Median Income
$50,556
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
42% higher than US avg
How Zena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population272
Median Age30.0 yrs
Density57/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans16.6%
Economy
C+
Median Income$50,556
Per Capita$21,788
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty17.6%
County GDP$1,335M
Commute54 min
Housing
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$226,313
Housing Units121
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property2,341/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking22.9%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation950 ft (290 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+75.0%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score5.05
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute54 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Zena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Zena receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Zena has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Zena is $50,556, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 54 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Zena is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,341 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Zena 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.
Zena has a population of 272 with a density of 57 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 30.0 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.2%), with 6.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.0yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Zena is $50,556, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,788 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $818, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 942 business establishments, including 87 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 54 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,556 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,788 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $818 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,487 |
| Gini Index | 0.470 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.6% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 942 |
| County GDP | $1,335M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 87 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 149 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 53.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,313. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 121 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,794. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 121 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,794 |
| 8% above US avg |
In Zena, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 38.7% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 34.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563. The dentist ratio is 1:2,180. 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Zena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.1% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,563 |
| Dentists | 1:2,180 |
| Mental Health | 1:474 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 50.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,171/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Zena has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,341 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Zena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Zena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.5/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,340.6/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Zena 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 950 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 | 950 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 57/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5084°N, 94.8481°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Delaware County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Lake Regional (NRI) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
57 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
94 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
52 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
785 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 222 fatalities, 2,330 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
65 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
61 km |
21 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF4 |
97 km |
7 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
43 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
62 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
74 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
64 km |
5 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 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 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
18,089 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
12,086 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
HILLTOP |
6,523 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
TELAMAY HOLLOW |
5,686 |
54 km |
| 2017 |
PERSIMMON RIDGE |
5,333 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL HOLLOW |
5,166 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
GRUBER |
4,831 |
91 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,546 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
FLAT ROCK |
4,472 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
F128 |
4,210 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
NATURE FIRE |
3,744 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
LITTLE DEER |
3,709 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,700 |
95 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
48 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,301 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
3,285 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,238 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Zena has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Zena. 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 | $902 |
| Toddler | $780 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zena
What is the population of Zena?
Zena has a population of 272 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 57 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Zena expensive to live in?
Zena 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 $50,556, 33% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Zena safe?
Zena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,341 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Zena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Zena?
Zena 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 Zena?
The unemployment rate in Zena is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $818. There are 942 business establishments in the area, including 87 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 54 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Zena?
Schools in Zena score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Zena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Zena?
The obesity rate in Zena is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 34.1% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,563.
What is transportation like in Zena?
The average commute in Zena is 54 minutes, longer 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 Zena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Zena is 84.2% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.6% of the population are military veterans. 30.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.