Is Durant Safe, Pros and cons of living in Durant
Durant, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing economic opportunity. Situated in Bryan County, it serves as the principal city of its own micropolitan area and is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth Combined Statistical Area. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and a lifestyle that emphasizes affordability and community connection.
With a population that has seen steady growth, Durant is attracting new residents and businesses alike. The city’s strategic location, combined with a commitment to economic development, has positioned it as a vibrant hub in southeastern Oklahoma. This makes Durant an appealing option for those seeking a balance between a relaxed pace of life and access to various amenities and employment prospects.
Is it Safe to Live in Durant?
Durant presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are higher than the national average in some aspects. The overall crime rate is 40.00 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often perceive the northern and northeastern parts of the city as the safest areas. However, the chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood, with central areas showing a higher risk than the north.
Violent crime in Durant is reported at a rate of 4.084 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime is also a concern, with a rate of 31 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). While some analyses indicate that Durant ranks in the 18th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 18% of U.S. cities, other analyses place it in the 29th percentile for safety, suggesting it is safer than 29% of cities. Residents often feel the city is “pretty safe,” with a majority expressing some level of comfort, though a smaller percentage report significant safety concerns (according to Niche).
Cost of Living and Housing
Durant is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. One calculator indicates Durant is 18% less expensive than the national average and 3% less expensive than the average city in Oklahoma (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities.
The median home value in Durant is approximately $174,900 as of 2024 (according to Data USA). Other reports place the median home value around $163,433 (according to Livability.com) or $157,400 (according to Kurby AI). The median rental price is reported at $825 per month (according to Zillow), though other sources cite figures around $778 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (according to Apartments.com) or a general median rent of $1,097 (according to Zumper). The homeownership rate in Durant is around 63.8% (according to Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Durant’s economy is robust, with a daytime population that swells to approximately 20,000 people, indicating significant economic activity beyond its resident population. The city has seen substantial new investment, leading it to be recognized as a leader in economic development within Oklahoma. Major employers in Durant include the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, AllianceHealth Durant and Madill, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) (according to Durant Industrial Authority).
Other significant employers include BrucePac, Indian Nation Wholesale Distribution, Cardinal Glass FG, First United Bank, CMC Metals, and Tubacex (according to Durant Industrial Authority). Employment in Durant has been growing, with the most common employment sectors being Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Durant stands at 4.10% as of the latest reports (according to YCharts).
Climate and Weather
Durant experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 34°F to 96°F throughout the year, with variations rarely falling below 21°F or exceeding 103°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). The hot season generally spans from early June to mid-September, with July and August being the warmest months, often reaching average highs of 95°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline).
The cool season extends from late November to late February, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows around 34°F and highs near 54°F (according to WorldWeatherOnline). Annual precipitation averages around 44 to 45 inches, with May typically being the wettest month, receiving about 5.1 to 7.3 inches of rain (according to Livability.com and WorldWeatherOnline). Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 2 to 3 inches annually (according to Livability.com).
Education and Schools
Durant is served by a number of public schools, with many receiving good ratings. Washington Irving Elementary School, Northwest Heights Elementary School, and Durant High School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche). Public schools in Durant show strong performance in reading proficiency, with an average of 31% compared to the state average of 27% (according to Niche).
Durant High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 and a 16-to-1 student-teacher ratio for Durant Middle School (according to Niche). While the district as a whole faces challenges with chronic absenteeism, some schools like Rock Creek Elementary School have shown significant improvement in their ratings. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is also located in Durant, providing higher education opportunities for residents (according to Durant, Oklahoma – Wikipedia).
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, Durant had a population of 18,589, with projections indicating a continued increase. The city’s population is relatively young, with a median age of 32.1 years (according to Wikipedia). In terms of racial and ethnic makeup, White residents form the largest group, making up approximately 63.7% to 65.8% of the population, followed by American Indian or Alaska Native individuals at around 13.3% to 14.95% (according to Wikipedia and Neilsberg).
Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 9.9% of the population, while Black or African American residents make up approximately 2.2% to 2.79% (according to Wikipedia and Neilsberg). The gender distribution shows slightly more females than males. The median household income in Durant is reported around $46,812 annually (according to Data USA), with a poverty rate of approximately 18.69% (according to Neilsberg).
Pros and Cons of Living in Durant
Durant offers a compelling combination of affordability and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place to live. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, particularly in housing, which allows residents’ money to stretch further. This financial advantage, coupled with a generally friendly atmosphere, contributes to a relaxed pace of life that many residents cherish.
However, potential residents should be aware of the crime rates, which are higher than the national average in certain categories. While some neighborhoods are considered safer, overall crime statistics warrant consideration. The job market, while growing, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger metropolitan areas, and average salaries might be lower than in more urbanized regions.