OklahomaPop. 413,794Big cities
Is Tulsa a Good Place to Live? Tulsa, Oklahoma: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tulsa ranks #1127 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 53 big cities and #16 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.2, #3 of 53) and short commutes (18.9 min, #5 of 53), and trails on low household income ($59,838, #45 of 53) and high violent crime (833 per 100,000, #42 of 50).
Tulsa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tulsa'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 Tulsa?
Tulsa's cost of living index is 89.2, 11% below the US level of 100 and #177 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,052/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $220,221, 1% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
| Measure | Tulsa | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 89.2#177 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $220,221#170 of 1,187 | $223,261 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,287/mo#156 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $205,300#243 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,052/mo#269 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/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 23.1% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Tulsa 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. Tulsa is in the Tulsa, OK metro.
Oklahoma housing market →Is Tulsa safe?
Tulsa recorded 833 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #1016 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #42 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tulsa Police Department. Property crime runs 3,427 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tulsa | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 833#1016 of 1,085 | 408 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,427#1003 of 1,085 | 1,814 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Tulsa?
The median household in Tulsa earns $59,838, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tulsa | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $59,838#1049 of 1,312 | $66,148 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 18.7%#1068 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Tulsa?
The median resident of Tulsa is 35.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tulsa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.6 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 33.6%#660 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 51.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Tulsa's schools and health?
Tulsa's 99 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $11,524 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Tulsa | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 80.2%#877 of 1,063 | 80% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 18.2#853 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,524#1019 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14.4%#1042 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Oklahoma is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 52,898 students are enrolled in Tulsa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tulsa?
The average commute in Tulsa is 18.9 minutes (Oklahoma 22.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 11.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tulsa scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 40.8°F, with 41 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tulsa | OklahomaOK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 74.1% | 76.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.7% | 1.8% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 11.5% | 8.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.4#428 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 48.9 | 28 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 54 | 31.7 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 63.3 | 40.7 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 72.1 | 49.5 | 4.4 |
| May | 79.7 | 59.5 | 5.7 |
| Jun | 88.4 | 68.7 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 93.6 | 73.1 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 93 | 71.5 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 84.8 | 62.8 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 73.6 | 50.9 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 61.4 | 39.4 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 50.9 | 31.1 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tulsa International Airport.
| Measure | Tulsa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 61.3°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 81.4°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 40.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 41 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tulsa International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tulsa?
Tulsa County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 51% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tulsa County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Tulsa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#618 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Tulsa County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tulsa County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0034% | 83% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0057% | 79% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 70% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0051% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 48% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0069% | 44% 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 Tulsa compare with similar-size cities?
Tulsa is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #44 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 413,794.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 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 Tulsa compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Tulsa ranks #16 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 10% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 Tulsa's score calculated?
Tulsa scores 47.3 out of 100, #1127 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 Tulsa. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tulsa's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
29.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tulsa. Similar-size median 54.8.
43.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tulsa's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
40.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tulsa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
82.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tulsa. Similar-size median 47.2.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tulsa. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tulsa. Similar-size median 53.7.
50.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tulsa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
47.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tulsa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Tulsa 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 Tulsa
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live?
Tulsa ranks #1127 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #44 of 53 big cities and #16 of 20 in Oklahoma. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.2, #3 of 53) and short commutes (18.9 min, #5 of 53), and trails on low household income ($59,838, #45 of 53) and high violent crime (833 per 100,000, #42 of 50).
What is the cost of living in Tulsa?
Tulsa's cost of living index is 89.2, 11% below the US level of 100 and #177 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,052/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $220,221, 1% below the typical Oklahoma home ($223,261).
What is the crime rate in Tulsa?
Tulsa recorded 833 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Oklahoma's 408. That ranks #1016 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #42 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tulsa Police Department. Property crime runs 3,427 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tulsa?
The median household in Tulsa earns $59,838, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Oklahoma ($66,148). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 18.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tulsa?
Median rent in Tulsa is $1,052/mo (Census), #269 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,287/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tulsa?
The typical home value in Tulsa is $220,221, up 3.1% in a year, against $223,261 for Oklahoma and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $205,300.
How are the public schools in Tulsa?
Tulsa's 99 public schools graduate 80.2% of students in four years (Oklahoma 80%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $11,524 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tulsa?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Oklahoma. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tulsa?
Tulsa averages 61.3°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 40.8°F in winter, with 41 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tulsa walkable?
Tulsa scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 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 Tulsa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tulsa County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tulsa?
Tulsa County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 51% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Tulsa?
Tulsa has 413,794 residents. The median resident of Tulsa is 35.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 33.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #660 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tulsa compare with the rest of Oklahoma?
Tulsa ranks #16 of the 20 Oklahoma cities we track, with a score of 47.3 against Oklahoma's statewide 43. Its households earn 10% below the Oklahoma median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Oklahoma home.
What cities are similar in size to Tulsa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tulsa's population of 413,794 are Virginia Beach, VA (#254 overall), Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Bakersfield, CA (#1124 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), and Wichita, KS (#1135 overall). Tulsa is #1127.