Ketchum, Oklahoma

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Ketchum is a town in Craig County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 286 at the 2000 census.

[edit] Geography

Ketchum is located at 36°31′32″N, 95°1′33″W (36.525627, -95.025720)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 286 people, 120 households, and 78 families residing in the town. The population density was 234.9/km² (612.7/mi²). There were 153 housing units at an average density of 125.7/km² (327.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 68.88% White, 0.35% African American, 18.53% Native American, 0.35% Pacific Islander, and 11.89% from two or more races.

There were 120 households out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town the population was spread out with 29.4% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $25,313 versus $15,781 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,534. About 10.8% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under the age of eighteen and 22.2% of those sixty five or over.

Ketchum was named for a prominent Methodist minister named James Ketchum who helped found the town in 1898. Ketchum was originally located in Northeastern Mayes County, Oklahoma, but was relocated to Southeastern Craig County around 1912 when the Kansas, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad (KO&G) was platted out and because the origial townsite sat in an area that was to be filled in by the lake. Nearby Grand Lake is a large tourist attraction and makes this otherwise quiet small town become quite active, especially during weekends and holidays. Along with natives, people come to Grand Lake from as far as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Wichita, and many other areas.

Construction is currently underway to upgrade the town's airport which was formerly known as the Craig County South Grand Lake Airport. A group of private investors are funding the new airport which includes paving the former grass runway which was used by planes. When the new airport is completed it will be a full service regional airport and will be named the South Grand Lake Municipal Airport.