What is the property tax rate in Comanche County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Comanche County, Oklahoma is approximately 1.00%.

Comanche County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Oklahoma Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Comanche County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Lawton-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Comanche County — including Oklahoma's constitutional 11% real-property assessment ratio (Article X §8), the $1,000 standard + $1,000 additional Homestead Exemption, the Senior Valuation Limitation (true AV freeze for 65+ with HUD-county-median income — Oklahoma County $99K, Tulsa $90,300, Canadian $99K for 2026), the 3% annual AV cap (Article X §8B), and the FULL Disabled Veterans Exemption (100% service-connected, Article X §8E since 2008). Effective rates ~0.87% statewide median (35th nationally).

Comanche County, home to Lawton and 120k Oklahomans, operates under Oklahoma\'s constitutional 11% real-property assessment ratio (Oklahoma Constitution Article X §8 — counties may assess at 11-13.5%, most use the 11% minimum). AV = Fair Cash Value (FCV) × 11%. Tax = AV × millage / 1,000. Combined millage typically 90-135 mills (= ~1.0-1.5% gross before homestead). Oklahoma uses "Fair Cash Value" (FCV) terminology rather than the more-common Fair Market Value. The structural protections — the constitutional 11% AR, the $1,000 standard Homestead Exemption (+ $1,000 additional if income-tested), the Senior Valuation Limitation, and the 3% annual AV cap — combine to produce one of the more-favorable property tax structures in the central United States. Effective rates run ~0.87% statewide median, 35th nationally — well below neighboring Texas (1.80%) and Kansas (1.41%).

How the bill is built

Oklahoma property tax follows a 4-step calculation. Step 1: Fair Cash Value. The Comanche County Assessor determines FCV annually using comparable sales (most common), cost approach, or income approach. Step 2: Apply 11% AR. AV = FCV × 11%. So a $200K home has AV = $22,000. Step 3: Apply $1,000 standard Homestead Exemption. AV = $22,000 − $1,000 = $21,000. Step 4: Apply tax rate. Tax = AV × millage / 1,000. Comanche County\'s combined millage is ~91 mills (= ~1.00% effective). For homestead-eligible owners 65+ or fully disabled with gross household income at or below $30,000, an additional $1,000 AV reduction stacks (saves another ~$100-135/year).

Oklahoma\'s constitutional 3% annual AV cap (Article X §8B) is structurally important. Even if FCV rises 10-20% per year (as has happened in fast-growing Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros since 2020), taxable AV can only increase 3% per year for homestead properties. Originally a 5% cap when established by State Question 676 in 1996, the cap was reduced to 3% by State Question 758 in 2012. The cap RESETS at sale — new buyers face the full FCV-based AV. This creates substantial AV disparities between long-term residents and recent buyers in appreciating Oklahoma markets. Non-homestead properties have a 5% cap.

The Senior Valuation Limitation (Article X §8C, established by SQ 715 in 2004) is one of the most-progressive senior property tax protections in the United States. Owners 65+ with gross household income at or below the **prior-year HUD median income for the county** receive a true AV freeze. The income limits are county-specific and rise annually with HUD adjustments. For 2026: Oklahoma County $99,000 (raised from $89,000 by Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein, October 2025); Tulsa County $90,300; Canadian County $99,000. Once qualified, the AV is frozen at the level when first granted. Applies to homestead property only. Apply with County Assessor by March 15. Re-qualification required if income exceeds the limit in any year.

Oklahoma provides a FULL property tax exemption on the entire fair cash value of the homestead for 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled veterans (Oklahoma Constitution Article X §8E, established by State Question 735 in 2008). Among the most-generous in the United States — applies to ENTIRE FCV (not capped at any dollar amount). Surviving unremarried spouses retain. Combined with Oklahoma\'s moderate effective rates (~0.87% statewide), qualifying disabled vets pay $0 on the homestead. Apply with County Assessor with VA disability rating decision.

2026 Comanche County rate breakdown (consolidated millage per $1,000 of AV (11% AR × FCV), Lawton district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined county + municipal + school + special districts (~91 mills × 11% AR = ~1.0% effective, post $1,000 standard homestead)	91.0000
Combined total	91.0000

As of April 26, 2026 · From Comanche County Assessor.

Note: Comanche County is **home to Fort Sill** — the celebrated US Army installation (~22,000 active-duty military and civilian personnel, the largest single-site employer in southwest Oklahoma) and the historic home of the **US Army Field Artillery School** (the major training site for US Army artillery soldiers). Lawton (~92K, the seat) is the fourth-largest city in Oklahoma and the cultural-economic anchor of southwestern Oklahoma. Anchored by Lawton, Cache, Elgin, and Sterling. Fort Sill was established in 1869 by Major General Philip Sheridan during the Indian Wars and is among the oldest continuously-operating US Army installations west of the Mississippi River. Geronimo (the celebrated Apache war leader) was held as a prisoner of war at Fort Sill from 1894 until his death in 1909; he is buried in the Fort Sill Apache Cemetery. Major employment includes Fort Sill, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, the Lawton Public Schools, and substantial military-family-supporting service industries.

Note: Comanche County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.0%** — moderate by Oklahoma standards. Combined county + municipal + school district + special district millage is ~91 mills (× 11% AR = ~1.0% gross). Median home values around $130K (lower than most Oklahoma counties — driven by limited housing demand outside Fort Sill's military housing market) combined with the moderate effective rate produce median annual bills around $1,300.

Note: For relocation buyers: Comanche County offers **the premier US Army Fort Sill + southwestern-Oklahoma military** option — substantial Fort Sill military and civilian employment, the celebrated Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge (one of the oldest US National Wildlife Refuges, established 1901, ~59,000 acres of preserved Great Plains prairie and granite mountains, home to American bison, elk, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs), and substantial low-cost-of-living advantages. The trade-off: limited high-skill commercial sector outside Fort Sill, persistent Lawton population stagnation (peaked at ~93K in 2010, has been roughly flat since), substantial military-family seasonal population variation.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Oklahoma homeowner property tax relief operates through four primary mechanisms: (1) the $1,000 standard Homestead Exemption (universal AV reduction), (2) the $1,000 additional Homestead Exemption (income-tested at $30K, for 65+ or fully disabled), (3) the Senior Valuation Limitation (true AV freeze for 65+ at HUD-county-median income), and (4) the FULL Disabled Veterans Exemption (100% service-connected, entire FCV). Plus the structural protection of the constitutional 3% annual AV cap (Article X §8B).

$1,000 Standard Homestead Exemption (universal)

The standard Homestead Exemption is a flat $1,000 reduction in assessed value (AV). At Oklahoma\'s typical 90-135 mills, this saves approximately $100-135 per year. Required: legal Oklahoma residency, ownership as of January 1, principal residence on January 1 with intent to remain through next January 1, and deed recorded with County Clerk by February 1. Apply once with County Assessor by March 15 — the exemption stays in effect until you sell or move (no annual renewal). Oklahoma assessors estimate that ~10-20% of eligible Oklahoma homeowners fail to claim this exemption, losing $100-135 per year unnecessarily. File as soon as you purchase.

$1,000 Additional Homestead Exemption (income-tested)

Owners 65+ OR fully disabled with gross household income at or below $30,000 receive an additional $1,000 AV reduction (per OK Statutes §68-2890), saving another ~$100-135 per year. Income definition is broad — includes pensions, Social Security, capital gains, etc., but excludes veterans\' disability compensation and gifts. For seniors who have already qualified once, no annual reapplication is required (unless income exceeds the limit, which must be reported to the Assessor).

Senior Valuation Limitation (Article X §8C)

Established by State Question 715 in 2004, the Senior Valuation Limitation provides a true AV freeze for owners 65+ with gross household income at or below the prior-year HUD median income for the county — a generous and progressive structure. Income limits are county-specific and rise annually. For 2026: Oklahoma County $99,000 (raised from $89,000 by County Assessor Larry Stein, October 2025); Tulsa County $90,300; Canadian County $99,000. The freeze does NOT cap millage rate increases — so tax bills can still rise if local taxing entities raise rates, but the AV portion stays locked. Once qualified and continuously meeting income limits, no annual reapplication is required. Apply with County Assessor by March 15.

3% Annual AV Cap (Article X §8B)

For homestead properties: taxable AV cannot increase more than 3% per year, regardless of how much FCV rises. Originally a 5% cap when established by State Question 676 in 1996, the cap was reduced to 3% by State Question 758 in 2012. The cap RESETS at sale — new buyers face the full FCV-based AV. Caps do NOT apply to newly-constructed property or substantial improvements. Non-homestead properties are capped at 5%. The cap has produced significant AV disparities in fast-growing Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros where long-term residents pay less than recent buyers for identical homes.

FULL Disabled Veteran Exemption (Article X §8E, 100% service-connected)

Established by State Question 735 in 2008, Oklahoma provides a FULL property tax exemption on the entire fair cash value of the homestead for veterans rated 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled. Among the most-generous in the United States — applies to ENTIRE FCV (not capped at any dollar amount). Surviving unremarried spouses retain. Apply with County Assessor with VA disability rating decision and DD-214.

Appealing your assessment

Oklahoma property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization. File written appeal by the first Monday in May each year (or within 20 days of receiving a Notice of Increase in Valuation, whichever is later). The Board holds informal hearings — present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: County Court of Tax Review. If unresolved, appeal to County Court within 10 days of Board decision. Level 3: Oklahoma Supreme Court. County Court decisions can be appealed on legal/constitutional grounds. Most Oklahoma appeals are resolved at Level 1. Tax cycle: bills mailed in November, payable in halves (first half due Dec 31, second half due March 31) or in full by Dec 31.

Cities and towns in Comanche County

Comanche County contains 4 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Lawton to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Comanche County is subject to Comanche County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Lawton County seat	city	92,000
Elgin	city	3,400
Cache	city	3,300
Sterling	town	800

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Lawton tax district. Other cities in Comanche County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Comanche County Assessor before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Oklahoma property taxes due?

Oklahoma property tax bills are mailed in November. You can pay in full by December 31, OR in two halves: first half due December 31, second half due March 31. Late payments after March 31 accrue penalty plus interest. Most homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer. Oklahoma uses "Fair Cash Value" (FCV) terminology rather than the more-common Fair Market Value.

What is Oklahoma\'s 11% assessment ratio?

Oklahoma\'s constitutional 11-13.5% assessment ratio (Article X §8) — most counties use the 11% minimum — means a home with Fair Cash Value of $200,000 has assessed value of just $22,000. Tax = AV × millage / 1,000. So at typical 100 mills, the gross tax is $2,200 (before $1,000 standard Homestead Exemption reduces it to $2,090). This produces effective rates around ~0.87% statewide median, 35th nationally — well below neighboring Texas (1.80%) and Kansas (1.41%).

How does the $1,000 Homestead Exemption work?

The standard Homestead Exemption is a flat $1,000 reduction in assessed value (AV). At Oklahoma\'s typical 90-135 mills, this saves approximately $100-135 per year. Required: legal Oklahoma residency, ownership as of January 1, principal residence on January 1, and deed recorded with County Clerk by February 1. Apply once with County Assessor by March 15 — the exemption stays in effect until you sell or move (no annual renewal). Owners 65+ or fully disabled with gross household income at or below $30,000 also qualify for an additional $1,000 AV reduction.

How does the Senior Valuation Limitation work?

The Senior Valuation Limitation (Oklahoma Constitution Article X §8C, established by State Question 715 in 2004) is a true AV freeze for owners 65+ with gross household income at or below the prior-year HUD median income for the county — county-specific and progressive. For 2026: Oklahoma County $99,000 (raised from $89,000 by Assessor Larry Stein, October 2025); Tulsa County $90,300; Canadian County $99,000. Once qualified, the AV is frozen at the level when first granted. The freeze does NOT cap millage rate increases (so tax bills can still rise if local taxing entities raise rates), but the AV portion stays locked. Apply by March 15.

How does the 3% AV cap work?

For homestead properties: taxable AV cannot increase more than 3% per year, regardless of how much Fair Cash Value rises (Oklahoma Constitution Article X §8B). Originally a 5% cap when established by State Question 676 in 1996, the cap was reduced to 3% by State Question 758 in 2012. The cap RESETS at sale — new buyers face the full FCV-based AV. Non-homestead properties are capped at 5%. The cap has produced significant AV disparities in fast-growing Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros.

How does the Disabled Veteran exemption work in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma provides a FULL property tax exemption on the entire fair cash value of the homestead for veterans rated 100% service-connected permanently and totally disabled (Oklahoma Constitution Article X §8E, established by State Question 735 in 2008). Among the most-generous in the United States — applies to ENTIRE FCV (not capped at any dollar amount). Surviving unremarried spouses retain. Combined with Oklahoma\'s moderate effective rates, qualifying disabled vets pay $0 on the homestead. Apply with County Assessor with VA disability rating decision (must specify 100% permanent and total) and DD-214.

How do I appeal my Oklahoma assessment?

Oklahoma property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization. File written appeal by the first Monday in May each year (or within 20 days of receiving a Notice of Increase in Valuation, whichever is later). Level 2: County Court of Tax Review. Within 10 days of Board decision. Level 3: Oklahoma Supreme Court. County Court decisions can be appealed on legal/constitutional grounds. Most Oklahoma appeals are resolved at Level 1.

About Comanche County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

**Geronimo** (Goyaałé, ~1829-1909) — **the celebrated Apache war leader of the Bedonkohe band of the Chiricahua Apache** who led raids and resistance against Mexican and US forces from the 1850s through 1886 — was held as a prisoner of war at **Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 1894 until his death in 1909**. Geronimo and his followers (~341 Chiricahua Apache, including women and children) were transferred to Fort Sill from previous imprisonment in Florida and Alabama. Geronimo became a **celebrated tourist attraction** at Fort Sill — selling autographed photographs, buttons from his coat, and even bows-and-arrows to visitors and Wild West shows. He appeared at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis and at President Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 inaugural parade. Geronimo died of pneumonia at Fort Sill on February 17, 1909 (after falling from his horse and lying in the cold overnight). He is buried in the **Fort Sill Apache Cemetery** (along with many of his followers). The 2011 US Navy SEAL operation that killed Osama bin Laden was **codenamed "Operation Neptune Spear"** — but the operation's OBL target identifier was reportedly "Geronimo," sparking substantial controversy among Native American activists.

Hometown hero

Geronimo + Quanah Parker (Comanche)

**Quanah Parker** (~1845-1911) — **the last chief of the Comanche Nation** and son of Cynthia Ann Parker (a white settler captured by the Comanche in 1836) and Comanche chief Peta Nocona — led the celebrated Quahadi band of the Comanche during the late Indian Wars. After surrendering to Fort Sill in 1875, Parker became a major Comanche tribal leader, judge, and businessman during the reservation era — building substantial wealth from cattle leases on Comanche reservation land. Parker was a major proponent of accommodation with the US government and was instrumental in the development of the **Native American Church** (the celebrated peyote-using Native American religious tradition). Parker died in 1911 and is buried in the Fort Sill Indian Cemetery. **Other notable Comanche County figures** include **Susan Hayward** (1917-1975 — the Academy Award-winning actress, born in Brooklyn but with substantial Lawton career connections through her Hollywood travels), and **Mickey Mantle** (1931-1995 — the celebrated New York Yankees baseball player and Hall of Famer, born in Spavinaw, OK but with substantial Lawton connections through his Oklahoma minor league career).

Biggest annual event

Lawton Rangers Rodeo + Fort Sill Independence Day

The **Lawton Rangers Rodeo** (annual, mid-August at the Lawton Rangers Rodeo Arena, since 1947) is **one of the largest professional rodeos in southwestern Oklahoma** — a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned event drawing 25,000+ attendees over 4 days. **Fort Sill Independence Day Celebration** (annual, July 4 at Fort Sill, since 1869) is **the largest July 4 celebration in southwestern Oklahoma** — drawing 50,000+ attendees with traditional Independence Day programming, military demonstrations, and the celebrated Fort Sill Half Section (the historic 6-horse field artillery battery). The **Wichita Mountains Easter Sunrise Service** (annual, Easter Sunday at Holy City of the Wichitas, since 1926) draws 3,000+ attendees to a celebrated Christian Passion Play in the Wichita Mountains.

Property Tax in Comanche County, 2026