Poteau city, Oklahoma Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Poteau city, Oklahoma has a total population of 8,903, the 49th largest city in Oklahoma, with a median household income of $49,789, which is 22% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.3%.
Poteau city Quick Facts
How Poteau 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+)
Poteau city Rankings in Oklahoma
Explore Oklahoma Rankings
Cities Similar to Poteau city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sallisaw city | 8,553 | $47,333 | $123,500 | 15.9% | 31.1% |
| Skiatook city | 8,553 | $55,444 | $168,600 | 21.8% | 11.3% |
| Cushing city | 8,336 | $44,282 | $112,100 | 16.7% | 24.7% |
| Clinton city | 8,461 | $58,417 | $112,500 | 24.3% | 14.4% |
| Pryor Creek city | 9,520 | $42,500 | $146,200 | 14.1% | 22.7% |
Population Overview
Poteau city is a small city located in Oklahoma. The total population is 8,903. It ranks as the 49th most populous out of 834 cities and towns in Oklahoma.
Age Demographics
The median age in Poteau city is 34.8 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 36.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Poteau city is $49,789. This is 22% lower than the state median of $63,603. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 37% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%. This is 33% 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 6.1%. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $142,400. Housing costs are 23% lower than the state median of $185,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Poteau city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 61.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 65.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Poteau city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 66.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 15.2%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 6.9%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 2.3%.
Education
15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% 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 81.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Poteau 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 Poteau city, Oklahoma?
Poteau city, Oklahoma has a population of 8,903 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Poteau city, OK?
The median household income in Poteau city is $49,789, which is 37% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Poteau city, OK?
The poverty rate in Poteau city is 20.3%. This means approximately 1,719 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Poteau city, Oklahoma?
Poteau city's population is 66.5% White, 1.5% Black, 15.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Poteau city, OK?
The median home value in Poteau city is $142,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Poteau city, Oklahoma?
15.8% of adults (25+) in Poteau city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.