Is Henryetta Safe, Pros and cons of living in Henryetta
Henryetta, Oklahoma, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with its own unique blend of history, community, and economic activity. Nestled in Okmulgee County, this city provides a distinct living experience, shaped by its past and evolving present. As you consider a move or simply explore what Henryetta has to offer, understanding its various facets is key.
The city’s identity is closely tied to its historical roots in coal mining and industry, elements that have shaped its landscape and the character of its residents. Today, Henryetta continues to be a place where community ties are strong, and local businesses play a vital role in its economy. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of living in Henryetta, covering essential aspects from safety and cost of living to employment and education.
Is it Safe to Live in Henryetta?
Henryetta’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some data indicating it is lower than the national average while other analyses suggest it is higher than many comparable communities. The overall crime rate is reported to be 29% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). However, another assessment notes that Henryetta has a crime rate higher than 63% of Oklahoma’s cities and towns of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).
When examining specific crime types, violent crime rates in Henryetta are reported to be higher than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at 1 in 244 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates, however, are significantly lower than the national average, by 37.1% (according to AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with crime risk varying by neighborhood (according to Safest and Most Dangerous Places).
Crime Statistics Overview
The total crime rate in Henryetta is approximately 33.22 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to Safest and Most Dangerous Places). This figure is higher than the national average when compared to similar-sized communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). The cost of crime per resident in Henryetta is estimated at $615 per year, which is higher than both the national and Oklahoma state averages (according to Safest and Most Dangerous Places).
Violent crimes, including robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder, occur at a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are more prevalent in the central neighborhoods, while the east part of the city experiences fewer incidents annually (according to Safest and Most Dangerous Places). The crime safety grade for Henryetta is a C+ as of 2026, with the overall crime rate being 9% below the national average (according to DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Henryetta
Henryetta offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living in Henryetta is approximately 25% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This affordability extends across various expense categories, contributing to a more accessible lifestyle for its residents.
Housing expenses are a major contributor to this lower cost, being 63% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Utility prices are also slightly lower, by 1%, while transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are 12% less than the national average (according to Payscale). These savings can significantly impact household budgets, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
Housing and Daily Expenses
The median property value in Henryetta was approximately $88,600 in 2024 (according to Data USA). This is considerably lower than the national median home value of $332,700 (according to Niche). The homeownership rate in Henryetta is around 62.2% (according to Data USA), with a median home price of about $81K (according to Movemap).
For renters, the median gross rent is $695 per month (according to Point2Homes), and the median monthly rent is $536 (according to Livability.com). Grocery prices in Henryetta are about 5% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs are also slightly lower, by 2% compared to the national average (according to Payscale).
Job Market and Major Employers
Henryetta’s economy has historically been driven by industries such as coal, natural gas, and manufacturing. While some of these traditional sectors have evolved, the city continues to support a diverse range of employers. Major employers in the area include Shawcor, an international oilfield-services company, Henryetta Pallet, a wood pallet manufacturer, and G&H Decoy, a waterfowl decoy manufacturer (according to Wikipedia).
The job market in Henryetta has seen some decline, with employment decreasing by 10.7% between 2023 and 2024 (according to Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services (according to Data USA). The primary job groups held by residents include Sales & Related Occupations, Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations, and Management Occupations (according to Data USA).
Employment Trends and Opportunities
The average salary in Henryetta is approximately $47,116 per year or $22.65 per hour, as of May 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income was reported as $45,259 in 2024 (according to Data USA). This median income is about two-thirds of the amount for the state of Oklahoma (according to Census Reporter).
The unemployment rate in Henryetta stands at 10.8% (according to Point2Homes), which is higher than the national average. Some popular jobs in Henryetta, such as CNA, Teacher Aide, and Police Officer, pay more than the city’s average salary (according to ZipRecruiter). These roles, along with those in retail and healthcare, represent key areas of employment within the community.
Climate and Weather
Henryetta experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 27°F to a high of 94°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from June to August.
Annual precipitation averages around 46 inches, with the month of May being the wettest, receiving an average of 6 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). The driest month is January, with approximately 1.8 inches of precipitation (according to Henryetta Climate). Snowfall is minimal, averaging about 3 inches annually (according to Livability.com).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Henryetta brings hot temperatures, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 93°F and a low of 69°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winter temperatures drop significantly, with January reaching an average high of 50°F and a low of 28°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The coldest periods are expected in mid-December, early and late January, and early February, with precipitation and snowfall likely below normal (according to Almanac.com).
The city has a wet climate, with May being the wettest month, experiencing about 155 mm of precipitation over 13 rainy days (according to Henryetta Climate). The period from late April to late June and mid-August to mid-October is considered the most pleasant for outdoor activities, with temperatures generally between 65°F and 80°F (according to Henryetta Climate).
Education in Henryetta
Henryetta is served by Henryetta Public Schools, which operates several educational facilities for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a total of 1,063 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to Niche). However, the district generally underperforms compared to the state average in terms of test scores and proficiency rates.
State test scores indicate that only 10% of students are proficient in math and 18% in reading (according to Niche). Henryetta High School is the highest-ranked school in the district, earning 3 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger and ranking 184th out of 463 Oklahoma high schools (according to SchoolDigger). Henryetta Elementary School has a C+ rating (according to Niche).
School Performance and Demographics
Proficiency rates in Henryetta schools range from 3% to 54% across different subjects and grade levels (according to SchoolDigger). Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue, with all schools reporting a rate of 19%, which likely contributes to the low test scores (according to SchoolDigger). The minority enrollment in Henryetta public schools is 52% of the student body, with American Indian students being the majority (according to Niche).
Wilson High School, Henryetta Elementary School, and Henryetta High School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (according to Niche). Despite overall underperformance, Henryetta High School shows a 39% proficiency in 11th-grade English Language Arts, which is slightly above the state average (according to SchoolDigger). The student-teacher ratio at Henryetta Elementary School is 17 to 1 (according to Niche).
Demographics and Community
Henryetta, Oklahoma, is home to a population of approximately 5,608 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 5,598 in 2026 (according to Data USA). The racial makeup of Henryetta is predominantly White, accounting for about 65.5% of the population, followed by American Indian at 17.4%, and Two or More Races at 9.7% (according to Data USA).
The median age in Henryetta is 39.7 years (according to Data USA). The city’s population is spread out, with 25.2% of residents under 18 and 20.3% aged 65 or older (according to Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there are approximately 90.3 males (according to Wikipedia).
Population Trends and Diversity
The population of Henryetta has remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease in recent years. The 2020 census recorded a population of 5,640 (according to Wikipedia). The city’s population is 99.9% citizens, with a very small percentage of residents born outside the country (according to Data USA).
While the majority of residents are White, there is a significant American Indian population, reflecting the historical and cultural landscape of Oklahoma. The community tends to be conservative, with most residents owning their homes (according to Niche). The median household income in Henryetta was $45,259 in 2024 (according to Data USA), with a poverty rate of 30.32% (according to Henryetta Population 2026).