Pawnee County, Oklahoma Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 43rd-largest in Oklahoma
The population of Pawnee County, Oklahoma is 15,689 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest county in Oklahoma. The median household income is $57,551, the median home value is $125,700, and the median age is 41.7.
The population of Pawnee County has declined 2.9% since 2010 (16,588 → 16,111), a -0.21% annualized rate.
15,689
Population
-0.21%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$57,551
Median Income
$125,700
Median Home Value
Pawnee County covers 568 sq mi of land at 27.6 people per square mile.
About Pawnee County, OK
What sets Pawnee County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.5% versus 14.0% nationally. With 15,689 residents, Pawnee County is a county in Oklahoma. It ranks #43 among counties in Oklahoma by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $57,551 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.5%, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $125,700, with typical rent around $872.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
Pawnee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pawnee County had a population of 16,588 in 2010 and 16,111 in 2024, a -2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,731 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
16,111
Population (2024)
16,588
Population (2010)
16,731
Peak (2011)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,588 |
| 2011 | 16,731 |
| 2012 | 16,443 |
| 2013 | 16,453 |
| 2014 | 16,350 |
| 2015 | 16,436 |
| 2016 | 16,461 |
| 2017 | 16,417 |
| 2018 | 16,372 |
| 2019 | 16,379 |
| 2020 | 15,560 |
| 2021 | 15,715 |
| 2022 | 15,695 |
| 2023 | 15,892 |
| 2024 | 16,111 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 18.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.7
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,551$-6,052 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,111 |
| Per-capita income | $28,961 |
| Poverty rate | 12.5%+1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pawnee County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
82.4%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
28.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$125,700$-60,200 vs state
Median home value
$872
Median rent
78.2%
Homeownership rate
7,337
Total housing units
81.8%
Occupied
18.2%
Vacant
21.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.2%
With health insurance
93.5%
With broadband internet
24.7%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
16.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Oklahoma
Other counties in Oklahoma
Part of Oklahoma
Metro areas in Oklahoma
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pawnee County, Oklahoma has a population of 15,689 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest county in Oklahoma. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Pawnee County has declined 2.9% since 2010 (16,588 → 16,111), a -0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pawnee County, Oklahoma is $57,551, with mean (average) household income of $74,111 and per-capita income of $28,961. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pawnee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.4%), Hispanic or Latino (18.5%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pawnee County, Oklahoma is 41.7 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Pawnee County is $125,700 and median monthly rent is $872. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,337 total housing units, 18.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pawnee County, Oklahoma is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Oklahoma City is among the largest cities associated with Pawnee County, Oklahoma, with a population of 688,693.
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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.