Elections

Bryan County, OK, had 24,842 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, municipal, and school board, often dominated by the Republican Party, which secured 78% of the 2020 presidential vote; Democrats gained 20%. Key issues include education funding and infrastructure. Polling locations number 30, managed by the Bryan County Election Board. The administration upholds voter ID laws and early voting. In the 2022 general election, turnout was 43%. Both major parties maintain active local organizations, influencing policy and turnout.

Education, Employment and Housing

Bryan County, OK, hosts 18 public schools, including Durant High School, with a graduation rate of 92%. About 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school test scores are around 47% (proficient) in math and reading. School safety measures are prioritized, with most schools reporting low incident rates. The area offers robust career and technical education programs through Kiamichi Technology Center and Southeastern Oklahoma State University supports further adult education and workforce training.

Bryan County, OK, had an employment rate of approximately 57% in 2022. The largest industries include Education, Health & Social Services (21%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (11%). Major occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (14%), Sales (9%), and Production (9%). About 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19.2 minutes. Most residents work locally; 74% are employed within Bryan County, while others commute to adjacent counties such as Grayson County, TX.

Bryan County, OK, has a homeownership rate of around 63%, with median home values near $168,000 as of 2023. Rental occupancy is approximately 37%, and median monthly rents average $900. Housing types range from single-family homes in neighborhoods like Durant and Colbert to some apartments and mobile homes. The housing market has seen a 5% annual increase in property values. Property taxes average 0.68% of home value, equating to roughly $1,142 yearly for a median-priced home. The area offers a blend of suburban and rural communities, attracting families and retirees alike.

County Crime & Safety

Bryan County, OK, reported a crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000 residents in 2022. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, accounted for 85% of cases, while violent crimes like assault and robbery made up 15%. The sheriff’s office received over 1,200 incident reports last year, with an average response time of 11 minutes. Compared to the state average, Bryan County’s crime rate is slightly lower, and local law enforcement continues to implement community-based safety programs to improve public security.

Demographics

As of 2023, Bryan County, OK, has a population of approximately 48,000. The median age is around 36 years. About 50.5% are female and 49.5% male. The racial/ethnic makeup is 72% White, 14% Native American, 4% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 8% Hispanic or Latino. The county also has a notable Native American presence, largely due to its location within the Choctaw Nation reservation.