Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elk City, OK
Thinking of moving to Elk City, OK? With a friendly population of about 11,500, Elk City offers a low cost of living, median home prices around $137,000, and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes, plenty of sunshine (69% of days), and access to local healthcare and schools. While crime rates are slightly higher than national averages, the city features affordable housing, a tight-knit community, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Explore Elk City’s affordable lifestyle, local schools, and more below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Elk City, OK
Demographics - Elk City, OK
Elk City is home to around 11,500 residents, with a median age of 35.8 and a community that is predominantly White, alongside a notable Hispanic or Latino population. The city maintains a balanced gender ratio and features moderate diversity, with about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its population density provides a small-town atmosphere with a welcoming, close-knit feel.
Population:
11,500
Density:
870 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.7%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elk City, OK?
Elk City boasts a cost of living index of 80.2, making it significantly more affordable than the national average. Median home values are about $137,000, while average rent is $900, helping residents enjoy a reasonable lifestyle with low housing and utility costs. This affordability extends to groceries, healthcare, and transportation, making Elk City attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$137,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.2
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
88.0
Health Care:
93.7
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Elk City, OK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Elk City are slightly above the national average, with a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,350 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 340 chance of experiencing violent crime, but many find the community-oriented policing and small-town vigilance help foster a sense of safety. It's important for newcomers to stay informed about local crime trends and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
294
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,350
Crime Index:
2,644
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 340
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Elk City, OK year-round?
Elk City experiences all four seasons, with summer highs averaging 95°F and winter lows near 25°F, offering a classic Oklahoma climate. The city enjoys about 69% sunny days yearly and receives around 27 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities much of the year. Residents appreciate the mild winters and warm, dry summers typical of the Southern Plains.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
51°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
95°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Typical households in Elk City have a median income of $54,800, and the area enjoys a low unemployment rate of just 3.7%. Most residents commute about 16 minutes to work, reflecting the city's convenient layout and minimal traffic. While the poverty rate is 15.5%, the community is characterized by strong ties, affordable living, and accessible local amenities.
Median Income:
$32,900
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$61,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Elk City, OK?
Elk City offers quality public education through schools like Elk City High School, with a student-teacher ratio of about 15:1, and private options such as Elk City Christian Academy. While higher education options are limited in town, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is just 27 miles away in Weatherford. The community values education, with nearly 89% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Elk City High School
Street:
300 N Boone Ave
Phone:
580-225-0105
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Name:
Elk City Intermediate School
Street:
1201 W 7th St
Phone:
580-225-0175
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Elk City Christian Academy
Street:
611 W Country Club Blvd
Phone:
580-225-1111
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
City:
Weatherford
State:
OK
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Elk City provides reliable healthcare services anchored by the Great Plains Regional Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% health insurance coverage, most locals have access to necessary medical support. The city's healthcare index suggests generally good access and quality for a community of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Great Plains Regional Medical Center
Address:
1801 W 3rd St, Elk City, OK 73644
Phone:
(580) 225-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elk City, OK?
The housing market in Elk City is highly affordable, with median home prices around $137,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $900. Approximately 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and the city sees steady home appreciation, making it a stable environment for buyers. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates further indicate a healthy and accessible market for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$137,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Elk City residents are served by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for DMV needs, with the main office located in Oklahoma City. Essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers are available both in-person and online. The state's DMV resources are convenient and user-friendly for new and current residents alike.
State:
Oklahoma
Department:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Address:
3600 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone:
1-405-425-2300
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.