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Not only is everything ‘Okie’ dokie in Oklahoma, the Sooner State has some of the best cities in the country. And lucky for you, HomeSnacks uncovered what places to live should be in the top ten for 2022.
The appreciation for the blood, sweat, and tears of the Sooners is very evident in Oklahoma’s best places to live. The Oklahoma cities that made our list average some of the highest median household incomes and boasts some of the most expensive homes. These cities have some of the most educated residents and safety is a priority.
Heck there’s a reason Garth Brooks lives in Tulsa and Gwen Stefani is willing to drop everything and live with Blake Shelton in Tishomingo. They love Oklahoma’s great people and its good ‘ol country livin’. All country music and Oklahoma pride aside, this flyover state has some pretty cool cities. Oklahoma’s roads wind through cities where Native American culture is strong. And cities like Okmulgee, where a good ‘ol fashioned cattle drive and/or rodeo are Friday night’s hot ticket out, can be found down any Oklahoma backroad.
Spend a weekend in Oklahoma and you will know why it’s the 28th most populated state in the country.But to find out the top ten best places to live in Oklahoma, you’re going to have to keep reading.
Oklahoma has so many great cities, that you could literally throw a dart at the state and live happily wherever it landed. So, you can understand how difficult it was to narrow down a list of the top ten best places.
What’s the best place to live in Oklahoma for 2022? There can only be one number one, and that Oklahoma city would be Jenks.
The competition was fierce, however. To see a list of Oklahoma’s best of the best cities that gave Jenks a run for its money, take a look below. And if you don’t see your favorite city there, head to the bottom.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the best states in America or the best places to live in America.
For more Oklahoma reading, check out:
- Best Counties To Live In Oklahoma
- Cheapest Places To Live In Oklahoma
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Oklahoma
The 10 Best Places To Live In Oklahoma For 2022
Jenks, a city of 22,933 located just south of Tulsa, comes in as HomeSnacks’ best place to live in Oklahoma for the second year running. Jenks is a place with small-town charm and big-city amenities. It’s home to the Oklahoma Aquarium, a big hit with local families and Riverwalk Crossing, a Tulsa-bordering district where you’ll find a wide range of eclectic shops, dining, outlook areas, and countless events. Jenks is also known for its ample antiquing opportunities.
Jenks has top-notch schools, safe streets, and low rates of unemployment and poverty. Not to mention that Jenks residents are quite smart; around 45% of folks have a bachelor’s degree and 15% have a master’s degree or higher to boot. This helps explain why Jenks has the 2nd best-paid populace in Oklahoma, with a typical household bringing in around $87,306/year. The cost of living in Jenks is about 15% higher than the Oklahoma average, with housing costs outstripping the state by 60%. The median home price in Jenks is the 4th highest in Oklahoma at $224,700 and rent goes for around $1,272/month. People don’t seem to mind the cost, though, considering Jenks is also Oklahoma’s fastest-growing city, adding a whopping 40% to its ranks since 2010.
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Population: 22,933
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $224,700
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
More on Jenks: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Another Tulsa suburb located just south of Jenks, Bixby offers a similar mix of abundant attractions and opportunities combined with a tight-knit community. Fishing, picnicking, and hiking can all be found at Lake Bixhoma, while an amphitheater, butterfly garden, and 30+ acres of gorgeously-landscaped trees and flowering pants make for a peaceful sanctuary at Washington Irving Memorial Park & Arboretum. And if you’re looking for the freshest produce in town, look no further than Gibson Gardens.
Bixby’s population has grown by 33% in the last decade and it’s not hard to see why. GreatSchools gave Bixby’s public schools and an average score of 9.5/10, and Bixby High was awarded a College Success Award. Poverty and unemployment rates both rank as the 14th lowest in Oklahoma, while the rate of residents with health insurance is the 8th highest in the state. Homes may be the 3rd priciest in Oklahoma, but residents also enjoy the 6th highest median household income statewide at $83,955/year.
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Population: 27,315
Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)
Median Home Value: $242,500
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
More on Bixby: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Located just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond ranks as the 3rd best place to call home in Oklahoma. Art-lined streets, the regular shows put on at the Armstrong Auditorium, and the annual Downtown Edmond Arts Festival all scream that Edmond is a city with an eye for aesthetic quality. As for the outdoor-inclined, Edmond’s countless green spaces in town, first-class fishing at Arcadia Lake, and championship golf courses are sure to be a source of endless delight.
If you’re looking for one of the premier public school districts in the state, you’ve found it in Edmond. GreatSchools gave Edmond’s district a 9.5 average score (out of 30+ schools, mind you) and several of those schools have received National Blue Ribbon Awards. The high school dropout rate in Edmond is the lowest in Oklahoma, over half the adult population has a college degree, and nearly a quarter of folks have a master’s, PhD, or professional degree. This helps explain why Edmond’s residents enjoy the 5th highest median household income in the state at $84,223/year.
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Population: 93,101
Rank Last Year: 5 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $253,500
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
More on Edmond: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Oklahoma’s fourth biggest city and a neighbor of Tulsa, Broken Arrow ranks as the 4th best place to call home in the Sooner State. If you’re an angler, chances are we won’t have to try very hard to convince you Broken Arrow is great; the city boasts a massive 110,000 square-foot Bass Pro Shop. For other shoppers, Broken Arrow’s Rose District has more boutiques than you could shake a stem at. Those looking to catch a Broadway Show will find themselves at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, while those looking to get a bit of peace from the bigger city will end up in Ray Harral Nature Park.
Homes in Broken Arrow go for around $168,500 and you can find a nice spot to rent for $1,065/month. While that means Broken Arrow’s housing is roughly 30% higher than the statewide average, the cost of living in other categories is basically on par with the statewide average.
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Population: 108,875
Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $168,500
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
More on Broken Arrow: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
A northern suburb of Tulsa, Owasso ranks as the 5th best place to live in Oklahoma. Being just 20 minutes from Tulsa’s downtown really opens up your entertainment options. Music-enthusiasts have the choice between the Jazz Hall of Fame and the Woody Guthrie Center that honors the folk legend. Visual artists have a feast for the eyes as the gorgeous Philbrook Museum of Art and everyone can enjoy the Gathering Place, America’s best new attraction of 2019, according to USA Today’s Readers’ Choice awards.
Owasso’s public schools consistently beat out the statewide average in test scores and graduation rates by more than 10%, and GreatSchools awarded Owasso’s district an average score of 9/10. Poverty and unemployment are both low in Owasso, and although it’s the most dangerous spot on this list, the crime rate is still 25% below the statewide average. Owasso’s residents have the 15th highest median household income in the state at $66,897/year. It’s quite easy to see why the city’s grown by more than 30% in the last decade.
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Population: 36,395
Rank Last Year: 6 (Up 1)
Median Home Value: $180,100
Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
More on Owasso: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Newcastle is an Oklahoma City suburb located about 20 miles south off of Route 62 and I-44. The town of 10,425 people has a ton going for it across all quality of life metrics. The economy is super strong as the city ranks 5th for unemployment and 3rd for incomes per the most recent Census data. Additionally, it’s one of the safest cities in the Sooner State per the most recent FBI data.
The Newcastle Public Schools rank in the top 20% of Oklahoma school districts per several sources including Niche and PublicSchoolReview. And like most Oklahoma towns, there’s plenty to do outside. From TG Farm to Veteran’s Park there is something to do in town with the family. And you can stop in the Boomarang Diner anytime of the day for a burger, pancakes, or to see your neighbors.
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Population: 10,425
Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 5)
Median Home Value: $218,200
Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
More on Newcastle: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Choctaw sits just to the east of Oklahoma City, part of the furthest rim of communities surrounding the state’s largest city. More than a typical suburb, though, Choctaw is actually the oldest chartered community in what was once known as Oklahoma Territory. It still provides a major draw for modern-day settlers, existing as the number 7 best place to live in Sooner State.
A strong economy and top-notch educational opportunities make Choctaw an excellent place to raise a family. The area has a median income of $77,219, the 9th best figure in the state. The unemployment rate is healthy as well, coming in at 2.8%. The median home value in the area hovers at $182,400. The schools in the area are amazing, scoring a 9/10 on Great Schools.
Despite being over 100 years old, Choctaw didn’t become a noteworthy town until the middle of the 20th century. As of the 1960 census, it had just 623 people. Now it sports a population of 12,467 and provides excellent access to Oklahoma’s largest population areas. A half-hour drive will take you to the center of Oklahoma City. Looking further out, Tulsa lies just an hour and a half down I-44.
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Population: 12,467
Rank Last Year: 9 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $182,400
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
More on Choctaw: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
A rapidly-growing bedroom community of OKC, Mustang comes in as our 8th best place in Oklahoma for 2022. Good shopping, great schools, and a warm small-town feel all contribute to Mustang’s 25% growth since 2010. Most Mustang residents head into Oklahoma City when they get the itch for the lights of the big city or a bit of culture. Seeing as there are museums for both cowboys and art, anyone should be able to have an enjoyable day of self-education a short day-trip from Mustang. All part of why Mustang ranked so highly on our coverage of the cities for families in Oklahoma.
In all of Oklahoma, Mustang has the 6th lowest crime rate, 4th lowest poverty rate, and 6th highest rate of residents with health insurance. Oh, and some of the cheapest homes of places on this list, with a median price tag of $173,400.
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Population: 22,228
Rank Last Year: 4 (Down 4)
Median Home Value: $173,400
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
More on Mustang: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Tuttle is a fast-growing community. From a population of under 3,000 people in the 1990 census, it now boasts 7,348 people. And those residents can count themselves as lucky — they live in the number 9 top place in Oklahoma to call home.
Located to the southwest of Oklahoma City, Tuttle stands about a half hour from the heart of the state’s biggest urban area. The community also provides access to a taste of the jungle as well: the Tiger Safari Zoo is a short drive away.
Beyond these attractions, Tuttle’s main draw is economic. Residents enjoy a median income of $89,375, the best mark in Oklahoma. The unemployment rate is also one of the best in the state, coming in at 3.4%.
Parents in Tuttle don’t have to worry about their kids’ educations. The schools are ranked an 8/10 on Great Schools. At the same time, Tuttle offers affordability. The cost of living is about 90% of the national average. Meanwhile, the median home value is $194,700.
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Population: 7,348
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 1)
Median Home Value: $194,700
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
More on Tuttle: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Piedmont is a thriving and dynamic city of 8,155 located just northwest of Oklahoma City. The population of Piedmont has expanded by nearly 40% in the last decade thanks in part to its friendly, inviting atmosphere, relatively low cost of living, and plentiful recreational and cultural opportunities. Plus, being just a half-hour from OKC’s Bricktown Entertain District, with its endless supply of fun, means residents have easy access to all the big-city amenities without sacrificing on the small-town atmosphere.
There are a lot of stats that prove Piedmont’s excellence; the 2nd lowest unemployment rate and lowest poverty level in Oklahoma, at 1.4% and 1.2% respectively, for a start. 88.1% of residents have health insurance, the 23rd highest rate statewide. Piedmont also has a crime rate that’s roughly 90% below the national average and ranks as the lowest in Oklahoma. Finally, Piedmont is among the richest palces in Oklahoma, with the 4th highest median household income at $85,237/year and 2nd most expensive homes in the state.
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Population: 8,155
Rank Last Year: 7 (Down 3)
Median Home Value: $252,100
Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
More on Piedmont: Real Estate | Crime Report | Cost Of Living
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Oklahoma
The Pressing Question: Size
Before we even started to collect data, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit cities with populations over 100,000 against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So to create our ranking, we broke places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This left us with 68 cities, 168 towns, and 405 small towns.
We then decided, no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Oklahoma have more of everything and therefore you need to have over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best’.
Now we also realize that city living might not be your cup of tea, so we ran the following analysis on towns and then again for small towns.
You can see those two top tens at the bottom of the post.
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Oklahoma
Now that we had our set of cities, it was time to rank them.
We ranked each place in Oklahoma across a number of criteria from one to 68, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, with the city posting the lowest overall score being crowned the winner of the title “Best Place To Live In Oklahoma”.
The criteria we looked at were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data and FBI Crime Data. You can download the data here.
After the dust settled, what was the best place to live in Oklahoma? That would be Jenks.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Oklahoma.
Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Jenks at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places When It Comes To Living In Oklahoma
If you’re looking at areas in Oklahoma with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
Jenks made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Oklahoma for 2022.
Best Towns To Live In Oklahoma
- Nichols Hills (Pop. 3,864)
- North Enid (Pop. 1,091)
- Okarche (Pop. 1,338)
- Elgin (Pop. 2,825)
- Justice (Pop. 1,290)
- Verdigris (Pop. 4,217)
- Mooreland (Pop. 1,989)
- Buffalo (Pop. 1,335)
- Forest Park (Pop. 1,079)
- Burns Flat (Pop. 2,117)
Best Small Towns To Live In Oklahoma
- Lake Aluma (Pop. 74)
- Woodlawn Park (Pop. 168)
- Burlington (Pop. 153)
- Burneyville (Pop. 617)
- Taloga (Pop. 377)
- Fairmont (Pop. 239)
- Kremlin (Pop. 215)
- Canton (Pop. 465)
- Cleo Springs (Pop. 304)
- Sams Corner (Pop. 178)
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Oklahoma according to the data:
- Anadarko (Pop. 6,600)
- Pauls Valley (Pop. 6,128)
- Idabel (Pop. 6,872)
For more Oklahoma reading, check out:
- Best Places To Retire In Oklahoma
- Richest Cities In Oklahoma
- Safest Places In Oklahoma
- Worst Places To Live In Oklahoma
Where Are The Best Places To Live In Oklahoma?
Rank | City | Population |
---|---|---|
1 | Jenks | 22,933 |
2 | Bixby | 27,315 |
3 | Edmond | 93,101 |
4 | Broken Arrow | 108,875 |
5 | Owasso | 36,395 |
6 | Newcastle | 10,425 |
7 | Choctaw | 12,467 |
8 | Mustang | 22,228 |
9 | Tuttle | 7,348 |
10 | Piedmont | 8,155 |
11 | Blanchard | 8,362 |
12 | Weatherford | 11,908 |
13 | Yukon | 27,557 |
14 | Alva | 5,046 |
15 | Moore | 61,683 |
16 | Glenpool | 13,836 |
17 | Bartlesville | 36,495 |
18 | Sand Springs | 19,912 |
19 | Noble | 6,956 |
20 | Stillwater | 50,183 |
21 | Coweta | 9,803 |
22 | Claremore | 18,875 |
23 | Collinsville | 7,140 |
24 | Bethany | 19,292 |
25 | Lone Grove | 5,105 |
26 | Altus | 18,533 |
27 | Norman | 124,086 |
28 | Guymon | 11,381 |
29 | Sapulpa | 21,170 |
30 | Harrah | 6,480 |
31 | Sulphur | 5,023 |
32 | Woodward | 12,213 |
33 | Guthrie | 11,296 |
34 | Grove | 7,060 |
35 | Clinton | 9,117 |
36 | Warr Acres | 10,169 |
37 | Lawton | 93,535 |
38 | Enid | 50,116 |
39 | Blackwell | 6,634 |
40 | Chickasha | 16,326 |
41 | Tulsa | 402,441 |
42 | Vinita | 5,367 |
43 | Catoosa | 7,930 |
44 | Tahlequah | 16,684 |
45 | Duncan | 22,529 |
46 | Ada | 17,399 |
47 | Cushing | 7,759 |
48 | El Reno | 19,539 |
49 | Pryor Creek | 9,417 |
50 | Miami | 13,176 |
51 | Purcell | 6,508 |
52 | Tecumseh | 6,721 |
53 | Mcalester | 18,042 |
54 | Durant | 18,516 |
55 | Ardmore | 24,834 |
56 | Wagoner | 9,061 |
57 | Shawnee | 31,361 |
58 | Henryetta | 5,586 |
59 | Holdenville | 5,662 |
60 | Muskogee | 37,337 |
61 | Sallisaw | 8,536 |
62 | Okmulgee | 11,768 |
63 | Seminole | 7,155 |
64 | Poteau | 8,866 |
65 | Hugo | 5,114 |
66 | Anadarko | 6,600 |
67 | Pauls Valley | 6,128 |
68 | Idabel | 6,872 |