Is Purcell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Purcell
Purcell, Oklahoma, situated in the heart of the state, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. This city provides a unique living experience, balancing a relaxed pace of life with opportunities for growth and engagement. Understanding the various facets of Purcell is key for anyone considering a move to this Oklahoma community.
The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community ties, making it an attractive place for families and individuals alike. With its roots as a railroad town, Purcell has evolved into a vibrant community that values its history while embracing the future.
Is it Safe to Live in Purcell?
Crime Rates
Purcell’s overall crime rate is reported to be 9% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). While this figure indicates a need for awareness, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Purcell ranges from 1 in 20 in the east neighborhoods to 1 in 51 in the northeast part of the city (according to CrimeGrade.org).
When examining specific crime types, Purcell recorded 17 violent crimes, equating to 245 per 100,000 individuals, which is 31.8% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, the city recorded 143 property crimes, which is 17.1% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).
Safety Perceptions
Purcell residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest area (according to CrimeGrade.org). The city’s crime rate is 31.99 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, specific neighborhoods offer a greater sense of security.
The cost of crime per resident in Purcell is approximately $504 per year, which is slightly more than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org). This figure includes criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders.
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Purcell offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, with housing expenses being a major contributor to this affordability. Housing costs in Purcell are approximately 54% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home value in Purcell was $171,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA), representing a 5.28% increase from the previous year.
The median property value in Purcell, OK was $171,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA). The homeownership rate in Purcell is 57% (according to Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 65.2%. Median gross rent in Purcell is $868 per month (according to Point2Homes).
Overall Expenses
Purcell’s overall cost of living is estimated to be 25% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This includes lower expenses for utilities, transportation, and groceries. Utility prices are 2% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses are 13% lower (according to Payscale).
Food expenses run 11.3% below the national average (according to Salary.com). These savings contribute to Purcell being considered one of America’s least expensive cities (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Purcell’s economy is supported by a variety of employers, ranging from retail giants to essential service providers. Major employers in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and the United States Postal Service (according to Indeed.com). Other notable companies include Walgreens, Tractor Supply, and AutoZone (according to Indeed.com).
The presence of Tinker Air Force Base, a significant employer in the region, also influences the local job market, though it is not directly within Purcell itself. Additionally, ties to nearby Norman and the University of Oklahoma provide further employment and educational opportunities (according to GreaterOKC).
Employment Trends
Employment in Purcell has seen modest growth, with a rate of 0.587% between 2023 and 2024, increasing the number of employees from 2.9k to 2.92k (according to Data USA). The most common job sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction (according to Data USA).
The average salary in Purcell, OK, as of May 2026, is reported to be around $45,879 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). However, it’s important to note that “Part Time” positions average around $71,824 annually, indicating a wide range of earning potential based on employment type and experience (according to ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
As of March 2026, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate was 3.9%, which has remained steady from the previous month (according to USAFacts). This rate is lower than the U.S. overall unemployment rate for the same period (according to USAFacts).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey of the civilian labor force. This figure represents individuals who are employed or actively seeking work, and it excludes those not actively looking, such as retirees (according to USAFacts).
Climate
Temperatures
Purcell experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold, windy winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 27°F to 96°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hot season lasts from June to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 94°F and a low of 74°F (according to World Weather).
The cold season spans from November to February, with January being the coldest month, featuring an average high of 52°F and a low of 27°F (according to World Weather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months (according to myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall and Snowfall
Purcell receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 38 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). Conversely, January sees the least amount of rain, averaging about 1.1 inches (according to Country Studies).
The city experiences an average annual snowfall of about 7 inches (according to Livability.com). While snowfall is generally light, the presence of winter weather contributes to the overall climate patterns of the region.
Education
School Ratings
Purcell Public Schools is a highly-rated public school district, serving approximately 1,463 students from PK through 12th grade (according to Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of A-minus, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (according to Niche).
Purcell Intermediate School, Purcell Junior High School, and Purcell High School are among the top-ranked public schools in the city (according to Niche). Purcell Intermediate School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Oklahoma for overall test scores, with math and reading proficiency rates above the state average (according to Purcell Intermediate School).
Academic Performance
According to state test scores, 37% of students in Purcell Public Schools are proficient in math and 47% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). Purcell High School has a 4-year graduation rate of 82.2% and outperforms the state average in several test score categories (according to SchoolDigger.com).
However, the district faces challenges with chronic absenteeism, with all schools reporting a rate of 19.0%, which is higher than the state average (according to SchoolDigger.com). Purcell Intermediate School shows inconsistent academic performance across grade levels in English Language Arts (according to Purcell Intermediate School).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Purcell is home to approximately 6,803 residents, making it the 63rd most populated city in Oklahoma (according to Data USA). The population has been growing, with a projected increase to 6,974 by 2026 (according to Data USA). The racial composition of Purcell is predominantly White, accounting for about 67.6% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 16.4% and those of Two or More races at 8.6% (according to Data USA).
In terms of citizenship, 97.2% of Purcell residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). The foreign-born population is approximately 6.2%, which is similar to the national average (according to Data USA).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Purcell is 35 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (according to World Population Review). The population is distributed across various age groups, with 23.4% being children under 15 and 16.5% being 65 or older (according to Point2Homes).
Purcell has 2,548 households, with an average of 3 members per household (according to Point2Homes). Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes).