Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
289/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.2%
96% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.5%
98% higher than US avg
How Optima Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population226
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density426/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans14.5%
Economy
Per Capita$22,507
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty24.5%
County GDP$2,635M
Commute14 min
Housing
Home Value$73,800
Ownership94.2%
Zillow$167,515
Housing Units67
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent289/100K
Property1,661/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured19.5%
Smoking10.8%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain19.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,014 ft (919 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.2%
High School+43.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute14 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Optima a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Optima receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Optima faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 24.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Optima is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Optima is below the national average at 289 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,661 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
1.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 43.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Optima enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.1 inches, including 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Optima has a population of 226 with a density of 426 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly White (31.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 12.9% of residents, while 87.1% speak Spanish. 14.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 1.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
12.9%
84% below US avg
Spanish
87.1%
550% above US avg
Per capita income is $22,507 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 579 business establishments, including 52 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,507 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,216 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.5% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 579 |
| County GDP | $2,635M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 52 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,394 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Optima is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,515, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,394 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,515 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.8% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,394 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Optima, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 10.8% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.7% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 19.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,608. The dentist ratio is 1:2,928. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Optima vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.8% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 19.5% |
| 127% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,608 |
| Dentists | 1:2,928 |
| Mental Health | 1:536 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,313/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Optima has a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,661 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Optima receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Optima vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 288.9/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,661.1/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Optima enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 330 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 19.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 3,014 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,014 ft (919 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 426/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7613°N, 101.3492°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Texas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Liberal Mid-America Regional (LBL)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.1"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Jan 21, 2025.
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M4.3 |
106 km |
| May 25, 2021 |
3 km WNW of Shattuck, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
17 km WNW of Fritch, Texas |
M3.5 |
128 km |
| Oct 13, 2017 |
7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jun 15, 2007 |
3 km WSW of Pampa, Texas |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| May 14, 2013 |
8 km SE of Canadian, Texas |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Jul 9, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Fritch, Texas |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Feb 27, 2012 |
25 km WSW of Lipscomb, Texas |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Jan 21, 2020 |
12 km NNE of Rosston, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| May 17, 2024 |
3 km SSE of Hartley, Texas |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| Oct 2, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Channing, Texas |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Apr 14, 2021 |
34 km NNE of Skellytown, Texas |
M2.7 |
106 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
7 km W of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| Jan 21, 2025 |
5 km NW of Pampa, Texas |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Mar 25, 2016 |
Texas Panhandle region |
M2.6 |
119 km |
| Jan 8, 2011 |
7 km SSE of Hartley, Texas |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
522 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 199 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1982 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1971 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
3 |
| Nov 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1996 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1993 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1990 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1987 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1972 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1963 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1962 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BADGER HOLE (49,146 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BADGER HOLE |
49,146 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
96 km |
| 2020 |
412 FIRE |
22,069 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
BEAVER RIVER FIRE |
20,512 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
TUNNER |
17,774 |
59 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
COBB FIRE |
7,142 |
24 km |
| 2011 |
HASKELL COUNTY |
6,736 |
76 km |
| 1997 |
BUOY LINE |
6,118 |
18 km |
| 2016 |
OPTIMA |
5,084 |
24 km |
| 2006 |
MOUNT CARMEL |
4,061 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
BLACK MONDAY |
3,376 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,303 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
TURKEY TRACK |
3,271 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
OKS - BEAVER |
3,168 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
23 FIRE |
2,704 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,605 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
STEELER |
2,471 |
45 km |
| 2016 |
CLEARLAKE 149/22 |
2,399 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Optima has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Optima. 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 | $906 |
| Toddler | $783 |
| Preschool | $783 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $658 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Optima
What is the population of Optima?
Optima has a population of 226 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 426 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Optima expensive to live in?
Optima 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 $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median).
Is Optima safe?
Optima is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 289 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,661 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Optima receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Optima?
Optima enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.1 inches, with 17.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Optima?
The job market in Optima is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 579 business establishments in the area, including 52 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Optima?
The median home value in Optima is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,515. The homeownership rate is 94.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,394.
How are the schools in Optima?
Schools in Optima have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.2% of adults in Optima hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 43.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Optima?
The obesity rate in Optima is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.8% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 19.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,608.
What is transportation like in Optima?
The average commute in Optima is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Optima?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Optima is 31.9% White. 12.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 87.1% speak Spanish. 14.5% of the population are military veterans. 1.7% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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