Is Cushing Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cushing
Cushing, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, making it an appealing place for individuals and families considering a move. Nestled in Payne County, this city provides a glimpse into the heart of America’s heartland, with a rich history tied to the oil industry that shaped its development. Cushing presents a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal for those seeking affordability.
The community is characterized by a friendly atmosphere and a pace of life that many find refreshing. With a solid foundation built on its historical roots, Cushing is also looking toward the future, aiming to balance its heritage with the needs of a contemporary population. This introduction serves as a starting point for understanding what life in Cushing might entail.
Is it Safe to Live in Cushing?
Cushing’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some statistics indicating a higher-than-average overall crime rate compared to national figures. However, a closer look reveals that violent crimes in Cushing are actually lower than the national average. This suggests that while property crimes may contribute to the overall crime rate, the instances of violent offenses are less frequent than in many other U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout).
When assessing safety, it’s also beneficial to consider neighborhood variations. Some areas within Cushing are perceived as safer than others, with residents often pointing to the northwest part of the city as being more secure. Your personal chance of becoming a victim of crime can vary significantly depending on the specific neighborhood within Cushing, ranging from one in 19 in central areas to one in 29 in the northwest (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Costs
The housing market in Cushing is characterized by its affordability. The median home value in Cushing is significantly lower than the state and national averages, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. For instance, the median home value is reported at $140,272 (as reported by Zillow) and $122,090 (as reported by Livability.com), which is considerably less than the Oklahoma average (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
Rental prices in Cushing also reflect this affordability, with average rents being substantially lower than the national average. The average rent for a home in Cushing is around $1,065 per month (as reported by Trulia), and the average rent across all property types is approximately $1,200 per month (as reported by Zillow). This makes Cushing a financially accessible city for both homeowners and renters.
Overall Cost of Living
Cushing’s overall cost of living is notably lower than the U.S. national average, making it an economically advantageous place to reside. Living expenses, including housing, utilities, transportation, and food, are all generally more affordable here than in many other parts of the country (as reported by Salary.com and Payscale).
This lower cost of living extends to various essential categories. For example, housing expenses are reported to be 22% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 6% lower (as reported by Payscale). These savings can significantly impact a household’s budget, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
Cushing’s economy is significantly influenced by its historical ties to the energy sector, with major employers in the area reflecting this. Key industries in Cushing include energy, healthcare, and manufacturing (as reported by Cushing OK Quick Facts). Prominent employers in the Cushing area include Enbridge Energy, Plains All-American Pipeline, and Magellan, alongside healthcare providers like Hillcrest Healthcare and entities such as the Sac & Fox Nation and Beasley Technologies (as reported by Cushing OK Quick Facts).
The employment landscape in Cushing shows growth, with employment increasing by 4.95% from the previous year. The most common employment sectors for residents are Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Educational Services. This indicates a diversified job market that extends beyond its traditional oil and gas roots.
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Cushing aligns with broader state trends, generally remaining competitive. As of the latest reports, the unemployment rate in Oklahoma is around 3.9 percent (as reported by YCharts and Oklahoma.gov), and Cushing’s local figures are generally in line with this. The average salary in Cushing is approximately $50,500 per year, with a median wage that provides a solid income base for residents (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
While the average salary provides a general benchmark, specific job roles can command higher earnings. For example, positions in fields like Class A Truck Driving, the Oil Field, and Police Officer roles have been noted to offer salaries above the city’s average (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This suggests opportunities for higher earning potential within specific sectors.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Cushing experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 26°F in the winter to a high of 94°F in the summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences warm to hot summers, with July often being the warmest month, while January is typically the coldest.
The transition between seasons is noticeable, with spring and fall offering more moderate temperatures. Humidity can be a factor during the summer months, making the air feel uncomfortably warm from June to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city is generally partly cloudy year-round.
Precipitation and Natural Features
Cushing receives an average annual precipitation of about 38 inches, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of around 6 inches of precipitation. Conversely, January tends to be the driest month, receiving about 1 inch of precipitation.
The city experiences a moderate amount of snowfall annually, with around 4 inches. The snowy period generally occurs from December to January, with January typically seeing the most snowfall. Cushing is situated in a region that experiences significant seasonal variations in rainfall throughout the year.
Education and Demographics
School District Performance
Cushing Public Schools is a highly-rated district, consistently ranking within the top 30% of school districts in Oklahoma. The district serves approximately 1,716 students and maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15:1 (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). Cushing High School, specifically, is recognized for its strong performance, often ranking within the top 30% of Oklahoma high schools and achieving a graduation rate of 95% (as reported by Public School Review and SchoolDigger).
Academic proficiency in the district shows strengths, with math proficiency scores often exceeding the state average. For example, math proficiency is reported at 34% compared to the Oklahoma average of 25%, and reading proficiency is at 28% versus the state average of 27% (as reported by Public School Review). However, there are areas for improvement, such as chronic absenteeism rates, which are noted to be higher than the state average.
Population and Demographics
Cushing is home to a population of approximately 8,300 to 8,500 residents, with a projected growth rate (as reported by Data USA and Cushing, OK Population 2026). The demographic makeup of Cushing is predominantly White, with significant percentages of residents identifying as American Indian and Alaska Native, as well as Black or African American (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). A small percentage of residents are of Hispanic origin.
The median age in Cushing is around 35.7 years, indicating a mix of younger and older residents (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The population is largely composed of U.S. citizens, with a foreign-born population representing a small fraction of the total residents (as reported by Data USA).