Which county in Oklahoma has the largest Native American population?

Cherokee County has the largest Native American population in Oklahoma, primarily due to the historical presence and influence of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s, leading to a strong community and cultural presence in the area that remains significant today. Current demographics indicate that Cherokee County encompasses a large number of Native American tribal members, particularly those associated with the Cherokee Nation.

Additionally, this county hosts important cultural and administrative functions for the Cherokee Nation, contributing to the sustained population presence. Other counties, while having notable Native American populations, do not match Cherokee County in terms of the number of enrolled members from federally recognized tribes, specifically the Cherokee. This historical and cultural context reinforces the prominence of Cherokee County regarding Native American populations in Oklahoma.