During the Land Run of 1889, when unassigned land in what would become the state of Oklahoma was put up for grabs, settlers raced to claim their slice of pioneer land. Those who staked a claim before the land run officially began were called “sooners.” Today, nearly four million people call the Sooner State home. In 2019, CNBC rated it the second cheapest state in which to live, and Safewise reported recently that only 42 percent of residents are concerned with their safety on a daily basis. Let’s take a closer look to see which Oklahoma cities rate the 10 safest.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in Oklahoma
1. Lone Grove
- Population: 5,090
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 39.3
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 314.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
75% Below National Crime Rate
The safest city in Oklahoma sits at a whopping 75% below the national crime rate average. Lone Grove is the perfect place for those looking for a small, safe, tight-knit community. Founded in the Chickasaw Nation, the town participated in the state’s oil boom in the early 20th century and now serves as a quiet bedroom community of Ardmore.
2. Piedmont
- Population: 8,080
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 61.9
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 160.9
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
88% Below National Crime Rate
Piedmont offers affordable living — the median home price is just below $200,000 — and a top-ranked school system. Located near Oklahoma City, Piedmont is one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.
3. Blanchard
- Population: 8,886
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 56.3
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,350.4
- Most Common Crime: Property
45% Below National Crime Rate
Blanchard comes in as the third safest city in Oklahoma. An easy commute to nearby Norman and Oklahoma City, and in one of the best areas in the state for retirees, Blanchard includes a historic downtown and a growing array of restaurants and shops. Locals frequent DeAngel Farms and Winery not only for the wine but their farm-fresh produce and jams and jellies.
4. Guymon
- Population: 11,546
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 95.3
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,048
- Most Common Crime: Property
55% Below National Crime Rate
Self-styled as “An American Original,” Guymon is home to national and state-recognized events that celebrate its history and rich culture. Located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, this town may not be highly populated, but it offers many parks and cultural amenities. It’s an expanding community with agriculture, such as pork processing and cattle feedlots, and natural gas dominating the economy.
5. Jenks
- Population: 23,473
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 110.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,307.9
- Most Common Crime: Property
45% Below National Crime Rate
Jenks is a suburb of Tulsa in the northeastern part of Oklahoma. It sits along the Arkansas River and is one of the state’s fastest-growing communities; since 2010, it’s seen a 77 percent increase in population. The town is tilted toward the affluent, with homes starting around $200,000.
6. Alva
- Population: 5,112
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 117.4
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,115.0
- Most Common Crime: Property
52% Below National Crime Rate
Home to the Rowdy Rangers of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva has a youthful feel. Parents here can keep their college kids a little closer to home. This smaller college town sits along the Salt Fork Arkansas River, which means ample opportunities for fishing and camping.
7. Vinita
- Population: 5,348
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 74.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,645.5
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
33% Below National Crime Rate
Vinita is a safe and cultural town, known for its Native American and pioneer heritage. Located in the northeast corner of the state, Vinita sits on the renowned Highway 66, and visitors can enjoy the antique shops and specialty boutiques, or take in the popular Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo.
8. Mustang
- Population: 21,809
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 137.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,059.2
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
63% Below National Crime Rate
With a name like Mustang, you know this is a community that’s on the fast track. You get all the amenities of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, like shopping, dining and museums, and all the benefits of small-town, affordable living.
9. Collinsville
- Population: 7,098
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 126.8
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,366.6
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
42% Below National Crime Rate
Collinsville is popular with both seniors and growing families for their housing needs. It’s only a 20-minute commute to bustling Tulsa, and the schools are considered top-notch.
10. Bixby
- Population: 27,654
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 122.9
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,515.2
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
36% Below National Crime Rate
Bixby’s residents are proud of their amenities, safety and diversity. Bixby is known for its agrarian tradition, which has earned it the nickname of “Garden Spot of Oklahoma.” If you crave the city lights, snag an Uber and head to nearby Tulsa for a night out.
Other Oklahoma Resources
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.