Is Ardmore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ardmore

Is it Safe to Live in Ardmore?

Ardmore, Oklahoma, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates significantly above national averages in several categories. Violent crime rates in Ardmore are 17.0% higher than the national average, and property crime rates are 78.9% higher than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Specifically, Ardmore experiences higher rates of aggravated assault, rape, and motor vehicle theft compared to national figures (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Some analyses even rank Ardmore among the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S. (according to NeighborhoodScout).

However, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. While some analyses indicate the southwest part of Ardmore is considered the safest, central neighborhoods experience higher incident rates (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The overall crime rate in Ardmore is considerably higher than both state and national averages, with a chance of being a victim of crime being one in 24 (as reported by AreaVibes). Despite these statistics, Ardmore does have a police force, with about 2.6 officers per 1,000 residents, though this is lower than both the Oklahoma and national averages (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Ardmore, Oklahoma, offers more affordable options compared to many other areas, with a median home sale price of $177,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median sale price is 59% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin). Renters can find a median rent of $927, which is 43.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). The overall cost of living in Ardmore is also significantly lower than the national average, being 16% lower (as reported by Redfin) and 15% lower (as reported by RentCafe).

Conversely, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, presents a much higher cost of living and a significantly more expensive housing market. The median home value in Ardmore, PA, was $453,100 as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with a median listing price of $559.9K in March 2026 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The median rent in Ardmore, PA, is considerably higher, standing at $2,250 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zumper), which is 18% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). The overall cost of living in Ardmore, PA, is 24% higher than the national average (as reported by PayScale) and is considered one of America’s most expensive cities (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Ardmore, Oklahoma, has a diverse and stable workforce, with major employers including distribution centers for large companies like Best Buy, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General, as well as Michelin North America (as reported by Ardmore Development Authority). The Valero refinery is another significant employer, with about 250 local residents working there (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s economy has historically been tied to the oil and gas industry, and it continues to be an energy center for the region (as reported by Wikipedia). The unemployment rate in Ardmore, OK, was 6.30% in the latest reporting, which is higher than the national average of 4.3% in March 2026 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics and YCharts). The average salary in Ardmore, OK, is approximately $60,000 annually for a single adult to live comfortably (as reported by Apartments.com).

In contrast, Ardmore, Pennsylvania, offers a higher average salary, with an average annual salary of $72,866 as of April 2026 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Ardmore, PA, was $119,111 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for Pennsylvania was 4.3% as of March 2026 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). Major employers in the Ardmore, PA area include large retail chains and healthcare providers, reflecting a more suburban, service-oriented economy.

Climate and Environment

Ardmore, Oklahoma, experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures typically in the upper 90s Fahrenheit, while winters are generally mild with occasional cold snaps. The average annual precipitation is around 35-40 inches, with most rainfall occurring in the spring and early summer months (as reported by U.S. Climate Data). The National Weather Service provides daily weather updates and forecasts for the Ardmore, OK area.

Ardmore, Pennsylvania, has a humid subtropical climate as well, though generally milder than its Oklahoma counterpart. Summers are warm to hot, with average high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit, and winters are cold with average low temperatures in the 20s Fahrenheit. Ardmore, PA receives an average annual rainfall of about 40-45 inches, with precipitation spread more evenly throughout the year.

Demographics and Education

As of the 2020 census, Ardmore, Oklahoma, had a population of 24,725 (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with significant Black and Hispanic or Latino populations. The median age in Ardmore, OK, is around 38 years. For education, Ardmore High School in Ardmore, OK, has a C+ overall Niche grade, with 24% of students proficient in math and 41% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Ardmore, Pennsylvania, had a population of 13,566 in the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia) and is projected to reach 14,560 by 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant White population, followed by Black, Asian, and Multiracial residents, and it is considered more diverse than Pennsylvania overall (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Ardmore, PA, is around 38.4 years (as reported by World Population Review). Ardmore, PA, is served by several highly-rated schools, including Ardmore Elementary School, which has an “A minus” overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche). Ardmore High School in Ardmore, AL has a C+ overall Niche grade.