Is Bartlesville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bartlesville

Bartlesville, Oklahoma, offers a blend of small-town charm and the conveniences of a larger city, making it an appealing place for many seeking a new place to call home. Nestled in northeastern Oklahoma, it provides a unique lifestyle characterized by a strong sense of community and access to natural beauty. The city is known for its rich history, particularly its ties to the oil industry, which has shaped its development and economic landscape over the decades.

Prospective residents often weigh various factors when considering a move, including safety, cost of living, employment opportunities, and the quality of local amenities. Bartlesville presents a profile that attempts to balance these considerations, offering a distinct living experience within the Sooner State. This exploration will delve into the specifics of life in Bartlesville, providing a comprehensive overview for those contemplating a relocation.

Is it Safe to Live in Bartlesville?

Bartlesville’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city’s overall crime rate is 18% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Bartlesville are 2% higher than the national average, while property crimes are 21% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). This suggests that while violent crime is only slightly above the national trend, property crime poses a more notable concern.

When examining specific crime statistics, Bartlesville reports a violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 individuals, which is 2.4% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes amount to 2,125 per 100,000 residents, a figure that is 20.7% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Residents generally perceive the southern part of the city as safer, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living in Bartlesville

The cost of living in Bartlesville is generally considered affordable, particularly when compared to national averages. Overall living expenses are 6% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and utilities.

Housing costs in Bartlesville are notably lower than the national average. Housing costs average $912 per month, with median gross rent at $916 per month (according to Point2Homes). For renters, this means that the median household income of $34,595 in 2022 results in a rent-to-income ratio of 31.8% (according to Point2Homes). This suggests that housing expenses consume a reasonable portion of an average renter’s income.

Housing Market Insights

The median home value in Bartlesville is approximately $149,978 (as reported by Livability.com). This figure provides a benchmark for potential homeowners considering purchasing property in the city. The median property tax is $2,332 annually (as reported by Livability.com).

For those looking to rent, the rental market in Bartlesville is quite active. The average rent across all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,049 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is approximately 47.55% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow), making Bartlesville an attractive option for renters seeking affordability.

Income and Affordability

The average annual household income in Bartlesville was $86,350 in 2024, showing a slight increase from the previous year (according to Point2Homes). However, the median income stood at $58,869, reflecting a slight decrease over the same period (according to Point2Homes). These figures provide context for understanding the purchasing power of residents.

Considering the median rent of $813 per month, individuals would need to earn approximately $2,710 per month or $32,520 per year to live comfortably, adhering to the guideline of spending no more than 30% of income on rent (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability makes Bartlesville accessible for a wide range of income levels.

Job Market and Major Employers

Bartlesville’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and employers. The job market is powered by approximately 16,222 working residents, with a significant portion, 79%, employed in professional or administrative positions (according to Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Bartlesville stands at 4.4% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered typical for the area.

Key employment sectors in Bartlesville include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the city reflect its historical ties to the energy sector, as well as its growing service and retail industries. Prominent companies include Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips, which, despite moving their corporate headquarters, maintain a significant presence and employee base in the community (as reported by Bartlesville Development Authority). Other significant employers include Walmart, Bartlesville Public Schools, and Jane Phillips Medical Center (as reported by Bartlesville Development Authority).

Employment Trends

Employment in Bartlesville has seen some fluctuations. From 2023 to 2024, employment declined slightly by 0.546%, from 16.3k to 16.2k employees (according to Data USA). This indicates a relatively stable job market, with a workforce that is well-educated and capable of fulfilling a wide range of skilled positions (according to Bartlesville Development Authority).

The city’s unemployment rate has historically been lower than the state and regional averages, though it has experienced some volatility (according to Bartlesville Development Authority). The workforce draws from Washington County, with a portion of residents also commuting from surrounding counties, particularly Tulsa County (as reported by Bartlesville Development Authority).

Climate in Bartlesville

Bartlesville experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 22°F to 94°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 41 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Bartlesville are hot, humid, and often clear, with July and August being the hottest months. Average daily high temperatures can reach into the low 90s Fahrenheit, with average lows around 67-70°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data). Winters are short, cold, and windy, with average daily highs in the mid-40s and average lows in the mid-20s Fahrenheit during January (as reported by myPerfectWeather and U.S. Climate Data).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

The wettest month in Bartlesville is typically May, with an average of about 6 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). The city experiences rain throughout the year, with the drier season occurring from late September to late March. Snowfall averages around 8 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather).

The period from April to May and again from mid-September to October is considered the most comfortable time to visit or live in Bartlesville, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity levels (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day is higher from late March to late September, averaging over 27% during this period (according to U.S. Climate Data).

Education in Bartlesville

Bartlesville is served by a public school system that shows promising academic performance. The Bartlesville School District ranks within the top 30% of all school districts in Oklahoma, based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s average testing ranking is 8 out of 10 (according to Public School Review).

In terms of proficiency, public schools in Bartlesville have an average math proficiency score of 32% and a reading proficiency score of 32% (as reported by Public School Review). These scores are higher than the state averages for Oklahoma public schools, which are 25% for math and 27% for reading (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s graduation rate is 81% (according to Public School Review).

School Performance and Demographics

Wayside Elementary School and Bartlesville High School are among the top-ranked public schools in the city (as reported by Niche). Wayside Elementary School, in particular, has a 5-star rating and significantly outperforms district and state averages in English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Conversely, some schools within the district exhibit lower proficiency rates, indicating performance disparities (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Minority enrollment in Bartlesville’s public schools is 48% of the student body, which is lower than the Oklahoma public school average of 56% (as reported by Public School Review). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 16:1 (according to Public School Review).

Demographics of Bartlesville

Bartlesville is home to a population of approximately 37,878 residents as of 2024, making it the 12th most populated city in Oklahoma (according to Point2Homes). The population has seen a slight increase, with a projected population of 38,488 for 2026 (according to Point2Homes). The city’s population is relatively stable, with a growth rate of approximately 0.62% annually (as reported by Bartlesville.org).

The racial makeup of Bartlesville is predominantly White, accounting for about 71% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant demographic groups include those identifying as Two or More Races (10.1%), Hispanic (7.2%), and Native American (6.1%) (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Bartlesville is 36.8 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (51%) compared to males (49%) (as reported by Bartlesville.org).

Key Demographic Trends

In terms of citizenship, 95.4% of Bartlesville’s population are U.S.-born citizens, with an additional 2.6% being naturalized citizens (according to Point2Homes). The median household income in Bartlesville was $58,869 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes). A notable 13.4% of Bartlesville families live below the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).

The age distribution shows that 14% of the population is under 10 years old, and 19% are 65 years or older (as reported by Niche). This indicates a balanced age demographic, with a substantial portion of both younger and older residents within the community.