Is Guthrie Safe, Pros and cons of living in Guthrie

Guthrie, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of historic charm and small-town appeal, making it an attractive option for those seeking a slower pace of life within reach of a larger metropolitan area. The city boasts the largest urban historic district in the United States, with 2,169 buildings spread across 1,400 acres and 400 city blocks, providing a picturesque backdrop for daily living. This historic character, combined with a friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community, creates an inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.

The cost of living in Guthrie is notably affordable, particularly in the housing market, which stands in pleasant contrast to national averages. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further. Guthrie is also recognized for its business-friendly environment, offering an exceptional workforce and sites ready for commercial development. The city’s strategic location, proximity to major transportation routes, and a growing economy supported by tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture contribute to its appeal as a place to live, work, and raise a family.

Is it Safe to Live in Guthrie?

Guthrie generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with an overall crime rate that is notably lower than the national average. As of recent data, the city’s crime rate is 39% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This statistic suggests a lower likelihood of experiencing crime compared to many other communities across the United States. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Guthrie is approximately 1 in 417 each year (as reported by DoorProfit).

While the overall safety is encouraging, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 17 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 49 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, aligning with national trends (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Guthrie is characterized by its affordability, presenting a significant advantage for prospective homeowners and renters. The median home value in Guthrie is approximately $160,700 (as reported by Kurby AI), which is considerably lower than the national median. This makes homeownership more accessible for individuals and families looking to settle down.

Rental prices in Guthrie are also competitive, though they can vary. As of April 2026, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Guthrie, OK, is $1,395 per month (as reported by Zumper). This is 28% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). For renters, this affordability allows for more disposable income compared to living in areas with higher rental costs.

Economic Landscape and Employment Opportunities

Guthrie’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, drawing visitors to its historic district and annual events. Major employers in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General, providing a variety of retail and service-oriented job opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). Oklahoma State Bank and Logan Hospital & Medical Center are also significant local employers, contributing to the healthcare and financial sectors.

The employment landscape in Guthrie shows growth, with employment increasing by 8% from the previous year, reaching 5.29k employees (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Guthrie is also notably low, being 50% less than the national average (as reported by NextBurb).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Guthrie experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 27°F in January to a high of 94°F in July (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of about 36 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Winters are chilly but generally mild, with light snowfall, primarily in January and February, averaging around 6 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers can be hot and humid, particularly in July and August, with average high temperatures around 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures and moderate humidity, with April to May and September to October being ideal times for outdoor activities (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School System

The public school system in Guthrie serves approximately 4,121 students across 10 schools (as reported by Public School Review). The district’s overall testing ranking is 6 out of 10, placing it in the top 50% of public schools in Oklahoma (as reported by Public School District). Math proficiency scores average 26%, and reading proficiency scores average 26% (as reported by Public School District).

While the district faces challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates, some schools have shown strong performance. Fogarty Elementary School, for instance, has consistently ranked in the top 30% of Oklahoma elementary schools (as reported by Niche). Guthrie Junior High School has also demonstrated improvement, moving to the 58th percentile and earning a 4-star rating (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Guthrie is home to a population of approximately 11,243 residents, with a median age of 39.7 years (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, accounting for about 66% of the population, followed by African American at 13% and Hispanic at 11% (as reported by Niche).

The community is largely comprised of U.S. citizens, with over 98% of residents holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Guthrie is reported as $53,457 (as reported by Data USA), with a poverty rate of 19.45% (as reported by Data USA).