Cherokee County, Oklahoma Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in Oklahoma
The population of Cherokee County, Oklahoma is 47,621 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in Oklahoma. The median household income is $53,668, the median home value is $160,300, and the median age is 37.3.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (47,126 → 48,729), a +0.24% annualized rate.
47,621
Population
+0.24%
Annual growth
64
People / sq mi
$53,668
Median Income
$160,300
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 749 sq mi of land at 63.6 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, OK
Cherokee County is a county in Oklahoma with a population of 47,621. It ranks #18 among counties in Oklahoma by population. The median age is 37.3, younger than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Cherokee County is $53,668, below the US median of $74,580. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $160,300, with monthly rent averaging $803. The homeownership rate of 65.8% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cherokee County reflects 29.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 minutes each way.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 47,126 in 2010 and 48,729 in 2024, a 3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 48,956 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.25%.
48,729
Population (2024)
47,126
Population (2010)
48,956
Peak (2017)
0.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 47,126 |
| 2011 | 47,707 |
| 2012 | 47,997 |
| 2013 | 47,880 |
| 2014 | 48,253 |
| 2015 | 48,392 |
| 2016 | 48,868 |
| 2017 | 48,956 |
| 2018 | 48,692 |
| 2019 | 48,819 |
| 2020 | 47,092 |
| 2021 | 47,660 |
| 2022 | 48,058 |
| 2023 | 48,173 |
| 2024 | 48,729 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 45.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.3
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,668$-9,935 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,092 |
| Per-capita income | $30,080 |
| Poverty rate | 13.6%+2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is professional & business services, accounting for 30.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
75.6%
Public transit
7.1%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$160,300$-25,600 vs state
Median home value
$803
Median rent
65.8%
Homeownership rate
22,273
Total housing units
82.6%
Occupied
17.4%
Vacant
34.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
80.9%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
28.1%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
20.6%
With a disability
91.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
29.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Oklahoma
Other counties in Oklahoma
Part of Oklahoma
Metro areas in Oklahoma
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherokee County, Oklahoma has a population of 47,621 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in Oklahoma. Population density is 64 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 3.4% since 2010 (47,126 → 48,729), a +0.24% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, Oklahoma is $53,668, with mean (average) household income of $75,092 and per-capita income of $30,080. 13.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.9%), Hispanic or Latino (45.0%), Black or African American (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, Oklahoma is 37.3 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $160,300 and median monthly rent is $803. 65.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 22,273 total housing units, 17.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, Oklahoma is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 30.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Oklahoma City is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee County, Oklahoma, with a population of 688,693.
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Full rankings of Oklahoma counties
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.