Alfalfa County is located in the northwest corner of Oklahoma. It is bordered by Woods County to the north, Grant County to the east, Garfield County to the south, and Major County to the west. See Countryaah – Counties in Oklahoma. The county covers an area of 764 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 5,642 people. The county seat is Cherokee and there are two townships within its borders: Aline and Carmen. The region’s climate is semi-arid with hot summers and mild winters. Alfalfa County experiences an average annual precipitation of just over 24 inches. Agriculture is integral to Alfalfa County’s economy, with wheat being one of its major crops. Other important crops include hay, corn, oats, alfalfa and sorghum. Livestock production also plays a big role in the local economy with cattle being the predominant species raised in Alfalfa County. Oil production also contributes significantly to the local economy, though not as much as it once did during its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s. In addition to agriculture and oil production, Alfalfa County has a number of small businesses that contribute to its economic vitality including restaurants, retail shops and service providers such as auto repair shops and construction companies.
Demographics of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma
Alfalfa County is a rural county located in the northwest corner of Oklahoma. According to the 2010 US Census, the population of Alfalfa County was 5,642 with 2,905 households and 1,890 families. The racial makeup of Alfalfa County was 94% White, 0.4% African American, 1.3% Native American or Alaskan Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.9%. The median age in Alfalfa County is 38 years old with 23.7% of the population under 18 years old and 14% over 65 years old. The median household income for Alfalfa County was $35,268 and the median family income was $42,000 in 2018 according to the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates report for 2019-2023 period.
The majority of people living in Alfalfa county are employed in agriculture (24%), followed by manufacturing (15%), retail trade (15%), construction (10%), arts & entertainment (5%) and health care & social assistance (5%). Other top industries include oil production (4%), transportation & warehousing (3%) and finance & insurance (2%). In terms of educational attainment among residents aged 25 and over in Alfalfa county, 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher while 9 % have less than a high school diploma or equivalent degree as their highest level of education completed according to 2017 data from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates report for 2018-2022 period.
The median housing value in Alfalfa County is $73,600 with the majority of homes being owner-occupied (72%). The median rent in Alfalfa County is $631. The poverty rate in Alfalfa county is 17% with 11% of children under 18 years old living below the poverty line. Overall, Alfalfa County is a rural community that relies heavily on agriculture and oil production for its economic vitality and has a population that is largely White and employed in a variety of industries.
Places of Interest in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma is considered a rural community that offers a variety of places to explore. The county is home to the historic town of Cherokee, which was founded in 1891 and served as the county seat until the early 1920s. The town has several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the first bank building in the area and a church built in 1891. In addition, Cherokee is home to several interesting attractions such as the Cherokee Courthouse Museum and the Alfalfa County Historical Society Museum.
Other historical sites include Fort Supply, which served as a military post during Indian Wars and later as an Indian Agency during the late 19th century; and Cantonment Sites, which are remains of military installations from World War II. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting Boiling Springs State Park located just outside Cherokee. It features a large lake surrounded by grassy hills, making it an ideal spot for fishing, boating or camping.
The nearby town of Helena offers plenty of shopping opportunities with various antique shops and stores selling handmade items such as jewelry or pottery. For those looking for entertainment options there are several restaurants featuring live music or local performances at venues like The Rosebud Theater or Hootenanny’s Bar & Grill.
Finally, Alfalfa County also hosts several annual festivals throughout the year such as Alfalfa County Fair in August; Helena Homecoming Festival in September; Christmas Parade in December; and Rodeo Days in April. Visitors can also find a variety of outdoor activities including fishing tournaments on Lake Hudson or golfing at one of three courses located within 10 miles of Cherokee Town Hall Square – all great ways to experience what Alfalfa County has to offer.
Notable People of Alfalfa County, Oklahoma
Alfalfa County, Oklahoma is home to many notable people who have made significant contributions to their communities, the state of Oklahoma, and the nation. Among them are three-time Grammy Award winner Reba McEntire, who was born in the town of Chockie in 1955; and politician and former Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating, who was born in Muskogee in 1944.
Other famous residents of Alfalfa County include the late actor Dennis Weaver, who was born in Joplin, Missouri but moved to Cherokee as a young child; and country singer Toby Keith, who grew up near the town of Buffalo. Additionally, Alfalfa County can boast two former astronauts: Robert L. Crippen and James Halsell Jr., both of whom were born and raised in Helena.
The county is also home to several notable athletes including football player Robert Grays, who played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys from 1992-1999; basketball player Wayman Tisdale, who played at the University of Oklahoma and later for the Indiana Pacers; and baseball player Jimmie Hall, who had a successful career with both the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.
Alfalfa County has also produced several prominent authors including Pulitzer Prize winner N. Scott Momaday, novelist John Grisham (born in Jonesboro), children’s author/illustrator David Shannon (born in Cherokee), and poet Linda Hogan (born in Okemah). Finally, there are many prominent musicians from Alfalfa County including country music singer/songwriter Reba McEntire; jazz pianist Bob Dorough; blues musician/producer Big Joe Turner; gospel singer/songwriter Yolanda Adams; rock guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan; classical composer Carlisle Floyd; and gospel singer/songwriter Richard Smallwood.
These individuals have all made significant contributions to their communities as well as to the nation at large through their various talents. They represent a diverse range of backgrounds that make up Alfalfa County’s rich cultural heritage – one that continues to be celebrated today.