Is Verdigris Safe, Pros and cons of living in Verdigris
Verdigris, Oklahoma, offers a compelling blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the greater Tulsa metropolitan area. This community is attractive to families, professionals, and retirees seeking a relaxed pace of life without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities. Its tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and proximity to riverfront trails provide an inviting environment for outdoor enthusiasts. The town also boasts a growing selection of local shops, dining venues, and community events that foster a vibrant social scene.
Residents appreciate the convenient access to top-rated schools, including Verdigris Elementary and Verdigris High School, and enjoy relatively short commutes to major employment hubs via the nearby I-44 corridor. Neighborhoods within Verdigris offer a mix of quiet residential streets and walkable areas, reinforcing its reputation as a family-friendly destination. The town’s commitment to safety, education, and affordability makes it a noteworthy option for those considering a move to the heartland of Oklahoma.
Is it Safe to Live in Verdigris?
Verdigris presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The town’s overall crime rate is reported to be 75.9% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a lower likelihood of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime when compared to many other communities across the United States.
Specifically, violent crime rates in Verdigris are notably low, with a rate of 102 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime also remains well below national benchmarks, with 408 crimes per 100,000 people, indicating a reduced risk of incidents like burglary or theft (as reported by AreaVibes). Verdigris ranks in the 67th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than a majority of cities in the U.S. (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs in Verdigris
The housing market in Verdigris offers a degree of affordability, particularly when compared to national averages. The median home value in Verdigris is approximately $199,800 (according to Kurby AI). This median home value is notably lower than the national average, allowing residents to potentially find more value for their investment.
However, recent data indicates a competitive market with rising prices. The median listing price for a home in Verdigris is around $315,000 (as reported by Realtor.com). Year-over-year, the median sale price has seen an increase of 10.57% (as reported by Realtor.com), suggesting continued price appreciation for homeowners. Homes in Verdigris tend to sell relatively quickly, with the median days on market decreasing significantly year-over-year (as reported by Realtor.com).
Rental Market
For those considering renting, Verdigris offers a range of options, though availability can be limited. The average rent for a three-bedroom house is typically between $1,600 and $1,700 per month, with four-bedroom or larger properties averaging around $2,000 to $2,200 per month (as reported by Rentometer). These rental prices are generally considered more affordable than those found in larger metropolitan areas like Tulsa.
The rental market is anchored by single-family homes, aligning with the area’s preference for spacious living. While specific rental vacancy rates are not readily available, the limited number of rental listings suggests a tighter rental market compared to the sales market (as noted by Realtor.com). This limited availability can contribute to steady rental demand.
Job Market and Economy
Verdigris’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and a growing employment sector. The most common employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services (as per Data USA). These sectors provide a stable employment base for the community.
The town is home to significant employers, most notably the CF Industries’ Verdigris Nitrogen Facility, which is a major producer of urea ammonium nitrate and employs approximately 200 people. Other notable employers include various retail establishments like Dollar General and Casey’s, as well as service industry businesses (as indicated by Indeed.com). The town’s proximity to Tulsa also provides access to a broader job market and diverse employment opportunities.
Income and Unemployment
The economic well-being of Verdigris is reflected in its income and unemployment statistics. The median household income in Verdigris is approximately $84,259 (as reported by World Population Review and Data USA), which is higher than the state average. The average per capita income stands at $54,389 (as reported by World Population Review).
The unemployment rate in Verdigris is reported at 3.7% (as per Verdigris, Oklahoma Population History), which is relatively low and indicates a healthy labor market. This rate is calculated among residents aged 16 and older who are in the labor force. The overall economic stability is further supported by a median age of around 34.9 years (as per World Population Review).
Climate in Verdigris
Verdigris experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature hovers around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 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).
Summers in Verdigris are hot and can be uncomfortably humid, particularly from June through August. The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 92°F and lows around 69°F (as per myPerfectWeather). Winters are shorter but can be very cold, snowy, and windy, with January seeing average highs around 48°F and lows around 26°F (as per myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
The town receives an average annual precipitation of about 44 inches, which includes both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is generally the wettest month, with an average of 12.9 days experiencing precipitation (as per myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages around 6 inches annually.
The weather can be partly cloudy year-round, with a higher chance of wet days occurring from spring through early fall. The period from late March to mid-September sees a greater than 29% chance of a given day being wet (as per myPerfectWeather). The tourism score, which favors clear, rainless days with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, suggests that early May to early July and mid-August to early October are the most pleasant times for outdoor activities.
Education in Verdigris
Verdigris Public Schools is a highly-rated public school district serving the community. The district is recognized for its quality education, with Verdigris High School ranking within the top 20% of all public schools in Oklahoma (as indicated by Niche). This high ranking is based on overall test scores, including strong performance in reading and language arts proficiency.
The district has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 14 to 1, which is lower than the state average (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Academic performance shows that about 39% of students are proficient in math and 40% in reading, according to state test scores (as per Niche). Verdigris Elementary School also receives high marks, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com).
Demographics of Verdigris
Verdigris is a growing community with a population of approximately 5,637 people as of the most recent data (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The town is the 69th most populated city in Oklahoma out of 834 cities. The median age in Verdigris is around 34.9 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (as per World Population Review).
The racial and ethnic makeup of Verdigris is diverse. The largest demographic group is White, making up approximately 74.3% of the population, followed by American Indian at 11%, and individuals of Two or More races at 7.9% (as reported by Verdigris Demographics). Hispanic residents constitute about 8.4% of the population (as per Verdigris Demographics).
Housing Diversity and Ownership
The housing landscape in Verdigris is predominantly characterized by single-family homes, reflecting a preference for spacious living arrangements. A significant portion of residents, around 63.5%, live in married-couple households, with a notable percentage also including children under 18 (as per Wikipedia).
Homeownership is a common choice in Verdigris, with approximately 64.45% of households being owner-occupied (as per Town of Verdigris, OK Community Statistics). The remaining households rent, with rental prices often being more affordable than in larger nearby cities. The median home value in Verdigris is reported to be around $176,766 (as per BestNeighborhood.org), though other sources cite higher figures for median listing prices.