Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Oklahoma
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks #41 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 13/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. At just 2.2% public land, access to wilderness requires more effort β but state and local parks fill some of the gap.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Oklahoma's environment score of 37/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity β air quality (AQI: 46) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Moderate natural disaster risk means seasonal awareness is important β check local conditions before heading out.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 88) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (49/100) is worth researching at the local level, and the overall health infrastructure (10/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # | City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts Score | Overall | Outdoor Access | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bixby | A | 48.4 | 62.5 | 13 | 37 | 93 | 29,402 |
| 2 | Jenks | B+ | 47.1 | 60.1 | 13 | 37 | 93 | 26,519 |
| 3 | Owasso | B+ | 47.0 | 59.3 | 13 | 37 | 86 | 39,013 |
| 4 | Edmond | B+ | 46.6 | 59.3 | 13 | 37 | 85 | 98,113 |
| 5 | Broken Arrow | B+ | 45.9 | 57.4 | 13 | 37 | 84 | 119,666 |
| 6 | Yukon | B | 45.2 | 56.3 | 13 | 37 | 86 | 24,802 |
| 7 | Stillwater | C | 43.7 | 48.7 | 13 | 37 | 81 | 48,818 |
| 8 | Moore | B | 43.2 | 53.2 | 13 | 37 | 78 | 63,045 |
| 9 | Norman | C+ | 42.6 | 50.4 | 13 | 37 | 70 | 130,052 |
| 10 | Midwest City | D | 39.2 | 43.8 | 13 | 37 | 65 | 58,170 |
| 11 | Enid | C | 39.0 | 46.8 | 13 | 37 | 57 | 50,821 |
| 12 | Bartlesville | D | 39.0 | 44.9 | 13 | 37 | 62 | 37,559 |
| 13 | Oklahoma City | C | 38.1 | 46.3 | 13 | 37 | 44 | 702,654 |
| 14 | Duncan | D | 37.5 | 42.8 | 13 | 37 | 64 | 22,872 |
| 15 | Shawnee | D | 37.4 | 44.8 | 13 | 37 | 54 | 31,511 |
| 16 | Ponca City | D | 35.9 | 42.7 | 13 | 37 | 50 | 24,377 |
| 17 | Lawton | D | 35.1 | 38.9 | 13 | 37 | 39 | 90,226 |
| 18 | Tulsa | D | 33.8 | 41.6 | 13 | 37 | 20 | 410,915 |
| 19 | Ardmore | D | 31.5 | 39.4 | 13 | 37 | 18 | 24,757 |
| 20 | Muskogee | F | 29.8 | 34.9 | 13 | 37 | 18 | 36,819 |