Washita County
countyWashita County, located in western Oklahoma, is a predominantly rural area characterized by rolling prairies and a strong agricultural heritage. As of 2024, the population was approximately 10,839, reflecting a long-term decline from its peak in 1930. The county seat is New Cordell, which serves as a central hub for the region. The economy of Washita County is largely driven by agriculture, with key outputs including wheat, cotton, sorghum, and cattle production. The county also has some oil and gas production. Major employment sectors include construction, retail trade, and healthcare. The median household income was $61,980 in 2023. Washita County offers a glimpse into Oklahoma's past with sites like the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site and the New Cordell Courthouse Square Historic District. The county is named after the Washita River, which drains much of its territory. Outdoor recreation opportunities are available at Foss State Park and Crowder Lake University Park.
Washita County, Oklahoma
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 40149
- Country
- United States
- County
- Washita County
- Region
- Western Oklahoma, Western Redbeds Plains, Osage Plains
- Total Area
- 1,009 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1,003 sq mi
- Water Area
- 5.6 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.29
- Longitude
- -98.99
- Climate
- The county's landscape of rolling prairies is ideal for farming and ranching.
- Notable Features
- Washita River · Foss Reservoir · Crowder Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Custer County, OK · Caddo County, OK · Kiowa County, OK · Beckham County, OK
- Population (2020)
- 10,924
- Est. Population (2026)
- 11,085
- Median Age
- 40.7
- Median Income
- $61,980
- Owner-Occupied
- 75%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county was 83.9% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 2.7% from some other race, and 9.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 9.0% of the population.
- Schools
- 9
- Students
- 1,803
- School Districts
- Burns Flat-Dill City Public Schools · Canute Public Schools · Cordell Public Schools · Sentinel Public Schools · Washita Heights Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Western Technology Center
- Founded
- 1891
- Named After
- Washita River
- Historical Significance
- Washita County's development has been shaped by its natural resources and transportation routes, reflecting its early settlement and statehood eras.
- Key Events
- Cheyenne-Arapaho Opening (1892) · Establishment of Seger's Colony (1886) · Relocation of county seat to Cordell (1907) · Completion of nation's first flood control dam (1948)