unemployment rate
1.5%
433.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Okemah stands at 1.5%, 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 Okemah

How people get around in Okemah

In Okemah, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 80.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-4.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 809 80.3% 4.9%
Walk 86 8.5% 79.2%
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 Okemah by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
74859 5,671 2,300 $42,701 $63,640

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FAQs about Okemah demographics 

What is the total population of Okemah?

Okemah has a total population of 3,063 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Okemah?

The gender ratio in Okemah is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (1,475 residents)
  • 51.8% females (1,588 residents)

What is the median age in Okemah?

The median age in Okemah is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Okemah?

The age distribution in Okemah is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.5% (720 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (381 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (739 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.2% (679 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (544 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Okemah?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Okemah is as follows:
  • White: 61.2% (1,875 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.3% (70 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 27.3% (837 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.2% (281 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.4% of the population in Okemah.

How many housing units are there in Okemah?

There are 1,372 housing units in Okemah, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Okemah has a total of 1,150 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Okemah?

Okemah has a median household income of $32,386, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98.5% in Okemah, with a workforce of 1,060 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.5% (853 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.5% (207 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.3% (35 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (639 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 27.3% (289 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.2% (97 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