Median Income
$70,500
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,500
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
170/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Carter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population193
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density364/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,500
Per Capita$29,579
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$1,261M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,500
Rent$700
Ownership83.3%
Zillow$119,834
Housing Units104
Rent Burden11.3%
Crime
F
Violent170/100K
Property1,064/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking22.2%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain29.5 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,828 ft (557 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score5.04
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute26 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Carter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carter receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Carter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carter is $70,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carter is $71,500, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carter is below the national average at 170 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,064 per 100,000, 46% below the national average.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Carter enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.5 inches, including 8.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Carter has a population of 193 with a density of 364 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (67.4%), with 31.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Carter is $70,500, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,579 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 777 business establishments, including 69 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,500 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,579 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,083 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 777 |
| County GDP | $1,261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 69 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Carter is $71,500, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,834, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $803 for a one-bedroom to $1,054 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $3,513. 11.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,500 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,834 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $776 |
| 1 Bedroom | $803 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,054 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,324 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,553 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.7% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,513 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.91% |
In Carter, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 38.9% have high blood pressure. 22.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 36.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,004. The dentist ratio is 1:2,001. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.9% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.2% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.7% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,004 |
| Dentists | 1:2,001 |
| Mental Health | 1:319 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 48.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Carter has a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,064 per 100,000, 46% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Carter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,064.1/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 326 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. 60% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,828 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 60.1°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,828 ft (557 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 364/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2169°N, 99.5036°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beckham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elk City Regional Business (ELK)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.5"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 59.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 14 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
284 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 25, 2019 |
13 km W of Kingfisher, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 28, 1998 |
9 km NE of Medicine Park, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Sep 21, 2015 |
4 km W of Fairview, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Feb 8, 2002 |
8 km SW of Elgin, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 |
9 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Sep 13, 2016 |
3 km SE of Fairview, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jul 27, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Kingfisher, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Apr 13, 2015 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
4 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Aug 27, 2017 |
15 km WSW of Watonga, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Aug 7, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Kingfisher, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
15 km NW of Okarche, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Sep 15, 2015 |
10 km ENE of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
150 km |
| Feb 26, 2016 |
10 km E of Seiling, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Mar 11, 2010 |
14 km S of Calumet, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km SE of Hitchcock, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
5 km N of Quinlan, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Jan 3, 2018 |
7 km NW of Okeene, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jan 28, 2009 |
0 km ENE of Amber, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
671 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 215 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
4 |
| May 25, 1962 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| May 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1997 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1981 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 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 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
LEFORS EAST |
68,701 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
PUTNAM |
42,995 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
FERGUSON |
41,429 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
WASHITA RIVER FIRE |
35,421 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
HIGGINS |
28,466 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
TOWNLEY ROAD |
24,139 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
SWEETWATER DOBSON |
23,045 |
52 km |
| 2018 |
MILLIRON |
20,437 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
MAGIC CITY |
18,922 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
WESTSIDE |
16,723 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
16,290 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
I40 |
14,780 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
OREAR COMPLEX FIRE |
14,749 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RUSH |
12,239 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
CARBON |
12,143 |
51 km |
| 2022 |
62 FIRE |
9,804 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
SHAW |
8,581 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
BRITT |
8,275 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
CAMARGO |
7,494 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Carter has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 38°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Carter. 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 | $887 |
| Toddler | $767 |
| Preschool | $767 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $644 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carter
What is the population of Carter?
Carter has a population of 193 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 364 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Carter expensive to live in?
Carter 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 $70,500, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,500 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carter safe?
Carter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 170 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,064 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carter?
Carter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.5 inches, with 8.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Carter?
The job market in Carter is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 777 business establishments in the area, including 69 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carter?
The median home value in Carter is $71,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,834. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $803 for a 1-bedroom and $1,054 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,513.
How are the schools in Carter?
Schools in Carter score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.5% of adults in Carter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carter?
The obesity rate in Carter is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.2% of adults are smokers. 36.7% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,004.
What is transportation like in Carter?
The average commute in Carter is 26 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carter is 67.4% White, 31.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
