Oklahoma Counties Map

From the Great Plains in the west to the lush, green hills of the east, Oklahoma’s landscape is as diverse as its people. The state is a convergence of Native American heritage, cowboy culture, and oil boom history, all of which contribute to the state’s unique identity.

Oklahoma (OK) on the US Map

There are 77 counties in Oklahoma, and each boasts distinctive features. This post will explore these features in many of the state’s most notable counties, starting with the most populous. We’ll also look at an Oklahoma Counties Map that shows county borders as well as the major cities in each.

Map of Oklahoma Counties

Below is a map of the 77 counties of Oklahoma (you can click on the map to enlarge it and to see the major city in each county).

Interactive Map of Oklahoma Counties

Click on any of the counties on the map to see its population, economic data, time zone, and zip code (the data will appear below the map). Data is sourced from the US Census 2021.

List of the Counties of Oklahoma:

Largest Counties in Oklahoma by Population

Oklahoma County

Oklahoma County, established in 1890, is the most populous county in Oklahoma. It serves as the heart of the state, with Oklahoma City as its county seat and capital. This central location is a focal point for business, culture, and government, reflecting the state’s dynamic growth and diversity.

The county is home to several notable attractions, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which honors the victims of the 1995 bombing and serves as a symbol of resilience. The Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory offer an urban oasis in downtown Oklahoma City, providing a serene environment amidst the bustling city.

Oklahoma County also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with venues like the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Paseo Arts District showcasing local and national artists. The county’s emphasis on education and innovation is evident in its support for institutions like the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Tulsa County

Tulsa County, organized in 1907, is centered around Tulsa, the second-largest city in Oklahoma. The city is known for its Art Deco architecture, a remnant of its prosperous oil industry in the early 20th century. Key architectural landmarks include the Philcade and Philtower buildings, reflecting the city’s rich history.

Tulsa boasts a strong arts and music culture, highlighted by the Tulsa Arts District and the Woody Guthrie Center, which celebrates the life and music of the iconic folk musician. The Gilcrease Museum houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of American Indian and Western art.

The county is also home to the University of Tulsa, contributing to the area’s vibrant academic and cultural life. Outdoor activities are plentiful in Tulsa County, with River Parks offering extensive trails along the Arkansas River for walking, running, and cycling.

Cleveland County

Cleveland County, established in 1889, is located in the central part of Oklahoma, with Norman as its county seat. Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma, a major educational and cultural institution that attracts students and faculty from around the globe. The campus is noted for its beautiful architecture and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, one of the largest university-based natural history museums in the world.

The county also hosts the National Weather Center, reflecting the region’s importance in meteorological research and storm prediction. Norman’s vibrant Main Street offers dining, shopping, and entertainment, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year that draw community members and visitors alike.

Lake Thunderbird State Park, situated within Cleveland County, provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping, set against the backdrop of the lake and its surrounding landscape.

Canadian Couty

Canadian County, established in 1889, is located in the central part of Oklahoma, west of Oklahoma City. El Reno, the county seat, boasts a rich history that is preserved in its historic downtown area and through events like the annual El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day Festival, celebrating the city’s unique contribution to local cuisine.

The county is also known for the Fort Reno Visitor Center and Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area’s military past and its role in the Indian Wars. Fort Reno also conducts research in agriculture and animal science, continuing its long-standing tradition of service to the region.

Canadian County has experienced significant growth due to its proximity to Oklahoma City, making it a desirable location for families and businesses. The county balances urban development with maintaining its rural heritage, evident in its support for community events and local history.

Comanche County

Comanche County, named for the Comanche tribe, is located in southwestern Oklahoma, with Lawton as its county seat. Lawton is adjacent to Fort Sill, a major active Army installation playing a crucial role in the county’s economy and community life. The fort’s presence has fostered a strong military community and contributed to the area’s diverse population.

The county is home to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a national treasure that offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and the chance to see free-range American bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat. The refuge’s rugged landscape also includes Mount Scott, providing panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Comanche County’s cultural landscape is enriched by the Museum of the Great Plains, which offers exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, emphasizing the Native American heritage of the area. Lawton itself hosts a variety of cultural and recreational events throughout the year, including the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry Days, celebrating the county’s historical ties to the U.S. Cavalry.

Smallest Counties in Oklahoma by Population

Cimarron County

Cimarron County, established in 1907 with Oklahoma’s statehood, is located in the westernmost part of the state, bordering both Texas and New Mexico. It is the least populous county in the state, offering vast, unspoiled landscapes that include parts of the Black Mesa area, which contains Oklahoma’s highest point, Black Mesa.

Boise City, the county seat, serves as a central point for community life and history in the area. The county is noted for its historical significance, particularly during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, a period well-documented at the Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City. The museum offers insights into the challenges and resilience of the area’s early settlers.

Cimarron County’s remote location contributes to its quiet, rural atmosphere, making it a unique destination for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

Harmon County

Harmon County, established in 1909, is located in southwestern Oklahoma, near the Texas border. It is one of the state’s least populous counties, offering a peaceful, rural lifestyle.

The county seat, Hollis, is a small town embodying the community-oriented spirit typical of the area. Harmon County’s landscape is characterized by rolling plains and agricultural land, reflecting its economy’s strong reliance on farming and livestock.

The county is home to the Hollis Municipal Airport, a testament to the community’s connectivity despite its remote location. Local events, such as the Harmon County Fair, highlight the county’s agricultural heritage and bring residents together for celebrations of local culture and produce.

Harper County

Harper County, established in 1907 shortly before Oklahoma achieved statehood, is located in the northwestern part of the state. Buffalo, serving as the county seat, embodies the county’s enduring small-town values and agricultural roots. This county is characterized by its vast open spaces, rolling grasslands, and a strong sense of community among its residents.

Agriculture plays a central role in Harper County’s economy, with wheat farming and cattle ranching being predominant. County fairs and rodeos serve as significant gatherings for residents and neighboring communities. The county’s commitment to preserving its rural lifestyle and natural beauty makes it a distinctive part of Oklahoma’s diverse tapestry.

More Notable Counties in Oklahoma

Osage County

Osage County, established in 1907, is the largest county by area in Oklahoma and holds a unique place in both the state’s history and contemporary culture.

Centered around Pawhuska, the county seat, Osage County is deeply intertwined with the Osage Nation, whose reservation encompasses much of the county. This relationship has shaped the region’s history, culture, and economy, particularly through oil production, which brought wealth and challenges in the early 20th century.

The landscape of Osage County is distinguished by the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, a vast expanse of untouched prairie land that is home to bison herds and a variety of native flora and fauna. The preserve offers an immersive experience of what much of the Great Plains looked like before settlement.

Pawhuska itself has gained attention for its revitalization efforts and attractions such as The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, a restaurant, bakery, and store owned by Ree Drummond, a celebrity chef known for her Food Network show. Osage County’s rich indigenous heritage, natural beauty, and evolving community life make it a notable and compelling part of Oklahoma’s diverse landscape.

McCurtain County

McCurtain County, located in the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, is often referred to as part of “Little Dixie” due to its distinct cultural and historical ties to the Deep South. The county seat, Idabel, serves as a gateway to the region’s natural attractions, including the Ouachita National Forest and Beaver’s Bend State Park. These areas are renowned for their lush forests, clear rivers, and recreational opportunities, making McCurtain County a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The county is also famous for its rich biodiversity, with the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area providing a critical habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, and other species. This diversity makes it a prime location for bird watching, especially during migration periods.

McCurtain County’s economy benefits from tourism, forestry, and agriculture, with its scenic beauty and rural charm attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. The area’s cultural events, such as the Idabel Fall Festival, celebrate the county’s heritage and community spirit, contributing to its unique identity within Oklahoma.

Garfield County

Garfield County, established shortly after the Land Run of 1893, is located in northern Oklahoma, with Enid as its county seat and largest city. Enid’s history as a vibrant railroad town has evolved into a modern hub of commerce, culture, and education.

The city is known for its grain storage capacity, one of the largest in the world, reflecting the county’s strong agricultural roots, particularly in wheat production.

The county also plays a crucial role in the aerospace and defense sectors, hosting Vance Air Force Base, a key training center for U.S. Air Force pilots. This military presence has a significant impact on the local economy and community life.

Garfield County’s cultural scene is buoyed by institutions like the Gaslight Theatre and the Leonardo’s Children’s Museum, providing arts and educational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Muskogee County

Muskogee County, established in 1907, is located in eastern Oklahoma with the city of Muskogee serving as the county seat. Muskogee is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, which showcases the art and history of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole tribes.

The USS Batfish, a World War II submarine museum, offers a unique glimpse into naval history, drawing visitors to its location along the Arkansas River in Muskogee. The city also hosts the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, celebrating the state’s influential musicians and musical heritage.

The annual Azalea Festival at Honor Heights Park is another highlight, showcasing stunning floral displays and attracting tourists to Muskogee County each spring. The park itself is renowned for its beauty and recreational offerings, including walking trails and picnic areas.

Pottawatomie County

Pottawatomie County is located in central Oklahoma, with Shawnee as its county seat. Shawnee is notable for its educational institutions, particularly Oklahoma Baptist University, contributing to the county’s vibrant academic and cultural life.

Shawnee also hosts the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, one of the oldest museums in the state, housing a diverse collection of art ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance paintings. This museum reflects the county’s commitment to cultural enrichment and education.

The county’s economy is bolstered by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, which operates several businesses and cultural initiatives in the area, including the FireLake Discount Foods and the FireLake Golf Course. The annual FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival, featuring hot air balloons, entertainment, and activities, draws crowds from across the region, showcasing Pottawatomie County’s community spirit and hospitality.

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