Is Blackwell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Blackwell

Blackwell, Oklahoma, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with its own unique blend of opportunities and challenges. This community, situated in Kay County, presents a distinct atmosphere shaped by its history, economy, and local culture. Understanding the various facets of life in Blackwell is crucial for anyone considering a move or simply curious about this Oklahoma locale.

The city’s character is further defined by its demographics and economic landscape. Blackwell provides a look at a community that balances tradition with the evolving needs of its residents. This exploration will delve into the practical aspects of living in Blackwell, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and the environment.

Is it Safe to Live in Blackwell?

Blackwell’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is 22% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to an overall chance of being a victim of crime in Blackwell of 1 in 39 (as reported by AreaVibes).

Breaking down the crime statistics further, violent crime in Blackwell occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population size across America. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 223, with a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also presents a concern, with a rate of 22 per one thousand population, giving residents a 1 in 46 chance of becoming a victim of property crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs and Living Expenses

Home Prices and Value

The housing market in Blackwell presents a notable affordability compared to national averages. The median property value in Blackwell was $85,600 in a recent assessment (as reported by Data USA). This figure is substantially lower than the national median property value, which stands at $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).

The homeownership rate in Blackwell is 72.1%, indicating a strong tendency for residents to own their homes rather than rent (as reported by Data USA). Recent data shows the median listing price for homes in Blackwell is around $87,300 (as reported by Realtor.com). However, it is important to note that the median sale price has seen a year-over-year decrease of 53.2%, with homes selling for a median of $66,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Blackwell offers a median rent that is comparable to the national median. The median rent in Blackwell, OK is $1,470, which is just above the national median rent of $1,469 (as reported by HotPads). Rental properties in Blackwell can range from houses to apartments, with average rents for houses falling between $972 and $1,470 (as reported by Zillow).

The rental market in Blackwell shows a median rent of $972 across all property types and bedrooms (as reported by Zillow). This figure indicates a slight increase year-over-year of $372 (as reported by Zillow). Utilities, such as water, garbage, electricity, and natural gas, should also be factored into the total cost of renting.

Overall Cost of Living

Blackwell’s overall cost of living is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. Blackwell’s cost of living is 18% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). It is also 7% lower than the Oklahoma average (as reported by AreaVibes).

This affordability is driven by lower expenses across various categories. Housing costs in Blackwell are particularly low, being 51% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Other expenses, such as grocery prices, are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and transportation costs are 11% lower (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Blackwell’s economy has historically been based on agriculture and fossil fuels (as reported by Wikipedia). While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, these foundational industries continue to play a role in the local job market. The diversity of employment opportunities can be influenced by the presence of local businesses and industries that cater to the community’s needs.

The average salary in Blackwell, Oklahoma, is reported to be $39,000 per year, or an hourly rate of $18.75 (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $50.4K per year, with a 25th percentile wage of $36K and a 75th percentile wage of $62.7K (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The variation in reported salary figures may reflect different methodologies or specific job categories included in the data.

Unemployment and Wages

The unemployment rate in Blackwell is reported to be 2.6% (as reported by Niche). This figure is generally considered low, suggesting a stable job market for residents. The poverty rate in Blackwell is 14.6% of the population for whom poverty status is determined (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Blackwell was $53,435 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). This income level is supported by a minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour, which is equal to the Federal Minimum Wage (as reported by Zippia).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Seasons

Blackwell experiences distinct seasonal variations in temperature. The summers are hot, with average daily high temperatures rising above 85°F from June to September (as reported by Time and Date). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 94°F and lows of 71°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Winters in Blackwell are cold and can be snowy and windy. The cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 55°F (as reported by Time and Date). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 26°F and highs of 46°F (as reported by Time and Date). The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 95°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 12°F or exceeding 103°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Blackwell receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. The average annual precipitation is approximately 37 inches (as reported by Livability.com) or 36 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of about 4.3 to 5.4 inches (as reported by Time and Date, myPerfectWeather).

The wet season spans from April to September, with a greater than 24% chance of a wet day during this period (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the drier season occurs from late September to early April. January experiences the least amount of rain, with an average of about 0.5 inches (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and Schools

School District Overview

Blackwell Public Schools serves the educational needs of the city. The district includes Blackwell Elementary School, Blackwell Middle School, and Blackwell High School (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). These schools offer a range of educational experiences for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The student-teacher ratio across the Blackwell school district is 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). However, the district faces challenges such as high rates of chronic absenteeism, with rates ranging from 80.29% to 90.77% across the schools (as reported by OSDE). A significant portion of students also qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a substantial population of economically disadvantaged students, with rates from 74.64% to 83.98% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance and Ratings

Blackwell Elementary School is recognized as a strong performer within the district and the state. It is ranked 156 out of 614 Oklahoma elementary schools and holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The school demonstrates proficiency above the state average in English Language Arts and Mathematics, particularly in the 3rd and 4th grades (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Blackwell High School is ranked 129 out of 463 Oklahoma high schools and maintains a graduation rate of 82.2% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Blackwell Middle School is ranked 204 out of 369 middle schools in Oklahoma (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Overall, Blackwell Public Schools received a “C” grade, which is better than the state average (as reported by OSDE).

Demographics and Community

Population and Diversity

Blackwell is home to a population of approximately 6,042 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 5,806 for 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 73.3% of the population, followed by those identifying with Two or More Races at 11.4%, and Hispanic individuals at 11.1% (as reported by Point2Homes).

Citizenship within Blackwell is high, with 98.3% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The population is relatively diverse in terms of age, with the median age being 38.9 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The age distribution shows about 21.2% of the population are children under 15, and 21.6% are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Lifestyle and Community Feel

Living in Blackwell offers residents a predominantly rural feel, with most residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). The community tends to be conservative, with many families and retirees choosing to settle there (as reported by Niche). The average commute time for residents is around 22.7 minutes, and most people drive alone to work (as reported by Data USA).

Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household (as reported by Data USA). While the majority of households do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language, the community embraces a distinct local culture (as reported by Data USA).