Is Anadarko Safe, Pros and cons of living in Anadarko

The city of Anadarko, Oklahoma, presents a complex picture for potential residents, with a notable contrast between its affordable cost of living and significant crime rates. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Caddo County community.

Is it Safe to Live in Anadarko?

Anadarko experiences crime rates that are considerably higher than the national average. Overall crime rates in Anadarko are 47% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes are particularly prevalent, with a rate that is 43% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents have a 1 in 33 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Anadarko (as reported by AreaVibes).

The city’s crime rate is higher than that of most communities in Oklahoma, with over 91% of communities in the state having lower crime rates (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes are also a concern, being 69% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This trend is consistent across various analyses, with some sources indicating an overall crime rate of 31 per one thousand residents, which is considered high compared to communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living and Housing

Despite the safety concerns, Anadarko offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average. The overall cost of living in Anadarko is 16% less expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing in Anadarko is notably more affordable than the national average. The median home value in Anadarko is approximately $67,936 (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow). This is substantially lower than the national median home value, making homeownership more accessible. The median listing price for homes is around $127.5K (as reported by realtor.com®), and the median rent is approximately $775 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Anadarko is supported by a workforce of approximately 2,144 residents. The primary employment sectors for Anadarko residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of the working population, about 82.7%, is employed in professional or administrative positions (as reported by Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Anadarko stands at 6.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). The average salary for jobs in Anadarko, Oklahoma, is around $59,534 per year, or $29 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Major employers in the area include local government, the school district, and healthcare systems (as reported by Elkfort Consulting).

Demographics and Community

Anadarko has a population of approximately 5,572 residents (as reported by Data USA). The demographic makeup of the city is diverse, with a significant Native American population. American Indian or Alaska Native individuals constitute about 31.6% of the population, followed by White residents at 27.2%, and Hispanic residents at 20.4% (as reported by Anadarko Demographics). The median age in Anadarko is 33.8 years (as reported by Data USA).

A notable aspect of Anadarko’s demographics is the higher poverty rate. Approximately 24.5% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). This socioeconomic factor is a significant consideration for the community.

Climate

Anadarko experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in Anadarko is around 72°F, with an average low of 46°F (as reported by Livability.com). The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 33 inches (as reported by Livability.com).

Summers can be quite warm, with average high temperatures reaching up to 95°F in July and August (as reported by World Climate). Winters are colder, with average lows dropping to around 26°F in January (as reported by World Climate). The area also experiences some snowfall, with an average of 2 inches annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Education

Anadarko Public Schools serves the city’s student population, with an overall Niche grade of C+ (as reported by Niche). The district includes elementary, middle, and high schools. Anadarko High School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Test scores within the Anadarko school district are generally lower than state averages, though the district maintains a relatively high four-year graduation rate of 82.2% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Chronic absenteeism is a noted concern across the district, with rates significantly above the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).