Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Poteau, OK
Considering a move to Poteau, OK? This welcoming city of 8,800 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $765. Commute times are short at just 18 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days yearly. While crime rates are moderate, Poteau features good local schools, a community college, and a strong sense of community—making it a great choice for families and anyone seeking small-town Oklahoma charm.
Demographics - Poteau, OK
Demographics - Poteau, OK
Poteau has a population of about 8,800 residents, offering a small-town atmosphere with a median age of 35.9 years. The community is diverse, with a significant Native American presence and nearly 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, and population density allows for a comfortable, close-knit environment.
Population:
8,800
Density:
660 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70.4%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Poteau, OK?
Living in Poteau is highly affordable, with a median home value of $118,000 and average rent around $765 per month. The cost of living index sits at 79.2, well below the national average, making it appealing for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses. Residents also benefit from relatively low state taxes and modest utility costs.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.2
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
54.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
82.0
Health Care:
90.1
Miscellaneous:
89.7
Crime
Is Poteau, OK a safe place to live?
Poteau experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 46 and violent crime at 1 in 298. While the overall crime index is higher than some smaller towns, most residents find the area safe with practical precautions. Community involvement and local law enforcement contribute to maintaining a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
336
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,160
Crime Index:
2,496
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 298
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Poteau, OK year-round?
Poteau enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 93°F and cool winters that rarely dip below 30°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it attractive for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are pleasant, offering comfortable conditions year-round.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Poteau typically enjoy a median household income of $44,800, with a family income of $51,100. The poverty rate is higher than average at 20.8%, but most neighbors have at least a high school education, and commute times are short, averaging just over 18 minutes. The community is largely car-dependent, with minimal public transportation use.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$44,800
Family Income:
$51,100
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$30,600
Poverty Rate:
20.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
18.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.1%
Education
How are the schools in Poteau, OK?
Poteau offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Poteau High School and Poteau Upper Elementary with manageable class sizes. The city also hosts Carl Albert State College for higher education and has private school options available. Educational attainment is solid, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Poteau High School
Street:
100 Pirate Lane
Phone:
918-647-7716
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Poteau Upper Elementary
Street:
100 Mockingbird Lane
Phone:
918-647-7790
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Immanuel Baptist Christian School
Street:
1201 N. Broadway St.
Phone:
918-647-3555
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Carl Albert State College
City:
Poteau
State:
OK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Poteau is served by the Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center, providing general and emergency care within city limits. There are approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and about 85% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to essential healthcare services is reliable for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center
Address:
105 Wall St, Poteau, OK 74953
Phone:
(918) 647-8161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Poteau, OK?
The Poteau housing market offers affordable options, with a median home price of $118,000 and owner-occupancy rates above 60%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, and rental vacancies remain moderate at 8.6%. The market supports both buyers and renters seeking value in a stable community.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Poteau residents are managed by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, which provides licensing and registration statewide. The main office is located in Oklahoma City, and information is accessible online or by phone. Local residents can handle most DMV needs through state resources and satellite offices.
State:
Oklahoma
Department:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Address:
3600 N. Martin Luther King Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone:
1-405-425-2300
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.