OklahomaPop. 697,125Large cities
Is Oklahoma City a Good Place to Live? Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oklahoma City ranks #938 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #19 of 37 large cities and #10 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #2 of 37) and low living costs (90.4, #2 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Oklahoma City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oklahoma City'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 Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City'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 $1,130/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,421, 7% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
| Measure | Oklahoma City | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 90.4#219 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $207,421#133 of 1,187 | $223,261 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,282/mo#150 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $231,300#330 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,130/mo#367 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 19.8%#429 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Oklahoma City 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. Oklahoma City is in the Oklahoma City, OK metro.
Oklahoma housing market →Is Oklahoma City safe?
Oklahoma City recorded 681 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 67% above Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #958 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oklahoma City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,658 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oklahoma City | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 681#958 of 1,085 | 408 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,658#896 of 1,085 | 1,814 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Oklahoma City?
The median household in Oklahoma City earns $68,656, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oklahoma City | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $68,656#845 of 1,312 | $66,148 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 15.1%#868 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oklahoma City?
The median resident of Oklahoma City is 35.1 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oklahoma City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.1 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 34.7%#621 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 58.6% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oklahoma City's schools and health?
Oklahoma City's 130 public schools graduate 82.3% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $11,670 spent per pupil. 38.3% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Oklahoma City | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 82.3%#805 of 1,063 | 80% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.5#685 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $11,670#996 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 38.3%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14%#1023 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 75,667 students are enrolled in Oklahoma City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oklahoma City?
The average commute in Oklahoma City is 22.2 minutes (Oklahoma 22.7); 0.4% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oklahoma City scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 41.1°F, with 30.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oklahoma City | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 22.2 min#520 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 75.7% | 76.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.5% | 1.8% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 10.9% | 8.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.3#665 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 50.5 | 27.8 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 55 | 31.3 | 1 |
| Mar | 64 | 40.2 | 2 |
| Apr | 72 | 48.7 | 3 |
| May | 80.4 | 59.1 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 89 | 68.1 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 94.7 | 73.1 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 71.4 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 85.2 | 63.3 | 3 |
| Oct | 73.9 | 50.8 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 61.7 | 39 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 51.4 | 30.3 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oklahoma City Wiley Post Airport.
| Measure | Oklahoma City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 61.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 81.6°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 41.1°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 30.7 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oklahoma City Wiley Post Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oklahoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 50% of US counties.
| Measure | Oklahoma City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.15%#671 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Oklahoma County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Oklahoma County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.018% | 94% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.024% | 92% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0051% | 87% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0047% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 50% 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 Oklahoma City compare with similar-size cities?
Oklahoma City is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #19 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 697,125.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 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 Oklahoma City compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City ranks #10 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 4% above the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 Oklahoma City's score calculated?
Oklahoma City scores 51.1 out of 100, #938 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 Oklahoma City. Similar-size median 50.4.
54.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oklahoma City's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
44.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oklahoma City. Similar-size median 52.4.
44.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oklahoma City's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
46.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oklahoma City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
79.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oklahoma City. Similar-size median 43.4.
42.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oklahoma City. Similar-size median 40.4.
53.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oklahoma City. Similar-size median 56.6.
47.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oklahoma City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
44.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oklahoma City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live?
Oklahoma City ranks #938 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #19 of 37 large cities and #10 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #2 of 37) and low living costs (90.4, #2 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City'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 $1,130/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $207,421, 7% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
What is the crime rate in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City recorded 681 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 67% above Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #958 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #19 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oklahoma City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,658 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oklahoma City?
The median household in Oklahoma City earns $68,656, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oklahoma City?
Median rent in Oklahoma City is $1,130/mo (Census), #367 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,282/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oklahoma City?
The typical home value in Oklahoma City is $207,421, up 0.2% in a year, against $223,261 for Oklahoma and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $231,300.
How are the public schools in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City's 130 public schools graduate 82.3% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $11,670 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oklahoma City?
The average commute is 22.2 minutes, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Oklahoma. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City averages 61.4°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 41.1°F in winter, with 30.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oklahoma City walkable?
Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oklahoma County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 50% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City has 697,125 residents. The median resident of Oklahoma City is 35.1 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oklahoma City compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City ranks #10 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 51.1 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 4% above the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 7% below the typical Oklahoma home.
What cities are similar in size to Oklahoma City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oklahoma City's population of 697,125 are Seattle, WA (#338 overall), Denver, CO (#722 overall), Nashville, TN (#976 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), and Boston, MA (#339 overall). Oklahoma City is #938.