Home Value
$216,200
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.1%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$975
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Little Ponderosa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population323
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density431/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
Per Capita$38,075
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$535M
Commute16 min
Housing
Home Value$216,200
Rent$975
Ownership92.2%
Zillow$190,615
Housing Units129
Rent Burden18.8%
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured21.4%
Smoking15.9%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain21.1 in/yr
Elevation2,801 ft (854 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.1%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.17
Community
2024 VoteR 91% / D 7%
Commute16 min
Broadband94.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Little Ponderosa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Little Ponderosa receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Little Ponderosa faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Little Ponderosa is $216,200, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
6.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Little Ponderosa enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches, including 14.4 inches of snow.
Little Ponderosa has a population of 323 with a density of 431 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (56.7%), with 42.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 61.9% of residents, while 44.3% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 5.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
323
Total Population
2023 Census
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Little Ponderosa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
61.9%
21% below US avg
Spanish
44.3%
231% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Little Ponderosa vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $38,075. The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 178 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Little Ponderosa vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $38,075 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 178 |
| County GDP | $535M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Little Ponderosa is $216,200, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,615, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $975 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $1,300 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $216,200 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,615 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $975 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.8% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.60% |
In Little Ponderosa, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 14.3% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 21.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:5,016. 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Little Ponderosa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.6% |
| Uninsured | 21.4% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:5,016 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,015/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Little Ponderosa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 14.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,801 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.8°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,801 ft (854 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9612°N, 100.8781°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Beaver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL)
7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.1"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very 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
43 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M4.1 on May 25, 2021.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
124 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
28 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
28 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Oct 13, 2017 |
7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Oct 25, 1999 |
2 km WNW of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Mar 16, 2018 |
22 km NE of Fort Supply, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| May 14, 2013 |
8 km SE of Canadian, Texas |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jul 24, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Oct 25, 2017 |
23 km NE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jan 21, 2018 |
27 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
26 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
23 km NE of Fort Supply, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Mar 17, 2018 |
22 km NE of Fort Supply, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
135 km |
| Mar 23, 1995 |
7 km NNE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
114 km |
| Jun 25, 2017 |
6 km N of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
26 km NW of Freedom, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Feb 27, 2012 |
25 km WSW of Lipscomb, Texas |
M2.8 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
61 km |
3 |
| May 23, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1990 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1987 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1978 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKS - STARBUCK (657,299 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
SLAPOUT FIRE |
23,810 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
LIPSCOMB COUNTY COMPLEX |
23,028 |
95 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
85 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,815 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
COBB FIRE |
7,142 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
52 km |
| 1997 |
BUOY LINE |
6,118 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
OPTIMA |
5,084 |
35 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,967 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
21 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,303 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - BEAVER |
3,168 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
23 FIRE |
2,704 |
36 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,605 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Little Ponderosa has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Little Ponderosa. 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 | $915 |
| Toddler | $791 |
| Preschool | $791 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $665 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $611 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Ponderosa
What is the population of Little Ponderosa?
Little Ponderosa has a population of 323 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 431 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Little Ponderosa expensive to live in?
Little Ponderosa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $216,200 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Little Ponderosa?
Little Ponderosa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.1 inches, with 14.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Little Ponderosa?
The job market in Little Ponderosa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 178 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Little Ponderosa?
The median home value in Little Ponderosa is $216,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,615. For renters, the median monthly rent is $975. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.2%. The average annual property tax is $1,300.
How are the schools in Little Ponderosa?
Schools in Little Ponderosa score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.1% of adults in Little Ponderosa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Little Ponderosa?
The obesity rate in Little Ponderosa is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 21.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 29.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Little Ponderosa?
The average commute in Little Ponderosa is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Little Ponderosa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Little Ponderosa is 56.7% White, 42.4% Hispanic or Latino. 61.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 44.3% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 5.3% of residents have a disability. 78.6% have health insurance coverage.