Cost of Living in Poteau, OK
Population 8,903 · Oklahoma · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Poteau a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $142,000. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Poteau lies roughly 95 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Broken Arrow. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Broken Arrow's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Poteau
The median home value in Poteau is $142,400 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $818/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,789/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Oklahoma's top state income tax rate is 4.8% and the combined sales tax is 9.0%. Overall, Poteau has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Poteau has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Poteau, OK?
Poteau has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Poteau, OK?
The median gross rent in Poteau is $818 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Poteau?
The median home value in Poteau is $142,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Poteau?
The median household income in Poteau is $49,789 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Poteau, OK?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Poteau is 9.0%. The Oklahoma state income tax top rate is 4.8%.
Is Poteau, OK affordable?
Yes, Poteau is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
Poteau at a Glance
- Population
- 8,903
- Median Income
- $49,789
- Home Value
- $142,400
- Median Rent
- $818/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 9.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Oklahoma Rankings
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