McAlester city, Oklahoma Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, McAlester city, Oklahoma has a total population of 18,098, the 29th largest city in Oklahoma, with a median household income of $48,044, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.2%.
McAlester city Quick Facts
How McAlester city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
McAlester city Rankings in Oklahoma
Explore Oklahoma Rankings
Cities Similar to McAlester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Reno city | 17,919 | $54,459 | $157,000 | 17.7% | 21.4% |
| Durant city | 19,209 | $44,753 | $155,800 | 28.4% | 20.4% |
| Tahlequah city | 16,513 | $48,515 | $182,800 | 34.9% | 20.3% |
| Altus city | 18,670 | $55,550 | $124,800 | 23.4% | 17.3% |
| Ada city | 16,536 | $51,792 | $169,300 | 30.3% | 16.1% |
Population Overview
McAlester city is a small city located in Oklahoma. The total population is 18,098. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 834 cities and towns in Oklahoma.
Age Demographics
The median age in McAlester city is 35.9 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 36.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McAlester city is $48,044. This is 24% lower than the state median of $63,603. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 39% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%. This is 45% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.3%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.0%. This is 63% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $137,500. Housing costs are 26% lower than the state median of $185,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, McAlester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 58.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 65.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in McAlester city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 64.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.6%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 2.3%.
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 26% lower than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McAlester city, Oklahoma is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Oklahoma state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 834 Census-designated places in Oklahoma. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of McAlester city, Oklahoma?
McAlester city, Oklahoma has a population of 18,098 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McAlester city, OK?
The median household income in McAlester city is $48,044, which is 39% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in McAlester city, OK?
The poverty rate in McAlester city is 22.2%. This means approximately 3,569 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McAlester city, Oklahoma?
McAlester city's population is 64.2% White, 4.7% Black, 7.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in McAlester city, OK?
The median home value in McAlester city is $137,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is McAlester city, Oklahoma?
20.5% of adults (25+) in McAlester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.