Median Income
$36,042
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,200
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
384/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.7%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$567
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.6%
115% higher than US avg
How Welch Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population633
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,241/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$36,042
Per Capita$22,641
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty26.6%
County GDP$589M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,200
Rent$567
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$239,678
Housing Units283
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent384/100K
Property3,694/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking20.9%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation825 ft (251 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.7%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.80
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute25 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Welch a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Welch receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Welch has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Welch is $36,042, 52% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 26.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Welch is $108,200, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,694 per 100,000, 88% above the national average.
Education
10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Welch enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Welch has a population of 633 with a density of 1,241 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (74.7%), with 20.7% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.3% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.3%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Welch is $36,042, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,641 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $876, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 432 business establishments, including 29 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. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,042 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,641 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $876 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,864 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.6% |
| 115% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 432 |
| County GDP | $589M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 72 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,143 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Welch is $108,200, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,678, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $567 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 283 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $2,143 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,200 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,678 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $567 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 283 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,143 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Welch, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 37.6% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 31.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,353. The dentist ratio is 1:1,569. 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Welch vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.6% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.9% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,353 |
| Dentists | 1:1,569 |
| Mental Health | 1:171 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 51.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,484/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 72 |
Welch has a violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,694 per 100,000, 88% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Welch receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Welch vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 383.9/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,694.3/100K |
| 88% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Welch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 825 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.7°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 825 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,241/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8744°N, 95.0944°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Craig County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
65 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
91 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
752 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 223 fatalities, 2,256 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
49 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
15 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
61 km |
4 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
46 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
93 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
26 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (51,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
36,112 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
CANDY CREEK |
23,167 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 123 |
14,980 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,119 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
HUGHES |
10,477 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
Z BAR 7 |
10,170 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
MUSTANG |
10,060 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
CHOUTEAU |
9,765 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
WOOLAROC |
8,859 |
100 km |
| 2022 |
LIBERTY RANCH |
7,583 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
KELLEY |
6,561 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
TELAMAY HOLLOW |
5,686 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
HULAH2 |
5,421 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Welch has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Welch. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $785 |
| Preschool | $785 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $660 |
| Toddler | $607 |
| Preschool | $607 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Welch
What is the population of Welch?
Welch has a population of 633 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 1,241 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Welch expensive to live in?
Welch 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 $36,042, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,200 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Welch safe?
The violent crime rate in Welch is 384 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,694 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Welch receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Welch?
Welch enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Welch?
Welch has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $876. There are 432 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Welch?
The median home value in Welch is $108,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,678. For renters, the median monthly rent is $567. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,143.
How are the schools in Welch?
Schools in Welch have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.7% of adults in Welch hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Welch?
The obesity rate in Welch is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 31.9% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 42.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,353.
What is transportation like in Welch?
The average commute in Welch is 25 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Welch?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Welch is 74.7% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 20.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
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