McAlester, Oklahoma Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of McAlester, Oklahoma is 18,098 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest city in Oklahoma. The median household income is $48,044, the median home value is $137,500, and the median age is 35.9.
The population has declined 1.5% since 2010 (18,384 → 18,108).
18,098
Population
1017
People / sq mi
$48,044
Median Income
$137,500
Median Home Value
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McAlester covers 17.8 sq mi of land at 1017 people per square mile.
About McAlester, OK
What sets McAlester apart is money: median household income runs $48,044, below the US median of $78,538. McAlester is a city in Oklahoma with a population of 18,098. It ranks #29 among cities in Oklahoma by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $48,044, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 17.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $137,500, with typical rent around $906.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 20.5%, below the national 35.0%. Just 7.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
McAlester city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of McAlester city had a population of 18,384 in 2010 and 18,108 in 2024, a -1.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,538 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.11%.
18,108
Population (2024)
18,384
Population (2010)
18,538
Peak (2011)
-0.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,384 |
| 2011 | 18,538 |
| 2012 | 18,464 |
| 2013 | 18,416 |
| 2014 | 18,252 |
| 2015 | 18,248 |
| 2016 | 18,151 |
| 2017 | 18,071 |
| 2018 | 17,936 |
| 2019 | 17,814 |
| 2020 | 18,159 |
| 2021 | 18,106 |
| 2022 | 18,061 |
| 2023 | 18,132 |
| 2024 | 18,108 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.0% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 20.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,044
Median Household Income
$27,243
Per Capita Income
17.5%
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$137,500
Median Home Value
$906
Median Rent
58.4%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.1%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
81.1%
Public Transit
7.7%
Work From Home
15.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.7%
Foreign Born
93.5%
Non-English at Home
9.5%
Veterans
22.3%
With Disability
84.8%
Health Insurance
91.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.6% |
| Public Administration | 13.8% |
| Manufacturing | 9.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 8.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.6% |
| Construction | 4.3% |
| Information | 4.3% |
| Retail Trade | 2.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.2% |
Largest cities in Oklahoma
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
McAlester, Oklahoma has a population of 18,098 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest city in Oklahoma.
The median household income in McAlester, Oklahoma is $48,044, with 17.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in McAlester, Oklahoma is $137,500, with median monthly rent at $906 and a homeownership rate of 58.4%.
The median age in McAlester, Oklahoma is 35.9 years. The population is 52.7% male and 47.3% female.
The population has declined 1.5% since 2010 (18,384 → 18,108).
McAlester city, OK Climate
McAlester city, OK has an average annual temperature of 16.3°C (61°F) and receives about 1120 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.3°C
Avg Temp
1120
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 50 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 64 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 100 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 106 mm |
| May | 20° / 69° | 153 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 105 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 71 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 75 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 125 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 111 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 90 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 70 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit McAlester city, OK
The most comfortable months to visit McAlester city, OK are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near McAlester
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Statewide data for Oklahoma
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Oklahoma
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.