The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma


The most dangerous places in Oklahoma are Tulsa and Anadarko for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Most dangerous cities in Oklahoma research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data using Saturday Night Science to determine the most dangerous cities in Oklahoma.

We examined the violent and property crime per capita statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. In total, we analyzed 74 Oklahoma cities. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Oklahoma is Tulsa based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Oklahoma is 928 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Oklahoma is 4,272 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Oklahoma is Piedmont.

  • Oklahoma is the 8th most dangerous state in the United States.

Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma Map


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Methodology | FAQs | References


Everything is not ‘okie dokie’ in Oklahoma’s most dangerous cities.

We’re not talking about the kind of problems that give Ada’s hometown hero, Blake Shelton, sad lyrics for his country songs. We’re talking about the kind of danger that has landed Oklahoma as the 8th most dangerous state in the country.

We consulted the numbers and analyzed 74 cities with over 5,000 residents. The FBI’s latest crime report provides data on violent and property crime per capita statistics, which we ordered from highest to lowest. We discovered that Oklahoma’s violent and property crime rates are most felt in the areas around Tulsa and Muskogee.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma For 2024

  1. Tulsa
  2. Anadarko
  3. Muskogee
  4. Pauls Valley
  5. Poteau
  6. Shawnee
  7. Del City
  8. Oklahoma City
  9. Sallisaw
  10. Miami

What is the most dangerous place in Oklahoma for 2024? The most dangerous city in Oklahoma is Tulsa.

There’s a direct correlation between places in Oklahoma with high unemployment rates and poverty with high crime.

If you want to know where the most dangerous places in Oklahoma are, look at the report below.

For more Oklahoma reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Oklahoma For 2024

Tulsa, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Caleb Long | CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 410,135
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 928 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,272 (Most dangerous)
Murders: 57
More on Tulsa: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Oklahoma’s second biggest city and the cultural center of the state’s northeast, Tulsa ranks as the most dangerous place to live in Oklahoma for 2024. Tulsa had the third highest violent crime rate in Oklahoma, recording 57 murders in 2022.

Overall, residents had a 1 in 107 chance of being the victim of a robbery, rape, assault, or murder. That’s a good enough reason to stay buddied up when you’re in Tulsa’s worst neighborhoods.

Property crime is also a big deal in Tulsa, especially burglaries. There were 3,590 burglaries in 2022 overall, giving the city the eighth highest burglary rate statewide. We just hope there’s enough security at the Philbrook Museum of Art to stop any would-be heisters.

Anadarko, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Mdnicholson42 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

1
/10

Population: 5,865
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 937 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,921 (Seventh most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Anadarko: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Anadarko got its name by accident. The town was supposed to be named after the Nadaco band of Native Americans. However, somewhere in the process of getting its first post office, someone added an “A” to the front of the word.

Not an auspicious start. But this community in central Oklahoma, about 50 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, has other problems to worry about than the history of its name. It also stands as the number 2 most dangerous spot in the state. The town suffers high rates of larceny and burglary, as well as a scary pace of violent crimes.

Muskogee, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Valis55 | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 36,713
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,111 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,374 (13th most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Muskogee: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

You’d think having a castle and a submarine around, Muskogee would have its bases covered in preventing crime, but it doesn’t.

Muskogee ranked as the most violent place in Oklahoma, with residents facing a 1 in 90 chance of being the victim of a robbery, rape, assault, or murder in 2022. A lot of that comes from Muskogee having the seventh highest rate of rape cases statewide.

If that doesn’t sound bad enough, consider that Muskogee also averaged one burglary a day over 2022 — truly, nowhere is safe in Muskogee.

Pauls Valley, OK

Source: Public domain

Overall SnackAbility

2
/10

Population: 6,066
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 544 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,253 (Second most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Pauls Valley: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Located about an hour south of Oklahoma City, Pauls Valley ranks as Oklahoma’s fourth least safe place to live. Pauls Valley had the fourth highest burglary count in the state and recorded a property crime each day, on average. That’s quite a lot in a city of just 6,066.

Here’s hoping that no super criminal nerd collective gets together to pull a heist of the local Toy and Action Figure Museum.

While Pauls Valley had the second most property crime in Oklahoma, it’s the least violent place on this list.

Poteau, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Clinton Steeds | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 8,871
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 631 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,742 (Eighth most dangerous)
Murders: 2
More on Poteau: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Poteau, the county seat of Le Flore County in Oklahoma, has a rich history dating back to 1719 when French explorers first traveled through the area. Deriving its name from the Poteau River, the city was officially founded in 1885 and is now home to approximately 8,871. However, despite its historical significance and idyllic location, Poteau has been ranked as the fifth most dangerous place in Oklahoma for 2024.

The city reported 56 incidents of violent crime, including 2 murders, 8 rapes, and 43 cases of aggravated assault. This gives Poteau the seventh highest violent crime rate in the state.

Shawnee, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Small Town OK | CC BY-SA 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 31,865
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 571 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,495 (Ninth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Shawnee: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Shawnee, a city in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, has the unfortunate distinction of being the sixth most dangerous place to live in Oklahoma for 2024. The city, located around 45 minutes east of downtown Oklahoma City near Interstate 40, has a population of approximately 31,865.

The city’s violent crime rate per capita is 571/100k, ranking as the ninth highest in the state. This includes 30 cases of rape and 17 robberies. The property crime rate per capita is 3,495/100k, including 210 burglaries, contributing to the city’s overall high crime rates.

Del City, OK

Source: Wikipedia User Dcheagle | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 21,382
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 584 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,376 (12th most dangerous)
Murders: 1
More on Del City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

You won’t find Del City anywhere on our list of Oklahoma City’s best suburbs, and crime is a big reason why.

Del City had the eighth highest violent crime rate in Oklahoma. Residents had a staggering 1 in 171 shot of being the victim of a violent attack in 2022.

Add to that 722 property crimes over the year, and you’ve got a recipe for a full plate for the Del City Police Department.

Oklahoma City, OK

Source: Wikipedia User katsrcool | CC BY 2.0

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 692,726
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 642 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,059 (16th most dangerous)
Murders: 65
More on Oklahoma City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Oklahoma City’s crime numbers actually fell a bit over the last year, despite it holding onto a spot on this list. That’s just because other cities in Oklahoma are improving faster than the capital city.

Still, residents have to contend with the sixth highest violent crime rate in Oklahoma. That includes more than one murder each week and more than one rape each day. Not exactly part of the Wild West image Oklahoma City was going for with the National Cowboy and Western Museum.

As for property crime, Oklahoma City recorded more than ten car thefts each day on average, and 21,191 property crimes overall. However, as OKC is the state’s biggest city, there are obviously some rougher areas, but if you stick to Oklahoma City’s best neighborhoods, you should be safe.

Sallisaw, OK

Source: Wikipedia User John Phelan | CC BY 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

3
/10

Population: 8,505
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 435 (19th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,068 (Fourth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Sallisaw: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Sallisaw, located in Sequoyah County, is the ninth most dangerous place to live in Oklahoma. The city, which has a population of 8,505, has a troubling violent crime rate of 435/100k per capita. This includes 37 incidents of violent crime.

Historically an integral part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas–Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area, Sallisaw’s safety issues starkly contrast its rich history and cultural significance.

Miami, OK

Source: Wikipedia User TheWhitePelican | CC BY-SA 3.0

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 12,904
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 503 (14th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,479 (Tenth most dangerous)
Murders: 0
More on Miami: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living

Miami, located in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, holds an unfortunate ranking as the tenth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2024. This city, founded in 1891 and known for its lead and zinc mining history, is now infamous for its high crime rates. With a population of 12,904, it has an alarming 503/100k violent crimes per capita, ranking it as the 14th highest in the state.

Property crime is also a serious concern with a staggering 3,479/100k property crimes per capita.

Crime By City In Oklahoma

Rank City Population Total Crimes Per 100K Violent Crimes Per 100K Property Crimes Per 100K Murders
1 Tulsa 410,135 5,201 928 4,272 57
2 Anadarko 5,865 4,859 937 3,921 0
3 Muskogee 36,713 4,486 1,111 3,374 2
4 Pauls Valley 6,066 4,797 544 4,253 0
5 Poteau 8,871 4,373 631 3,742 2
6 Shawnee 31,865 4,067 571 3,495 0
7 Del City 21,382 3,961 584 3,376 1
8 Oklahoma City 692,726 3,701 642 3,059 65
9 Sallisaw 8,505 4,503 435 4,068 0
10 Miami 12,904 3,983 503 3,479 0
11 Ponca City 24,487 3,695 567 3,128 1
12 Ardmore 24,999 3,768 880 2,888 4
13 Warr Acres 10,439 4,310 354 3,956 1
14 Chickasha 16,031 3,823 399 3,424 0
15 Catoosa 7,402 3,269 567 2,701 0
16 Okmulgee 11,408 3,427 368 3,059 0
17 Woodward 11,876 3,427 412 3,014 0
18 Pryor Creek 9,467 3,221 559 2,661 2
19 Purcell 6,647 3,144 466 2,677 1
20 Enid 49,990 3,256 408 2,848 0
21 Grove 7,179 3,370 334 3,036 0
22 Lawton 91,596 2,909 837 2,072 22
23 Hugo 5,215 2,991 479 2,511 0
24 Wagoner 8,071 3,147 322 2,824 0
25 Durant 19,481 3,239 297 2,941 1
26 Midwest City 57,826 3,000 337 2,663 0
27 Norman 128,878 3,055 303 2,752 2
28 Sand Springs 20,006 4,133 194 3,938 0
29 Idabel 7,043 4,330 170 4,160 0
30 Clinton 8,280 2,427 446 1,980 0
31 Bartlesville 37,479 2,958 301 2,657 2
32 McAlester 18,219 2,898 274 2,623 0
33 Blackwell 6,089 2,167 443 1,724 0
34 Glenpool 13,983 2,724 264 2,460 1
35 Seminole 7,063 2,435 283 2,152 0
36 Stillwater 48,384 2,228 310 1,917 5
37 Cushing 8,195 2,733 231 2,501 0
38 Claremore 19,659 2,472 249 2,222 0
39 Bethany 20,322 2,234 265 1,968 1
40 Yukon 25,514 2,473 195 2,277 0
41 Moore 63,421 2,284 239 2,045 1
42 The Village 9,402 2,180 255 1,925 0
43 Ada 16,946 2,608 177 2,431 1
44 Guthrie 11,255 1,821 284 1,537 0
45 Skiatook 8,651 2,126 254 1,872 0
46 Tecumseh 6,365 2,168 188 1,979 1
47 Altus 18,757 1,738 266 1,471 0
48 Sapulpa 22,447 1,875 245 1,630 4
49 Vinita 5,170 2,456 154 2,301 0
50 Henryetta 5,619 2,117 177 1,939 0

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Oklahoma for 2024?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Oklahoma. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Oklahoma, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2022 data, specifically the 2022 Crime In The United States Report for Oklahoma.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Oklahoma cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 74 cities in Oklahoma.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 74 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Oklahoma — Tulsa. Any ties went to the smaller city.

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Oklahoma and is updated for 2024.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Oklahoma FAQs

Yes, Oklahoma is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #8 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in Oklahoma ranks 13th most dangerous in the United States — 24.01% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Sooner State ranks sixth most dangerous in the United States — 38.44% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022.

Yes, Oklahoma City is a dangerous city. Oklahoma City ranks as the #114 most dangerous out of 328 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Oklahoma City might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Oklahoma City ranks 103rd highest in America — 16.0% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 107th highest in the United States — 12.1% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2022 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Oklahoma

Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Oklahoma

So what is the most dangerous city in Oklahoma? After analyzing 74 cities in Oklahoma, Tulsa takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Oklahoma based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2022.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Tulsa ranks as the most dangerous city in Oklahoma for 2024.

The most dangerous cities in Oklahoma are .

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Tulsa and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

What is the most dangerous place in Oklahoma for 2024? The most dangerous city in Oklahoma is Tulsa.

There’s a direct correlation between places in Oklahoma with high unemployment rates and poverty with high crime.

If you want to know where the most dangerous places in Oklahoma are, look at the report below.

Learn more about the safest places in Oklahoma.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Oklahoma:

  1. Noble (Pop. 7,746)
  2. Newcastle (Pop. 13,290)
  3. Jenks (Pop. 27,208)
  4. Weatherford (Pop. 11,891)
  5. Bixby (Pop. 29,690)
  6. Collinsville (Pop. 8,740)
  7. Tuttle (Pop. 7,981)
  8. Blanchard (Pop. 9,488)
  9. Verdigris (Pop. 5,605)
  10. Piedmont (Pop. 8,318)

For more Oklahoma reading, check out:

References

About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.

7 thoughts on “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Oklahoma

  1. Tulsa OK is a dump. It’s a paradise for rednecks, thugs, and yuppies. Alot of people are rude, mean, and on drugs. Road rage is horrible here, crime never seems to stop and the verbal bullets keep flying. Poverty in West and north sides keeps getting worse. the homicide rate is horrible, together with violent crime. It’s a real winner. By far the worst city I’ve ever lived in.

  2. I have been a Tulsan since 1975. I worked for the City of Tulsa for several years. Tulsa used to be the most beautiful city you have ever seen. Then the Democrats came into power and got us into so much debt and the infrastructure began to fall apart. The City was then inundated with illegal aliens from the southern border to where some schools are totally Spanish speaking in Tulsa, OK! In Tulsa there is a great divide between the haves and the have nots. In Tulsa there is the great religious community and the great crime community. Tulsa has evolved from a small beautiful city that had everything to a crime ridden big city that is quite ugly. It is a hard hard city. As for the people of Tulsa, they are indeed very rude, very unfriendly, very mean and road rage is insane here because people cannot drive. I look forward to being able to move out of Tulsa at retirement.

  3. What a load of crap!

    If you take the time to follow the links all the way through to figure out where this loser came up with this BS, you find that “The 10 Most Dangerous Cities” in Oklahoma are at the bottom of a 74 city list of “The Safest Cities in Oklahoma.”

    That’s right, Shawnee is the 74th safest city in Oklahoma. (OKC was 65th) If you consider there are 600 towns and cities in Oklahoma, that’s not as bad as this moron tries to make it sound. (Safest 12% if you *assume* all cities were evaluated equally)

    Look, this statistical moron doesn’t understand that you can’t take a short list of “Safest Cities” and flip it on its head to determine the most “Dangerous Cities”. That’s a completely different methodology for ranking.

    This is precisely where the FAKE NEWS peddlers earn their scorn. They’re TOO LAZY and TOO STUPID to fathom just how ridiculous they are!

    Chris Kolmar you are a half wit plagiarist and I hope I never step in another pile of your product. I don’t want to become dumber by simply reading the pap you don’t have the intelligence to understand or evaluate.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *