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Moving to Poteau, Oklahoma

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Poteau is located in LeFlore County, Oklahoma and lies in the Arkansas River Valley. It is a small city with a population of 8,500 according to the 2010 census. The terrain of Poteau is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills. It has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

The history of Poteau dates back to 1831 when it was founded as a trading post by French-Canadian fur traders. During the Civil War, Poteau served as an important supply center for Confederate forces operating in Indian Territory. After the war, its economy was driven by timber and coal mining industries that developed in the late 19th century.

In terms of politics, Poteau is part of Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District which is currently represented by Republican Markwayne Mullin. The city has been governed by a mayor-council system since its incorporation in 1898.

The economy of Poteau is mainly driven by healthcare, manufacturing, retail trade and tourism sectors. The city also houses several major employers such as Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Leflore County Health Care Center and Sulfur River Outfitters Incorporated.

Poteau offers quality education to its students through several public schools that are operated independently by the local school district including Poteau High School, Central Elementary School and Westside Elementary School among others. There are also several private schools such as First Baptist Christian Academy and New Life Christian Academy that provide excellent education to students from kindergarten through high school level.

When it comes to landmarks, Poteau boasts some amazing attractions including Heavener Runestone Park which contains an ancient runestone dating back to AD 1000; Museum of the Red River which displays artifacts from early Native American cultures; Talimena Scenic Drive that winds along ridges offering breathtaking views; and Lake Wister State Park which offers outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing and camping among many others.

Population: 7,939. Estimated population in July 2024: 8,152 (+2.7% change)
Males: 3,782 (47.6%), Females: 4,157 (52.4%)

Le Flore County

Zip code: 74953

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.6 years
Median household income: $26,178
Median house value: $54,700

Population by Race

Races in Poteau:

  • White Non-Hispanic (78.3%)
  • American Indian (13.2%)
  • Hispanic (5.8%)
  • Two or more races (3.8%)
  • Black (2.2%)
  • Other race (1.4%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: United States (16.3%), German (8.7%), Irish (8.1%), English (5.0%), Dutch (1.9%), Italian (1.3%).

Land area: 28.6 square miles

Population by Education

Poteau, Oklahoma is located in LeFlore County and has a population of 8,520. It is the county seat of LeFlore County and the largest city in the area. The majority of Poteau’s population is white, making up 81.3% of its total population. The second largest racial group is Hispanic or Latino, making up 8.1%. African Americans make up 5.8%, Native Americans 4%, Asian 1%, and Pacific Islanders 0.2%. The median age in Poteau is 37 years old, slightly lower than the national median age of 38 years old.

The city has a strong economy that relies heavily on manufacturing and agriculture. According to the US Census Bureau, more than 25% of Poteau’s citizens are employed in manufacturing jobs, with another 15% employed in agricultural jobs. The per capita income for Poteau residents is $19,726, which is slightly lower than the national average of $21,936 per capita income for all US citizens. Additionally, poverty rates are higher in Poteau than they are nationally; around 18% of residents live below the poverty line compared to 14% nationally. Despite this disparity, there remains a strong sense of community within Poteau with many businesses and organizations devoted to helping those who are struggling financially or otherwise disadvantaged.

For population 25 years and over in Poteau

  • High school or higher: 70.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.3%
  • Unemployed: 6.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 19.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Poteau city

  • Never married: 18.7%
  • Now married: 54.7%
  • Separated: 1.3%
  • Widowed: 9.8%
  • Divorced: 15.5%

3.7% Foreign born (3.3% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +510 (+6.9%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Poteau:

  • EASTERN OKLAHOMA MEDICAL CENTER (105 WALL STREET, P O BOX 1148)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Poteau:

  • HEALTHSOUTH REHAB HOSP OF FORT SMITH (about 27 miles; FORT SMITH, AR)
  • SPARKS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 27 miles; FORT SMITH, AR)
  • HARBOR VIEW MERCY HOSPITAL (about 29 miles; FORT SMITH, AR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Poteau:

  • FORT SMITH REGIONAL (about 27 miles; FORT SMITH, AR; Abbreviation: FSM)
  • DRAKE FIELD (about 73 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, AR; Abbreviation: FYV)
  • NORTHWEST ARKANSAS RGNL (about 87 miles; FAYETTEVILLE/SPRINGDALE/, AR; Abbreviation: XNA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Poteau:

  • ROBERT S KERR (about 4 miles; POTEAU, OK; Abbreviation: RKR)
  • SALLISAW MUNI (about 29 miles; SALLISAW, OK; Abbreviation: JSV)
  • STIGLER MUNI (about 35 miles; STIGLER, OK; Abbreviation: F84)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/Universities in Poteau:

  • CARL ALBERT STATE COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 1,252; Location: 1507 S MCKENNA; Public; Website: www.casc.cc.ok.us)
  • KIAMICHI TECHNOLOGY CENTER-POTEAU (Full-time enrollment: 119; Location: 1509 S MCKENNA; Public; Website: www.kavts.tec.ok.us/~/poteau)
  • POTEAU BEAUTY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 16; Location: 2601 N BROADWAY; Private, for-profit)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Poteau:

  • WESTARK COLLEGE (about 29 miles; FT SMITH, AR; Full-time enrollment: 3,472)
  • NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 64 miles; TAHLEQUAH, OK; Full-time enrollment: 6,610)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 76 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 13,324)
  • NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 94 miles; BENTONVILLE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 2,197)
  • ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY (about 105 miles; RUSSELLVILLE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 4,450)
  • ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY (about 115 miles; TULSA, OK; Full-time enrollment: 3,309)
  • TULSA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 115 miles; TULSA, OK; Full-time enrollment: 8,727)

Schools

Public high school in Poteau:

  • POTEAU HS (Students: 601; Location: 100 MOCKINGBIRD LANE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Poteau:

  • POTEAU PRIMARY ES (Students: 585; Location: 407 HUGHES DRIVE; Grades: PK – 02)
  • PANSY KIDD MS (Students: 459; Location: 300 NORTH WALTER; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • POTEAU UPPER ES (Students: 410; Location: 305 HUGHES DRIVE; Grades: 03 – 05)

Private primary/middle school in Poteau:

  • ROYAL OAK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 43; Location: 47185 E 820 ST; Grades: PK – 6)

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