Median Income
$35,655
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,200
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$810
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.3%
48% higher than US avg
How Wister Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,103
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density584/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,655
Per Capita$21,468
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty18.3%
County GDP$1,751M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,200
Rent$810
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$204,265
Housing Units435
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property508/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured10.9%
Smoking20.1%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation514 ft (157 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score4.76
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute25 min
Broadband62.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Wister a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wister receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wister offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wister is $35,655, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 18.3% 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 Wister is $93,200, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wister is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 508 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Wister enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°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.
Wister has a population of 1,103 with a density of 584 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (72.9%), with 19.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Wister is $35,655, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,468 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $812, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,044 business establishments, including 60 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. 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,655 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,468 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $812 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,281 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.3% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,044 |
| County GDP | $1,751M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 109 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,290 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Wister is $93,200, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,265, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $810 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 435 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,290 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,200 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,265 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $810 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 435 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,290 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.46% |
In Wister, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463. The dentist ratio is 1:3,493. 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wister vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,463 |
| Dentists | 1:3,493 |
| Mental Health | 1:299 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,655/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 109 |
Wister has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 508 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wister receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Wister vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 507.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Wister enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°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 514 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 61.0°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 514 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 584/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9697°N, 94.7206°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Le Flore County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Smith Regional (FSM)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
6.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
107 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 14, 2024.
| Apr 3, 2012 |
8 km SSW of Pittsburg, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 24, 2021 |
1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
60 km |
| Apr 7, 2021 |
7 km WSW of Horntown, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Aug 22, 2021 |
3 km ESE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Oct 20, 2002 |
8 km WSW of Lane, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Jul 22, 2021 |
2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
59 km |
| Feb 25, 2009 |
4 km SE of Ashland, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| May 16, 2019 |
3 km W of Horntown, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
2 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
62 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
3 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 27, 2007 |
9 km SW of Hanna, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Centrahoma, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
1 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
61 km |
| Jun 3, 2022 |
10 km W of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| May 14, 2022 |
6 km SSE of Yeager, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Mar 14, 2022 |
12 km E of Crowder, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Oct 1, 2010 |
7 km SE of Stuart, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
120 km |
| Jan 26, 2014 |
4 km WNW of Lamar, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
506 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 87 fatalities, 971 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF5 |
26 km |
2 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
78 km |
4 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
48 km |
14 |
| May 5, 1961 |
EF4 |
39 km |
16 |
| May 5, 1960 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1960 |
EF4 |
54 km |
16 |
| Jan 22, 1957 |
EF4 |
48 km |
10 |
| Apr 9, 2009 |
EF3 |
59 km |
3 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1970 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1961 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (18,089 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
18,089 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,318 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
40 ACRE TURNAROUND |
13,985 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,929 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
WEST CAVANAL FIRE |
13,100 |
11 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
12,086 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
11,929 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,593 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
10,444 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
BRANTLEY CABIN |
9,666 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
9,483 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,385 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
BILLY CREEK |
9,236 |
31 km |
| 2011 |
TI VALLEY |
9,205 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
EASY TO HANDLE |
9,120 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,795 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
W72 BLOOD SPRINGS |
8,674 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
MIDDLE RIDGE |
8,501 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
SIX THOUSAND |
8,455 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
DOG HOUSE FIRE |
8,304 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
53°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Wister has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 39°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.3") and January the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Wister. 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 | $877 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $637 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wister
What is the population of Wister?
Wister has a population of 1,103 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 584 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Wister expensive to live in?
Wister 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 $35,655, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,200 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $810 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wister safe?
Wister is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 508 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wister receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wister?
Wister 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 82°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 Wister?
The job market in Wister is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $812. There are 1,044 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wister?
The median home value in Wister is $93,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,265. For renters, the median monthly rent is $810. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,290.
How are the schools in Wister?
Schools in Wister have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.0% of adults in Wister hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wister?
The obesity rate in Wister is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 10.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463.
What is transportation like in Wister?
The average commute in Wister is 25 minutes. 89.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wister?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wister is 72.9% White, 19.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 27.6% of residents have a disability. 79.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
