Atoka County
countyAtoka County, located in southeastern Oklahoma, is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. With a population of approximately 14,255 as of 2023, the county offers a blend of rural charm and historical significance. The county seat is Atoka, a town founded by Choctaw Indians in the 1850s and named for Chief Atoka. Agriculture, forestry, and limestone quarrying have historically driven Atoka County's economy. Cattle raising emerged as a leading business in the mid-20th century, and the Mack H. Alford Correctional Center is a major employer. The county's location between major metropolitan areas like Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Fort Smith provides access to broader economic opportunities. Atoka County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including Atoka Lake and McGee Creek State Park. These areas offer fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, attracting visitors and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The county's rich Native American history and connection to the Choctaw Nation add a unique cultural dimension.
Atoka County, Oklahoma
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 40005
- Country
- United States
- County
- Atoka County
- Region
- Southeastern Oklahoma
- Total Area
- 990 sq mi
- Land Area
- 976 sq mi
- Water Area
- 14 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.38
- Longitude
- -96.05
- Climate
- The climate in Atoka County is characterized by warm summers and mild winters.
- Notable Features
- Atoka Lake · McGee Creek Reservoir · Ouachita Mountains
- Neighboring Areas
- Bryan County · Choctaw County · Coal County · Johnston County · Pittsburg County · Pushmataha County
- Population (2020)
- 14,143
- Est. Population (2023)
- 14,255
- Median Age
- 40.2
- Median Income
- $52,034
- Owner-Occupied
- 75.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of Atoka County was 67.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 13.9% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 9.15% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic), 3.89% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), and 1.71% White (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.2%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Forestry · Limestone quarrying · Cattle raising
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction
- Students
- 862
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- School Districts
- Atoka Public Schools · Caney Public Schools · Farris Public Schools · Harmony Public Schools · Stringtown Public Schools · Tushka Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Kiamichi Technology Center-Atoka
- Transportation
- U.S. Highways 69 and 75 · State Highways 3 and 7
- Utilities
- PSO - Public Service Company of Oklahoma
- Major Facilities
- Mack H. Alford Correctional Center · Atoka County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Atoka Lake · McGee Creek State Park · Boggy Depot State Park
- Parks & Trails
- McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area · Atoka Sports Complex · 45th Infantry Division Memorial Park · Haley's Place Park · Johnson Park · Posey Howard Family Community Park
- Founded
- 1907
- Named After
- Chief Atoka, a leader of the Choctaw Nation
- Historical Significance
- Atoka County's history is deeply rooted in the Choctaw Nation and its development as a key transportation and economic hub in the region.
- Key Events
- Part of Choctaw Nation after the tribe was forced to relocate in the early 1830s · Butterfield Overland Mail established a stagecoach route through the area in 1858 · Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway built a track through the county in 1872