According to Census Reporter, Okmulgee County has a higher rate of poverty than the state average – with about 17.6% of county residents living below the poverty line, compared with lower statewide figures.

This suggests that financial strain is a county-wide reality, not isolated to any one town or school.

County data from Trading Economics, also shows that a significant number of children age 5-17 live in families below the poverty threshold, underscoring the economic pressures many families face here.

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Morris Public Schools – which includes elementary, middle and high school – about 47.9% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, a key indicator of family economic need.

This rate reflects the broader county trend of financial strain and is consistent with many rural Oklahoma communities where families juggle tight budgets.

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