OklahomaPop. 90,595Smaller cities
Is Lawton a Good Place to Live? Lawton, Oklahoma: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lawton ranks #1244 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #502 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and short commutes (16.2 min, #19 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #434 of 437) and high violent crime (769 per 100,000, #427 of 444).
Lawton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lawton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lawton?
Lawton's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $146,805, 34% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
| Measure | Lawton | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $146,805#37 of 1,187 | $223,261 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,118/mo#61 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $142,100#72 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $967/mo#174 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.3%#594 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lawton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lawton is in the Lawton, OK metro.
Oklahoma housing market →Is Lawton safe?
Lawton recorded 769 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 89% above Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #999 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #427 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,346 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lawton | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 769#999 of 1,085 | 408 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,346#811 of 1,085 | 1,814 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lawton?
The median household in Lawton earns $54,433, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lawton | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $54,433#1161 of 1,312 | $66,148 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.1%#1152 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lawton?
The median resident of Lawton is 32.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1078 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lawton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22.5%#1078 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 44.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lawton's schools and health?
Lawton's 26 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,367 spent per pupil. 43.8% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lawton | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 62%#1055 of 1,063 | 80% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,367#1030 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43.8%#1263 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.9%#1156 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13%#955 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,911 students are enrolled in Lawton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lawton?
The average commute in Lawton is 16.2 minutes (Oklahoma 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lawton scores 7.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.7°F and winters 42.4°F, with 27.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lawton | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.2 min#103 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.5% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.5% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12% | 8.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.8#1105 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53.7 | 27.4 | 1 |
| Feb | 58 | 31.9 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 66.8 | 40.5 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 48.5 | 2.5 |
| May | 83.2 | 58.9 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 92 | 68.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 97.2 | 71.5 | 2 |
| Aug | 96.4 | 70.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 87.6 | 62.6 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 50.3 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 64.1 | 38.2 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 54.3 | 29.1 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lawton Muni Airport.
| Measure | Lawton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 62.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 42.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 27.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lawton Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lawton?
Comanche County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Comanche County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Lawton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.17%#813 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Comanche County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Comanche County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.011% | 93% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0074% | 91% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0096% | 84% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0073% | 82% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0075% | 74% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 57% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lawton compare with similar-size cities?
Lawton is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #502 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 90,595.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #1244 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 | 16.2 min |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #249 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 | 26 min |
| Santa Monica, CAPop. 91,169 | #739 | 54.3 | $114,885 | $2,402/mo | 618 | 24.8 min |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #123 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data | 30.8 min |
| Trenton, NJPop. 90,338 | #1241 | 42.8 | $52,537 | $1,294/mo | 808 | 26.9 min |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #424 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 | 14.9 min |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #1112 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 | 16.8 min |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #851 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 | 21 min |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #3 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 | 26.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lawton compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Lawton ranks #19 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 42.7 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 18% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 89% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Oklahoma home.
| City | Rank in OK | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #1 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 |
| Jenks, OKPop. 27,102 | #2 | 64.9 | $111,004 | $1,602/mo | 99 |
| Edmond, OKPop. 96,825 | #3 | 63.7 | $103,183 | $1,344/mo | 139 |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #4 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #5 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 |
| Yukon, OKPop. 25,529 | #6 | 58.0 | $75,273 | $1,274/mo | 293 |
| Moore, OKPop. 63,420 | #7 | 56.6 | $80,420 | $1,340/mo | 230 |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #8 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #9 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #10 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 |
| Midwest City, OKPop. 58,297 | #11 | 51.1 | $57,520 | $1,091/mo | 345 |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #12 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 |
| Enid, OKPop. 50,653 | #13 | 49.8 | $62,125 | $914/mo | 572 |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #14 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #15 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #16 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #17 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 |
| Ardmore, OKPop. 24,877 | #18 | 44.0 | $53,900 | $1,006/mo | 1,050 |
| Lawton, OKPop. 90,595 | #19 | 42.7 | $54,433 | $967/mo | 769 |
| Muskogee, OKPop. 36,758 | #20 | 39.6 | $50,213 | $858/mo | 846 |
All 20 Oklahoma cities we track, by overall score. Oklahoma statewide: median income $66,148, violent crime 407.7 per 100,000.
How is Lawton's score calculated?
Lawton scores 42.7 out of 100, #1244 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oklahoma's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lawton. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lawton's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
41.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lawton. Similar-size median 58.9.
32.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lawton's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
22.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lawton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lawton. Similar-size median 56.1.
24.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lawton. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lawton. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lawton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
44.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lawton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lawton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lawton
Is Lawton, OK a good place to live?
Lawton ranks #1244 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #502 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and short commutes (16.2 min, #19 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (62%, #434 of 437) and high violent crime (769 per 100,000, #427 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Lawton?
Lawton's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $967/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $146,805, 34% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
What is the crime rate in Lawton?
Lawton recorded 769 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 89% above Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #999 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #427 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lawton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,346 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lawton?
The median household in Lawton earns $54,433, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lawton?
Median rent in Lawton is $967/mo (Census), #174 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,118/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lawton?
The typical home value in Lawton is $146,805, up 6.5% in a year, against $223,261 for Oklahoma and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $142,100.
How are the public schools in Lawton?
Lawton's 26 public schools graduate 62% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,367 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lawton?
The average commute is 16.2 minutes, #103 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Oklahoma. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lawton?
Lawton averages 62.6°F over the year, 82.7°F in summer and 42.4°F in winter, with 27.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lawton walkable?
Lawton scores 7.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1105 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lawton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Comanche County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, ice storm, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lawton?
Comanche County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lawton?
Lawton has 90,595 residents. The median resident of Lawton is 32.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1078 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lawton compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Lawton ranks #19 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 42.7 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 18% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 89% above the statewide rate. Homes are 34% below the typical Oklahoma home.
What cities are similar in size to Lawton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lawton's population of 90,595 are Nashua, NH (#249 overall), Santa Monica, CA (#739 overall), Germantown, MD (#123 overall), Trenton, NJ (#1241 overall), and Champaign, IL (#424 overall). Lawton is #1244.