Pawnee County lost population for several decades, stabilizing in the 1980 and 1990 time frame. The 1980 population was 15,310 and the 1990 population was 15,575.
The Eastern portion of the count is now classified as urban, placing Pawnee County as a part of the designated metropolitan statistical area.
Pawnee County follows a typical age distribution with about 30% of the population being less than 20 years of age. Approximately 20% of the population is older than 60. This means that more than half of the population is potentially in the work force.
Like much of Oklahoma, the population is primarily white (88%), 10% American Indian and 2% black or other.
Assets of Pawnee County
Transportation
Pawnee County is well served by transportation. U.S. 412 (Cimarron Turnpike) carries interstate traffic from East to West while U.S. 64 handles a more scenic 2-lane traffic from the East Coast to the West. North to South Interstate 35 is just to the West of Pawnee County, while State highways 18, 99 and 48 carry regional north/south traffic.
The international seaport at Catoosa is located only about 40 miles from Pawnee County. Freight rail service is available in the City of Pawnee, with four trains per day. Potential for stops in other Pawnee County towns exists.
Air service is available from the Tulsa International Airport. Jets are able to land on the 4,000 ft runway at Cleveland. Turbo props can be used on the paved runway at Westport. The City of Pawnee is in the process of upgrading its landing strip.
Utilities
The availability of utilities is also a strong asset for economic growth in Pawnee County.
Electricity is available from two wholesalers, Grand River Dam Authority and KAMO. Indian Electric Cooperative, a rural electric cooperative, currently distributes it. The City of Pawnee has its own electrical system. Oklahoma Gas and Electric also serve a portion of Pawnee County in the south central portion of the county.
Telephone service has been upgraded in the county during the past years. Southwestern Bell, which serves the western portion of the county, and the City of Cleveland have installed T-1 lines. The county is served by the Tulsa exchange, which is one of the two highest exchanges of the Southwestern Bell system. Cimarron Telephone, which serves the eastern half of the county, is currently completing fiber optic systems for its county coverage. Cellular towers are being constructed by a number of companies.
Natural Gas is served by Oklahoma Natural Gas Company. The City of Cleveland operates a gas distribution system. Several small local systems such as H&G&G in the Terlton area, and the Hallett-Jennings Gas Company and others also serve the county's gas needs. Propane service in the County is available.
Recreational Opportunities
Recreational opportunities abound in Pawnee County. Some of these, like the Pawnee Bill Ranch and the Pawnee Bill Wild West Show are tourist attractions. Others, like the hunting and fishing, are enjoyed more by those persons lucky enough to live here year round.
A few of the annual tourist events include the Stream Engine Show, the Wild West Show and the Pawnee Tribe's PowWow, one of the oldest and best known in the nation.
Hallett Motor Racing is a premier Racing and Driving School. It attracts many celebrities who learn to drive for such reasons as starring roles in movies.
Lake Keystone on the East of Kaw Lake on the West are well know for their recreational enjoyment. A yachting club on Lake Keystone holds an annual regatta.