From the rolling green hills of the East to the flat golden plains of the West, Oklahoma offers beautiful views throughout the entire state, making it a great place to build your Oklahoma home. The Sooner State is dotted with many small towns, exquisite views of nature, intriguing museums, as well as delicious cuisines. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable cities in Oklahoma to help you find the perfect place to call home.
10 Most Affordable Cities:
1. Okmulgee
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.21%
Average Property Tax: $514
Median Household Income: $31,884
Okmulgee is the most affordable city in Oklahoma, located about 40 miles south of Tulsa. It is a small town that is rich in nature and history. Two popular spots where locals enjoy the outdoors are the Okmulgee State Park and Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge. You will want to check out the shops downtown, visit the library, or sample the menu from their many local eateries.
2. Muskogee
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.21%
Average Property Tax: $674
Median Household Income: $38,194
Muskogee is nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River. This charming city offers a wide range of activities for locals to enjoy. Some favorite spots amongst locals are Arts of the Muskogee Little Theatre, River Country Water Park, The Castle of Muskogee, and Three Rivers Museum of Muskogee.
3. McAlester
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.32%
Average Property Tax: $528
Median Household Income: $43,879
McAlester is located about 120 miles southeast of the state capital, Oklahoma City. It is one of the state’s oldest communities and offers unique attractions like the McAlester Scottish Rite Masonic Center and the Tannehill Museum. Nature enthusiasts will love the outdoor activities at Chadick Park and McAlester Lake. McAlester is a charming city that has offers something for everyone.
4. Tahlequah
Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.35%
Average Property Tax: $785
Median Household Income: $37,177
Tahlequah is a quaint town that has been named one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America. The Cherokee Nation’s capital brims with a diverse scene and has a small-town vibe. Tahlequah is rooted in history and has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, making it the perfect place to call home.
5. Ponca City
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.19%
Average Property Tax: $744
Median Household Income: $44,043
This city in north Oklahoma was named after the Ponca tribe; Ponca Nation’s headquarters are still located just south of the city. Ponca has an ancient history in the oil industry, which shaped its economy and fueled its growth. You can enjoy a diverse culture and exciting attractions. Further, Ponca offers a collection of parks, arts, museums, and restaurants. A few places that locals love are the Conoco Museum, Kaw Lake, and Marland Mansion – an architectural wonder built by the oil baron who put Ponca on the Map. Other favorite spots are Lake Ponca and the Poncan Theatre.
6. Del City
Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.81%
Average Property Tax: $893
Median Household Income: $46,485
Del City is located in the heart of the Sooner State and is embedded in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. While there are many attractions in Del City, some main attractions are the Eagle Harbor Aquatic Center, Ray Trent Park, and Top Slots RaceWay.
7. Miami
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.17
Average Property Tax: $505
Median Household Income: $36,908
Miami, Oklahoma, was named after an Indian tribe and is home to nine Native American tribal headquarters. If you want to immerse yourself in the town’s history, Dobson Museum would be a great place to start. Since Route 66 runs through the downtown district, it’s always hopping. The only remaining nine-foot section of the original Route 66 – paved in 1921-1922 – has been preserved as “Ribbon Road”. This landmark is a favorite destination for locals and tourists.
8. Guymon
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.35%
Average Property Tax: $724
Median Household Income: $53,164
Guymon is a small town located in the northwestern part of Oklahoma. It offers locals a wide range of activities and attractions. Sunset Lake is a beautiful spot where you can drink in the sights and sounds of nature. Locals can go fishing, bird watching, hiking, and more. In addition, there are many events in Guymon such as Pioneer Days, Five State Motorcycle Run, Oktoberfest, and the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo.
9. El Reno
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.28%
Average Property Tax: $1,141
Median Household Income: $48,060
El Reno, located 25 miles west of Oklahoma City, is famous for its delicious fried onion burger and the Lucky Star Casino. Thanks to the climate, you will find many things to do year-round, including trekking along the famous Route 66. Want to ride the rails? Hop aboard the Heritage Express Trolley for a nostalgic trolley ride and tour the historic buildings downtown. El Reno has a wide range of fun activities to keep you busy.
10. Altus
Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.25%
Average Property Tax: $729
Median Household Income: $47,691
Altus is located in southwest Oklahoma and has a plethora of outdoor activities. Quartz Mountain Nature Park has many hiking opportunities and offers one of the most beautiful views in the area. Other favorite attractions are Lake Altus and Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge where you can view animals in their natural habitats.
Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio
While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.
- Del City
- Chickasha
- Chickasha is a beautiful historic town that has unique attractions, shopping, and dining experiences. Around 16,000 individuals live in Chickasha and the locals here really take pride in their heritage.
- Glenpool
- Glenpool is located in Tulsa County and has a population of around 14,000. Some of the best spots in Glenpool are Lake Bixhoma, the Praying Hands, Harmony Bridge, and the Oklahoma Aquarium.
Other Oklahoma Resources
Drew Port is a writer for NewHomeSource. She writes on the homebuying process, as well as informing readers on homeownership.