Is Muskogee Safe, Pros and cons of living in Muskogee
Muskogee, Oklahoma, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, making it a noteworthy location for those considering a move. The city provides a generally affordable cost of living, especially when compared to national averages, and features a community with a rich history and developing economic landscape. Understanding the various facets of life in Muskogee is key to determining if it aligns with your personal and professional goals.
This overview delves into the safety, lifestyle, economic conditions, and community aspects of Muskogee, providing a comprehensive picture for potential residents. By examining crime rates, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics, we aim to offer practical insights for anyone contemplating a life in this Oklahoma city.
Is it Safe to Live in Muskogee?
Crime Rates
Muskogee experiences a crime rate that is higher than both the state and national averages. The likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Muskogee is approximately 1 in 100, while the chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 33 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This places Muskogee among cities with higher crime rates nationally, with property crime being a significant concern, occurring at a rate of 30 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Muskogee is reported at a rate of 40 per one thousand residents, which is notably higher than many other communities across the U.S. (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Oklahoma, Muskogee’s crime rate is higher than that of more than 97% of other communities in the state (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These statistics indicate that safety is a significant consideration for those living in or moving to Muskogee.
Police Department Performance
The Muskogee Police Department receives an overall score of 48% when compared to other U.S. police departments in cities under 50,000 population (as reported by Police Scorecard). This score reflects areas such as police funding, presence, accountability, and approach to law enforcement. While the department scores higher in ‘Approach to Law Enforcement’ at 70%, it scores lower in ‘Police Accountability’ at 30% (as reported by Police Scorecard).
The data indicates that 38% of all arrests made in Muskogee between 2013 and 2023 were for low-level, non-violent offenses (as reported by Police Scorecard). Additionally, Black individuals are 1.9 times more likely to be arrested for low-level offenses than white individuals in Muskogee (as reported by Police Scorecard). These findings highlight areas where community-police relations and practices may warrant further attention.
Cost of Living in Muskogee
Housing Expenses
Muskogee offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, when compared to national averages. The median property value in Muskogee was approximately $153,200 in 2024, showing a 10.4% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Muskogee stands at 66.5%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the average monthly rent in Muskogee is around $789 (as reported by RentCafe), though other sources indicate a slightly higher average rent of $1,025 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Housing expenses in Muskogee are reported to be 33% cheaper than the U.S. average (as reported by Apartments.com, Payscale, and Livingcost). This makes Muskogee an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing.
Overall Affordability
The overall cost of living in Muskogee is notably lower than both the state and national averages. One source indicates it is 17% lower than the national average (as reported by RentCafe), while another suggests it is 18.1% lower (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various categories, including utilities, transportation, and groceries.
Utilities in Muskogee are about 2% less pricey than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe), and transportation expenses are around 15% lower (as reported by Payscale). Grocery costs are also lower, with estimates suggesting they are 3.4% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents in Muskogee, a salary of approximately $57,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Industries
Muskogee’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector. In 2024, employment in Muskogee grew by 0.984%, with approximately 26,200 employees (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries providing employment for Muskogee residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
Major employers in Muskogee contribute significantly to its economic base. The city is home to companies such as Georgia-Pacific, Dal-Tile, and Lionheart Industries Inc. (as reported by Muskogee Means More and Zippia). These companies operate in sectors like advanced manufacturing, construction materials, and automotive, reflecting a diverse industrial landscape.
Salaries and Wages
The average annual salary in Muskogee was approximately $48,845 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $23.48 per hour, or $939 per week. The median household income in Muskogee was reported as $53,619 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a median individual income of $28,769 in the same year (as reported by Data Commons).
However, other sources provide different figures for average salaries. One report states the average annual salary for an “Average Salaries” position in Muskogee is $65,406 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Muskogee generally range from the 25th percentile around $32,152 to the 75th percentile around $63,500 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Muskogee County was 5.6% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). In January 2026, Muskogee County’s unemployment rate was recorded at 5.6%, placing it among several counties in Oklahoma with similar rates (as reported by USAFacts). This figure is slightly higher than the state’s unemployment rate, which was 3.9% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).
The unemployment rate is a percentage of the civilian labor force actively seeking employment but not currently working. Factors such as the availability of job opportunities, industry strength, and local economic conditions influence these rates. While the rate in Muskogee County is slightly above the state average, it reflects the dynamic nature of the job market.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasons
Muskogee experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The average maximum temperature in July, the warmest month, reaches a high of about 93.6°F (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Winters are cooler, with average minimum temperatures in January dropping to around 28.0°F (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).
The average annual temperature in Muskogee is approximately 60.15°F (as reported by World Climate). Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, making them pleasant times to experience the outdoors in the region. The city’s location in the Arkansas River Valley contributes to its relatively low elevation compared to much of Oklahoma.
Precipitation and Rainfall
Muskogee receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, with an average of about 1120 mm (44.17 inches) (as reported by Weather and Climate). May is typically the wettest month, receiving around 150 mm (5.9 inches) of rain over an average of 13 rainy days (as reported by Weather and Climate). January is generally the driest month, with approximately 44 mm (1.7 inches) of rainfall over about 5 days (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Snowfall is minimal in Muskogee, with an average annual snowfall of about 6.2 inches (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). The majority of snowfall occurs during the winter months, with very little expected from spring through fall. This pattern contributes to the overall climate profile of the region.
Education and Demographics
School District Performance
Muskogee Public Schools serves approximately 4,834 students across 10 public schools. The district’s overall testing ranking is 4 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of Oklahoma school districts based on combined math and reading proficiency (as reported by Public School Review). Math proficiency in the district stands at 19%, and reading proficiency is at 24%, both below the state averages (as reported by Public School Review).
Despite these challenges, the district’s graduation rate has improved to 81% over the past five school years. Some individual schools within Muskogee, such as Sadler Arts Academy, receive higher rankings and demonstrate strong performance, while others face academic challenges (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district is noted for its diversity, with minority enrollment comprising 75% of the student body (as reported by Public School Review).
Population and Diversity
As of 2024, Muskogee had a population of approximately 66,400 people, with a median age of 35.9 years (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition of Muskogee includes a significant White population, followed by Black or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native residents (as reported by Data USA). White (Non-Hispanic) residents form the largest group, making up 35.6k people in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The city is home to a diverse population, with 3.18 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents than any other race or ethnicity (as reported by Data USA). American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic) individuals constitute the second-largest group, with 11.2k residents, followed by those identifying with Two or More Races (as reported by Data USA). Citizenship rates are high, with 98.5% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Community and Lifestyle
Muskogee offers a lifestyle that is generally more affordable than many other areas in the United States. The median household income in Muskogee was around $50,213, with a poverty rate of 24.12% (as reported by Population 2026). The city’s overall cost of living index is significantly lower than many other U.S. cities, making it an attractive place for budget-conscious individuals and families.
The community has a notable presence in arts and culture, with events like the G Fest Music Festival celebrating its historic music scene (as reported by Livability.com). The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is also located in Muskogee, contributing to the city’s cultural identity. These elements add to the unique character of Muskogee for its residents.
Pros and Cons of Living in Muskogee
Advantages of Muskogee
One of the primary advantages of living in Muskogee is its affordability. Housing costs are substantially lower than the national average, making homeownership or renting more accessible (as reported by RentCafe, Payscale). This economic advantage allows residents to potentially stretch their budgets further compared to living in more expensive regions.
Muskogee also benefits from a relatively stable job market with key industries like healthcare and manufacturing providing employment opportunities (as reported by Data USA). The city’s climate, while featuring warm summers, offers a temperate environment for most of the year, with manageable winters (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).
Challenges in Muskogee
A significant concern for Muskogee is its higher-than-average crime rate. Both violent and property crime rates are elevated compared to state and national benchmarks, which can impact residents’ sense of security (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This is a critical factor for anyone prioritizing safety in their living environment.
The education system in Muskogee presents areas for improvement. While some schools perform well, the district’s overall proficiency scores and rankings are below the state average (as reported by Public School Review). This may be a consideration for families with school-aged children who prioritize academic performance.