Median Income
$49,000
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,000
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.9%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$958
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.7%
197% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Bessie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population275
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density529/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$49,000
Per Capita$24,282
Unemployment10.7%
Poverty5.9%
County GDP$393M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,000
Rent$958
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$92,507
Housing Units106
Rent Burden17.2%
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured19.6%
Smoking20.1%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain29.7 in/yr
Elevation1,544 ft (471 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.9%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute25 min
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Bessie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bessie receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bessie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bessie is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bessie is $79,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Bessie enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.7 inches, including 6.4 inches of snow.
Bessie has a population of 275 with a density of 529 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40% female and 60% male. The city is predominantly White (84%), with 16% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
275
Total Population
2023 Census
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bessie is $49,000, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $875, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 294 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $875 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,359 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.7% |
| 197% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 294 |
| County GDP | $393M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,600 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Bessie is $79,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,507, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $958 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $1,600 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $92,507 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $958 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,600 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.03% |
In Bessie, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 19.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,638. The dentist ratio is 1:10,732. 32.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bessie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.4% |
| Uninsured | 19.6% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,638 |
| Dentists | 1:10,732 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,147 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 54.9% |
| Premature Death | 13,689/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Bessie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,544 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 60.6°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,544 ft (471 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 529/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3854°N, 98.9892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washita County County |
| Nearest Airport | Clinton Regional (CLK)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.7"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.34"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,003 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Feb 13, 2016 |
18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
125 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.7 |
126 km |
| Dec 7, 2013 |
8 km SW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Jul 27, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Crescent, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
145 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
123 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| Aug 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Guthrie, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
144 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 |
16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
124 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
7 km NNE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
146 km |
| Jan 13, 2024 |
6 km W of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
147 km |
| Mar 30, 2014 |
2 km S of Marshall, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Aug 3, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Mar 29, 2016 |
4 km NNE of Crescent, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| May 13, 2017 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
124 km |
| Jan 18, 1995 |
4 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, OK |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Jan 1, 2016 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Jan 18, 2016 |
Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
112 km |
| Jul 28, 2015 |
4 km NNE of Crescent, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
779 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 37 fatalities, 466 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF5 |
64 km |
9 |
| May 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1973 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
4 |
| May 25, 1962 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
8 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 2002 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RHEA (277,949 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
RHEA |
277,949 |
69 km |
| 2009 |
PUTNAM |
42,995 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
FERGUSON |
41,429 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
TOWNLEY ROAD |
24,139 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
SWEETWATER DOBSON |
23,045 |
85 km |
| 1996 |
WESTSIDE |
16,723 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,290 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RUSH |
12,239 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
CARBON |
12,143 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,392 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
62 FIRE |
9,804 |
74 km |
| 1993 |
CRATER CREEK |
8,963 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
CRATERLK-L |
8,876 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
720 FIRE |
8,761 |
86 km |
| 2018 |
SHAW |
8,581 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
BRITT |
8,275 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
MT SCOTT |
8,005 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
7,962 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
CAMARGO |
7,494 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
CRATER CREEK |
7,378 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Bessie has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 39°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Bessie. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $874 |
| Toddler | $756 |
| Preschool | $756 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $634 |
| Toddler | $583 |
| Preschool | $583 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bessie
What is the population of Bessie?
Bessie has a population of 275 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 529 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40% female and 60% male.
Is Bessie expensive to live in?
Bessie is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,000, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $958 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bessie?
Bessie enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 29.7 inches, with 6.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bessie?
The job market in Bessie faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $875. There are 294 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bessie?
The median home value in Bessie is $79,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $92,507. For renters, the median monthly rent is $958. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,600.
How are the schools in Bessie?
Schools in Bessie score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.9% of adults in Bessie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bessie?
The obesity rate in Bessie is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 19.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,638.
What is transportation like in Bessie?
The average commute in Bessie is 25 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bessie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bessie is 84% White, 16% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 29.1% of residents have a disability. 80.4% have health insurance coverage.