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
Largest counties in Oklahoma
Part of Oklahoma
Metro areas in Oklahoma
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).
Where to stay in McAlester
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.