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 skews on age — the median resident is 37.3, younger than the national median. Cherokee County is a county in Oklahoma with a population of 47,621. It ranks #18 among counties in Oklahoma by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $53,668, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $160,300, with typical rent around $803.
About 29.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. About 7.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.
Cherokee County, OK Climate
Cherokee County, OK has an average annual temperature of 15.3°C (60°F) and receives about 1167 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.3°C
Avg Temp
1167
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 54 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 57 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 102 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 104 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 142 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 122 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 79 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 81 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 131 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 110 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 108 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 77 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 Cherokee County, OK
The most comfortable months to visit Cherokee County, OK are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cherokee County
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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.