The Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Cities With High Crime Rates

Westville

Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains near the Arkansas border, Westville is a small town with a population of approximately 1,406 residents. Established in the late 1800s as a railroad town, it has a rich history tied to the expansion of the American frontier. Despite its modest size, Westville reported the highest violent crime rate in Oklahoma in 2023, with 1,472 incidents per 100,000 residents.²

Anadarko

Located about an hour southwest of Oklahoma City, Anadarko is a city of 5,700 that is dubbed “The Indian Capital of the Nation.” It is the county seat of Caddo County and boasts a rich Native American heritage, with American Indian and Alaska Native individuals comprising 36 percent of its population — the largest racial group in the city.³ Unfortunately, Anadarko has a reported violent crime rate that is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.

Ardmore

Situated along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Oklahoma City, Ardmore is home to around 25,000 residents and serves as the gateway to Lake Murray State Park, the oldest and largest state park in Oklahoma. While the area draws visitors for its outdoor recreation, the city also reports one of the highest violent crime rates among Oklahoma cities with populations over 10,000. A combination of its location along major transit routes, ongoing drug issues, and limited access to high-paying jobs all contribute to the elevated crime rate.⁴

West Siloam Springs

Located near the Arkansas border, West Siloam Springs saw a nearly 20 percent population growth between 2010 and 2020. Attractions like Natural Falls State Park and the Cherokee Casino draw steady tourist traffic, which may play a role in the city’s high property crime rate, the highest in the state.

Davis

Davis is a charming mountain town in southern Oklahoma with a population of around 2,800. Tucked in the Arbuckle Mountains, it draws visitors with nearby Turner Falls, one of the state’s top outdoor attractions.⁵ But, behind the scenic views, Davis has one of the highest property crime rates in Oklahoma.

Atoka

Atoka is a southeastern Oklahoma city that recently saw a tourism boost with the opening of Reba’s Place, a bar and restaurant featuring live music from country star Reba McEntire. While the new attraction brings attention and economic promise, the city of just under 3,000 continues to struggle with one of the highest property crime rates in the state.⁶

Oklahoma Cities With Low Crime Rates

Hinton

Hinton offers several ways to enjoy life in western Oklahoma, from its historic downtown to the scenic Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park. The town of just over 3,200 residents records the lowest violent crime rate in the state, making it one of the safest places to call home.⁷

Elgin

Located in the Lawton-Fort Sill MSA, Elgin offers a peaceful lifestyle in the rolling hills of southwestern Oklahoma. With a population of over 3,600,⁸ the city has seen significant growth over the last decade, yet it maintains one of the state's lowest violent crime and property crime rates.

Weatherford

You can get your kicks on Route 66 in Weatherford. The city of around 12,000 sits along the historic highway and is known for the Stafford Air & Space Museum.⁹ Despite being a popular stop, Weatherford has avoided a spike in crime, maintaining one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state.

Boley

Located east of Oklahoma City, Boley is a historic all-Black town with deep cultural roots dating back to the early 1900s. Though its population is only around 1,000 residents, the town has seen a 21st-century renaissance through efforts to preserve its history and support local economic growth. Boley also enjoys one of the lowest property crime rates in the state.

Barnsdall

Barnsdall is a small northeastern Oklahoma town with a population of just over 1,000. Once a booming oil town, it retains much of its small-town charm while offering a quiet, rural lifestyle. The city also features one of the lowest property crime rates in Oklahoma.

Crime Trends in the Sooner State

While Oklahoma has seen notable growth in population and economic development in the 21st century, it still faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and elevated crime rates. The state consistently ranks in the top third nationally for both violent and property crimes. However, between 2022 and 2023, Oklahoma’s property crime rate dropped by more than seven percent, and violent crime saw a decline as well.

Violent crime rates

(per 100,000 residents)

Oklahoma has the 15th highest violent crime rate in the country, with approximately 414 incidents per 100,000 residents. While there was a modest 1.4 percent decline from 2022 to 2023, crimes like rape remain well above the national average.

The state’s property crime rate tells a slightly better story. Although it ranks 12th nationally at 2,149 incidents per 100,000 residents, it saw a notable 7.9 percent drop year-over-year. Burglary and theft remain elevated, but motor vehicle theft is 17.2 percent below the national average.

Property crime rates

(per 100,000 residents)

While Oklahoma certainly faces challenges with crime rates higher than the national average, recent decreases in crime offer hope for improvement on the plains. As the state’s population and economy continue to grow, it may also bring growing pains. However, these growths may be met with increased community investment and a reduction in poverty and unemployment, helping to further reduce crime across the Sooner State.