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

Total population
82,972
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,809/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
37,069
0.5% year-over-year change

Payne County population

How many people live in Payne County

Payne County is home to 82,972 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Payne County locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
82,972
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
42,385
Female
48.9%
40,587
Value Percent YoY change
Male 42,385 51.1% 0.7%
Female 40,587 48.9% 0.9%
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 Payne County is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.3% are children under 15, then 30.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 17.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.3%
15 to 24
30.2%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
17.1%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,702 15.3% -0.3%
15 to 24 25,059 30.2% 0.9%
25 to 44 20,134 24.3% 1.4%
45 to 64 14,164 17.1% 0.4%
Over 65 10,913 13.2% 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 Payne County, 92.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.7% are African American and 4.2% have Asian roots. Another 4.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 76,990 92.8% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,094 2.5% -21.1%
Non-citizens 3,888 4.7% 3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
75.4%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.1%
Asian
4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 62,563 75.4%
Black or African American 3,034 3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,417 4.1%
Asian 3,491 4.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 54 0.1%
Two or more races 9,088 11%
Other 1,325 1.6%

Households in Payne County

A peek inside Payne County households

Payne County has 32,609 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.5% are families, while the remaining 48.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,609
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
15,801
Family households
16,808
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,801 48.5% 5.4%
Family households 16,808 51.5% -3.1%
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 Payne County

The housing landscape of Payne County

Payne County's housing consists of 37,069 units, with 61.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.8% 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 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
37,069
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 22,924 61.8%
1 unit, attached 1,410 3.8%
2 units 1,043 2.8%
3 or 4 units 1,231 3.3%
5 to 9 units 1,717 4.6%
10 to 19 units 2,466 6.6%
20 to 49 units 1,320 3.6%
50 or more units 1,831 4.9%
Mobile home 3,004 8.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 123 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
517
77.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Payne County

In Payne County, the median construction year is 1984. About 7.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 15% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,694 7.3% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,651 4.4% -2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,477 6.7% -8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,888 10.5% 9.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,927 16% -2.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,240 14.1% -2.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,437 9.3% -7.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,688 15.3% 3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,550 15% 3.0%
Built in 2020 or later 517 1.4% 77.7%
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.

Payne County occupancy rates

Out of the 32,609 occupied housing units in Payne County, 51% are owner-occupied, while 49% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,609
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,968
Owner occupied
16,641
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,968 49% 0.6%
Owner occupied 16,641 51% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
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.

Payne County housing costs

Housing costs in Payne County come to a median of $970 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $917.

Median housing costs per month
$970/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 Payne County
$917/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 Payne County

Payne County education at a glance

About 31.2% of the population in Payne County went to high school, while 30.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 17.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,278 1.9% 1.6%
High school diploma 21,113 31.2% 2.1%
College diploma 20,536 30.3% 0.6%
Associate degree 4,324 6.4% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 12,108 17.9% 0.4%
Graduate degree 8,319 12.3% -0.9%
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 Payne County

How much people earn in Payne County

The average annual household income in Payne County was $75,380 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,809, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Payne County
$75,380/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Payne County
$49,809/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Payne County income by age

In Payne County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,016. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,121 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $16,102, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,887 in earnings. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $16,102 -7.8%
25 - 44 $62,016 1.6%
45 - 64 $63,121 4.1%
Over 65 $49,887 0.0%
Above poverty level
56,371
Below poverty level
16,393
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,371 77.5% 2.8%
Below poverty level 16,393 22.5% -4.8%

Employment in Payne County

Workforce and job types in Payne County

The job market in Payne County is powered by 38,496 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 57.6% are employed by private companies, and 28.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,496
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
30,634
Blue collar
7,862
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 30,634 79.6% 2.7%
Blue collar 7,862 20.4% 6.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
57.6%
Governmental workers
28.1%
Not for profit companies
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,882 7.5% 0.4%
Private companies 22,180 57.6% 2.8%
Governmental workers 10,820 28.1% 8.6%
Not for profit companies 2,614 6.8% -5.9%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
34.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Payne County stands at 5.7%, 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 Payne County

How people get around in Payne County

In Payne County, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% 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
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30,894 81.4% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 212 0.6% -14.5%
Motorcycle 127 0.3% -13.6%
Bicycle 406 1.1% -1.5%
Walk 2,272 6% 39.3%
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 Payne County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
73027 1,190 508 $83,238 $86,004
73063 730 301 $78,438 $88,223
73073 706 354 $76,338 $94,526
74023 11,730 4,618 $49,097 $75,198
74032 1,775 698 $65,357 $77,350
74059 5,643 2,333 $51,679 $60,413
74062 997 396 $51,250 $71,444
74074 32,422 13,045 $52,998 $88,056
74075 26,451 10,886 $46,053 $64,355
74078 451 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Payne County demographics 

What is the total population of Payne County?

Payne County has a total population of 82,972 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Payne County?

The gender ratio in Payne County is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (42,385 residents)
  • 48.9% females (40,587 residents)

What is the median age in Payne County?

The median age in Payne County is 27.7.

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

The age distribution in Payne County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.3% (12,702 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 30.2% (25,059 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (20,134 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.1% (14,164 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (10,913 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Payne County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Payne County is as follows:
  • White: 75.4% (62,563 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (3,034 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.1% (3,417 residents)
  • Asian: 4.2% (3,491 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (54 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11% (9,088 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (1,325 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.8% of the population in Payne County.

How many housing units are there in Payne County?

There are 37,069 housing units in Payne County, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Payne County has a total of 32,609 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Payne County?

Payne County has a median household income of $49,809, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.3% in Payne County, with a workforce of 38,496 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.6% (30,634 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.4% (7,862 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (2,882 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.6% (22,180 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.1% (10,820 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.8% (2,614 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