Cherokee County

As of the 2020 census, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, had a population of approximately 48,142. The racial makeup included 45.1% White, 31.5% Native American, 3.3% African American, 1.6% Asian, and 17.4% of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals accounted for 5.2% of the population. The median household income was around $40,000, with about 21.6% of the population below the poverty line. The county seat is Tahlequah, which is also the capital of the Cherokee Nation.

As of the latest data, Cherokee County, OK has a median home value of approximately $125,000. The median rent is around $650 per month. The homeownership rate is 66%, with 34% of residents renting. The housing inventory includes around 18,000 total housing units, with a vacancy rate of about 13%. The average household size is 2.6 people. Housing costs vary, with about 28% of homeowners and 47% of renters spending over 30% of their income on housing.

As of the most recent elections, Cherokee County, OK, includes various local, state, and federal races. For county positions, key races often include seats for Sheriff, County Commissioner, and Assessor.

In the 2020 general elections, for example:

• The Sheriff’s race featured two main candidates: Independent Steve Marez and Republican Jason Chennault, with Chennault winning with over 60% of the vote.
• For County Commissioner (District 2), Doug Hubbard (R) defeated Jack Amos (D) with approximately 55% of the vote.

For state and federal elections, Cherokee County voters participate in selecting Oklahoma's U.S. Representatives and Senators, as well as the Governor and state legislators. The specific candidates and results can be found on the Oklahoma State Election Board website or local resources such as the county clerk's office leading up to each election cycle.

Cherokee County, OK, has a mixed educational profile. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 82.1% of residents have a high school diploma or equivalent, which is slightly below the national average of 88.5%. Approximately 17.9% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, also trailing the national average of 32.1% and the state average of 25.5%. Educational attainment in Cherokee County lags behind both national and Oklahoma averages, reflecting challenges in higher education access and completion. Despite these disparities, local educational institutions like Northeastern State University in Tahlequah play significant roles in promoting higher education opportunities.

As of the latest data from 2022, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.5%, which is slightly below the national average of 3.9% and close to the state's rate of 3.1%. The county's labor force participation rate stands at around 60%, similar to the national rate.

Top industries in Cherokee County include education, healthcare, and social services, which employ about 27% of the workforce, reflecting the presence of Northeastern State University. Retail trade employs approximately 12%, and manufacturing jobs account for around 8%.

Nationally, education and healthcare sectors employ about 23% of the workforce, while retail trade and manufacturing employ roughly 10% and 9%, respectively. Comparatively, Cherokee County has a higher concentration of employees in the education and healthcare sectors than the national and state averages.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Cherokee County, OK, stands at approximately $48,000 annually. This figure is lower compared to both the national and state averages. The United States' average household income is around $68,700, while Oklahoma's state average is about $56,400.

Cherokee County's income levels highlight a disparity when compared with broader averages, reflecting economic challenges within the region.

As of the latest data, Cherokee County, OK has varying crime rates across different categories. Here are some key statistics:

The crime rate for violent crimes is relatively low compared to property crimes. The most prevalent type of property crime is larceny-theft, followed by burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. The data indicates that while violent crime occurrences are fewer, property-related crimes significantly impact the area's overall crime statistics. Note that crime rates can fluctuate yearly and these numbers represent a recent snapshot.