OklahomaPop. 129,672Mid-size cities
Is Norman a Good Place to Live? Norman, Oklahoma: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Norman ranks #683 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #114 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and low living costs (90.4, #22 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (80.5%, #167 of 205).
Norman by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Norman'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 Norman?
Norman's cost of living index is 90.4, 10% below the US level of 100 and #219 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,090/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,046, 18% above the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
| Measure | Norman | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.4#219 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $263,046#274 of 1,187 | $223,261 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,357/mo#214 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $250,100#397 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,090/mo#315 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.3%#361 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Norman 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. Norman is in the Oklahoma City, OK metro.
Oklahoma housing market →Is Norman safe?
Norman recorded 243 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #445 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norman Police Department. Property crime runs 1,813 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Norman | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 243#445 of 1,085 | 408 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,813#630 of 1,085 | 1,814 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Norman?
The median household in Norman earns $67,704, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Norman | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $67,704#862 of 1,312 | $66,148 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.8%#968 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Norman?
The median resident of Norman is 32.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Norman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.9%#334 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.3% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Norman's schools and health?
Norman's 30 public schools graduate 80.5% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $10,272 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 9.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Norman | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 80.5%#871 of 1,063 | 80% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.2#655 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,272#1128 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.8%#359 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.2%#551 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,553 students are enrolled in Norman's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Norman?
The average commute in Norman is 22.6 minutes (Oklahoma 22.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Norman scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 80.1°F and winters 40.9°F, with 37.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Norman | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.6 min#556 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.5%#652 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 71.9% | 76.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12% | 8.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 10.3#665 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 49.9 | 27.7 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 54.4 | 31.3 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 63.2 | 39.8 | 2.8 |
| Apr | 71.4 | 48.2 | 3.5 |
| May | 78.8 | 58.4 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 87.2 | 67.3 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 92.5 | 71.2 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 70.2 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 84.2 | 62.2 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 73.7 | 50.3 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 61.8 | 38.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 51.6 | 30.6 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norman 3sse.
| Measure | Norman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 60.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 80.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 37.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Norman 3sse.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Norman?
Cleveland County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cleveland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Norman | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#763 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cleveland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cleveland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.022% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.025% | 94% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.012% | 94% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0051% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 43% 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 Norman compare with similar-size cities?
Norman is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #114 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 129,672.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 min |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | #346 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 | 24.6 min |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #105 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 | 22.6 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 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 Norman compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Norman ranks #8 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 2% above the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% above 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 Norman's score calculated?
Norman scores 55.3 out of 100, #683 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Norman. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Norman's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
78.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Norman. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Norman's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
42.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Norman's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Norman. Similar-size median 51.2.
38.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Norman. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Norman. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Norman's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
43.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Norman's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Norman 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 Norman
Is Norman, OK a good place to live?
Norman ranks #683 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #114 of 256 mid-size cities and #8 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and low living costs (90.4, #22 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (80.5%, #167 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Norman?
Norman's cost of living index is 90.4, 10% below the US level of 100 and #219 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,090/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $263,046, 18% above the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
What is the crime rate in Norman?
Norman recorded 243 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #445 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Norman Police Department. Property crime runs 1,813 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Norman?
The median household in Norman earns $67,704, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Norman?
Median rent in Norman is $1,090/mo (Census), #315 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,357/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Norman?
The typical home value in Norman is $263,046, up 0.9% in a year, against $223,261 for Oklahoma and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $250,100.
How are the public schools in Norman?
Norman's 30 public schools graduate 80.5% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.2 students per teacher and $10,272 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Norman?
The average commute is 22.6 minutes, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Oklahoma. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Norman?
Norman averages 60.7°F over the year, 80.1°F in summer and 40.9°F in winter, with 37.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Norman walkable?
Norman scores 10.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #665 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 Norman at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cleveland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Norman?
Cleveland County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Norman?
Norman has 129,672 residents. The median resident of Norman is 32.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Norman compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Norman ranks #8 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 2% above the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 18% above the typical Oklahoma home.
What cities are similar in size to Norman?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Norman's population of 129,672 are Fargo, ND (#302 overall), Lewisville, TX (#346 overall), Santa Clara, CA (#105 overall), Meridian, ID (#193 overall), and Palm Bay, FL (#581 overall). Norman is #683.