Is Broken Arrow Safe, Pros and cons of living in Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The city is known for its well-planned neighborhoods, abundant green spaces, and a strong sense of community. It provides a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and retirees alike, with a focus on quality of life and resident well-being.

This dynamic city, situated in the Tulsa metropolitan area, has experienced significant growth and development, transforming into a thriving hub with diverse economic opportunities and a rich cultural landscape. Broken Arrow’s commitment to progress is evident in its continuous investment in infrastructure, education, and community services, ensuring a high standard of living for its inhabitants. The city’s strategic location further enhances its appeal, offering convenient access to major transportation routes and a gateway to regional attractions.

Is it Safe to Live in Broken Arrow?

Broken Arrow presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates varying across its neighborhoods. Overall, the city’s crime rate is lower than the national average, with violent crime rates also reported as lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, some analyses indicate that Broken Arrow has a crime rate higher than many other cities in Oklahoma (according to NeighborhoodScout).

When considering specific neighborhoods, crime rates can differ significantly. Residents generally perceive the eastern parts of the city as the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in these areas compared to the northwest neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a factor, with a higher chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Broken Arrow is reported at 3.381 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered slightly higher than the average US city (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of experiencing a violent crime varies by neighborhood, with a lower risk in the eastern parts of the city and a higher risk in the northwest areas (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Broken Arrow’s violent crime rate is 37.9% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Despite this, the city ranks in the 40th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 40% of cities but less safe than 60% (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of violent crime per resident in Broken Arrow is approximately $217 annually (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Broken Arrow is reported at a rate of 12 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). This indicates an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes include motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary.

The total crime rate in Broken Arrow is 33% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to a daily average of 3.98 property crimes. The risk of being a victim of property crime in Broken Arrow is 1 in 84 (according to AreaVibes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow offers a desirable living environment with numerous advantages, including a lower cost of living compared to the national average and a strong housing market. However, potential residents should also be aware of certain drawbacks, such as the variation in crime rates across different neighborhoods.

The city’s economic landscape is robust, with a diverse range of employment opportunities and a growing business sector. This economic vitality, combined with a commitment to community development, contributes to Broken Arrow’s overall appeal as a place to call home.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is notably lower than the national average, estimated to be 11.0% lower (according to Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively.

Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this lower cost of living, being approximately 21.9% less expensive than the national average (according to Apartments.com). Groceries are also more affordable, costing about 3.6% less than the national average, while utilities are marginally cheaper by 1.4% (according to Apartments.com). Transportation costs are also reduced, being 9.5% less than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Housing Market

Broken Arrow boasts a housing market characterized by a high homeownership rate, approximately 73.8% (according to the City of Broken Arrow Economic Development). The median home value in the city is around $175,129 (according to the City of Broken Arrow Economic Development), which is considerably lower than many other areas in the United States.

The average market rent in Broken Arrow is approximately $1,464 per month (according to the City of Broken Arrow Economic Development). For those seeking rental properties, the market offers a range of options, with a typical vacancy rate of around 5% (according to the City of Broken Arrow Economic Development).

Job Market and Major Employers

Broken Arrow’s job market is diverse and growing, with key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. The city is home to a variety of major employers, contributing to a stable employment landscape for its residents.

Prominent employers in Broken Arrow include Broken Arrow Public Schools, the City of Broken Arrow, Walmart, FlightSafety International, and Zeeco (according to Broken Arrow Economic Development). These organizations provide a substantial number of jobs across various sectors, supporting the local economy and offering career opportunities for the workforce.

Climate

Broken Arrow experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures typically range from an average low of 27°F in January to an average high of 94°F in July (according to myPerfectWeather).

The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 43 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with May being the wettest month, averaging around 6 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages approximately 6 inches annually (according to myPerfectWeather).

Schools

Broken Arrow Public Schools is a highly-rated public school district serving a large student population. The district is recognized for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering student success.

Broken Arrow Public Schools has an overall Niche grade of A- (according to Niche). The district has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with 20,054 students in grades PK-12 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 32% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading (according to Niche).

Demographics

Broken Arrow is a city with a diverse population, with a reported population of 118,180 residents as of the most recent Census data (according to Point2Homes). The median age in Broken Arrow is 37 years (according to Point2Homes).

The racial makeup of Broken Arrow is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 67.1% of the population, followed by African American at 5.6%, and Asian at 4.7% (according to Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 12% of the population (according to Data USA).

Economy and Employment

Broken Arrow’s economy is characterized by its strong manufacturing sector, a growing healthcare industry, and a diverse range of business and professional services. The city actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering a dynamic business environment.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Broken Arrow’s economy, with collective wages in this sector reaching $375 million, which is 85% above the U.S. average (according to Broken Arrow Economic Development). The average annual salary for a manufacturing employee is $62,000 (according to Broken Arrow Economic Development).

Major Employers and Industries

The city boasts a robust industrial base with over 300 manufacturing companies. Key sectors include aerospace and aviation, with companies like FlightSafety International employing 640 people at its Broken Arrow campus, including engineers and technical staff (according to Broken Arrow Economic Development).

The healthcare and social assistance sector is also a significant contributor to employment, with Ascension St. John Broken Arrow and Oxford Healthcare employing approximately 700 people combined (according to Broken Arrow Economic Development). This sector is anticipated to experience continued growth.

Average Salary and Unemployment Rate

The average annual salary in Broken Arrow is reported to be around $43,288 as of a recent report (according to ZipRecruiter). However, another source indicates the average salary for jobs in Broken Arrow is $63,112 per year (according to ERI SalaryExpert).

The unemployment rate in Broken Arrow was 3.9% in 2026 (according to Data USA). This rate is higher than the long-term average for the city (according to YCharts).

Quality of Life and Community

Broken Arrow is recognized for its high quality of life, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a range of recreational opportunities. The city’s infrastructure and community services are designed to enhance the daily lives of its residents.

The city provides a balanced lifestyle, with access to amenities that cater to diverse interests, from cultural attractions to outdoor activities. This focus on well-being contributes to Broken Arrow’s reputation as a desirable place to live.

Demographics and Lifestyle

With a median age of 37.1 years (according to Data USA), Broken Arrow has a population that spans various age groups, contributing to a dynamic community fabric. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with slightly more females than males (according to Point2Homes).

The city’s lifestyle is often described as suburban, offering a quieter pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas, yet with convenient access to urban amenities. A significant portion of the population, approximately 72%, lives in family households (according to Point2Homes).

Education and Schools

Broken Arrow Public Schools is a highly-rated district, with an overall Niche grade of A- (according to Niche). The district serves a large number of students and is known for its academic programs and extracurricular activities.

State test scores show that 32% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading (according to Niche). The district also ranks well among other school districts in Oklahoma, being recognized for its athletes and diversity (according to Niche).

Recreation and Community

Broken Arrow offers residents numerous opportunities for recreation and community engagement. The city is home to various parks, trails, and recreational facilities that promote an active lifestyle.

The Rose District is a vibrant area known for its shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, serving as a central gathering place for the community. The city also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.