Living in Lawton, OK offers a unique blend of small-town charm and military heritage. Located in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton is known for its friendly community, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. The city is home to Fort Sill, a major U.S. Army installation that plays a significant role in the community.
Lawton’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied, featuring attractions like the Museum of the Great Plains, the Comanche National Museum, and the annual International Festival. The city’s parks and outdoor spaces, including the beautiful Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
The dining options in Lawton are diverse and delicious, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. From classic Southern comfort food to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The city’s farmers markets and local events, such as the Lawton Rangers Rodeo, foster a strong sense of community.
Lawton’s location offers convenient access to outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and camping. The city is well-connected by major highways and public transportation options, making travel easy. Additionally, the cost of living in Lawton is relatively affordable, providing a great quality of life at a reasonable cost.
For those considering a move to Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton stands out as a top choice. Its blend of military heritage, natural beauty, and strong community spirit make living in Lawton, OK an exceptional experience. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, outdoor activities, or vibrant local scene, Lawton offers a truly wonderful place to call home.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Health & Safety
Factors like poor air quality and the absence of essential health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and pharmacies could have played a role in the low score in this category.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Lawton is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Oklahoma. The city has a population of 93,535 residents. Lawton tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. Lawton is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Lawton is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Lawton, Oklahoma. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Lawton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, education and more.
Using data and statistics Lawton has received a livability score of 64 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 60th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Lawton ranks very well for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+) and housing (B+). Lawton does not score well for the following: education (D-) and employment (D-). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Lawton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Lawton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Lawton. Median real estate prices in Lawton come in at $111,000, which is 8.5% lower than the Oklahoma average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lawton, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 8% lower than the Oklahoma average.
| Statistic | Lawton | Oklahoma | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 21min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.6% | 82.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.6% | 10.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.7% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.6% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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