OklahomaPop. 49,269Small cities
Is Stillwater a Good Place to Live? Stillwater, Oklahoma: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Stillwater ranks #802 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and short commutes (15.4 min, #18 of 208), and trails on low household income ($43,700, #200 of 208) and high poverty (27.4%, #196 of 208).
Stillwater by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Stillwater'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 Stillwater?
Stillwater's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $947/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,266, 21% above the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
| Measure | Stillwater | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 83.6#7 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $269,266#297 of 1,187 | $223,261 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,410/mo#263 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $237,200#356 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $947/mo#148 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 26%#1088 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Stillwater 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. Stillwater is in the Stillwater, OK metro.
Oklahoma housing market →Is Stillwater safe?
Stillwater recorded 202 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 328 and 51% below Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #359 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #69 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stillwater Police Department. Property crime runs 1,605 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Stillwater | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 202#359 of 1,085 | 408 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,605#525 of 1,085 | 1,814 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Stillwater?
The median household in Stillwater earns $43,700, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 27.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Stillwater | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $43,700#1290 of 1,312 | $66,148 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 27.4%#1271 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Stillwater?
The median resident of Stillwater is 23.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 49.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #274 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Stillwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 23.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 49.9%#274 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 37.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Stillwater's schools and health?
Stillwater's 9 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $11,065 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 8.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Stillwater | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 80% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,065#1058 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.1%#120 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.1%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.1%#669 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,019 students are enrolled in Stillwater's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Stillwater?
The average commute in Stillwater is 15.4 minutes (Oklahoma 22.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Stillwater scores 8.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #912 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 40.9°F, with 33.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Stillwater | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.4 min#73 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 69% | 76.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 8% | 1.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.7% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.7% | 8.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.6#912 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 50.7 | 26.7 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 55.5 | 30.7 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 64.8 | 39.5 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 73.4 | 48.5 | 3.7 |
| May | 80.9 | 58.5 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 89.6 | 67.6 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 72.1 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 95 | 70.5 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 61.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 75.3 | 49.4 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 62.8 | 37.8 | 2 |
| Dec | 52.3 | 29.5 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stillwater Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Stillwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 40.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 33.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Stillwater Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Stillwater?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Stillwater's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Payne County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
| Measure | Stillwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#781 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Payne County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Payne County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.033% | 99% of counties |
| Hail | 0.022% | 96% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.015% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0062% | 80% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0021% | 42% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 32% 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 Stillwater compare with similar-size cities?
Stillwater is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #140 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 49,269.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 min |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #29 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #484 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 | 17.2 min |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #113 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 | 20.2 min |
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #56 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 | 21.6 min |
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #39 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 | 23.2 min |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #315 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data | 21.1 min |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #867 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 | 21.3 min |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #909 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 | 21.3 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 Stillwater compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Stillwater ranks #9 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 34% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% 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 Stillwater's score calculated?
Stillwater scores 53.3 out of 100, #802 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 Stillwater. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Stillwater's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
82.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Stillwater. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Stillwater's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
50.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Stillwater's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
85.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Stillwater. Similar-size median 46.7.
8.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Stillwater. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Stillwater. Similar-size median 47.3.
60.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Stillwater's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.0 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
41.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Stillwater's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Stillwater 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 Stillwater
Is Stillwater, OK a good place to live?
Stillwater ranks #802 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #140 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #6 of 208) and short commutes (15.4 min, #18 of 208), and trails on low household income ($43,700, #200 of 208) and high poverty (27.4%, #196 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Stillwater?
Stillwater's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $947/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,266, 21% above the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
What is the crime rate in Stillwater?
Stillwater recorded 202 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 39% below the US rate of 328 and 51% below Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #359 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #69 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Stillwater Police Department. Property crime runs 1,605 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Stillwater?
The median household in Stillwater earns $43,700, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 27.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Stillwater?
Median rent in Stillwater is $947/mo (Census), #148 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,410/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Stillwater?
The typical home value in Stillwater is $269,266, up 4.7% in a year, against $223,261 for Oklahoma and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $237,200.
How are the public schools in Stillwater?
Stillwater's 9 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $11,065 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Stillwater?
The average commute is 15.4 minutes, #73 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Oklahoma. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Stillwater?
Stillwater averages 61.4°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 40.9°F in winter, with 33.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Stillwater walkable?
Stillwater scores 8.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #912 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 Stillwater at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Payne County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 59% of US counties.
Who lives in Stillwater?
Stillwater has 49,269 residents. The median resident of Stillwater is 23.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 49.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #274 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Stillwater compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Stillwater ranks #9 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 53.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 34% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 51% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Oklahoma home.
What cities are similar in size to Stillwater?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Stillwater's population of 49,269 are North Bethesda, MD (#29 overall), Sheboygan, WI (#484 overall), St. Louis Park, MN (#113 overall), Chesterfield, MO (#56 overall), and Dublin, OH (#39 overall). Stillwater is #802.