Is Catoosa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Catoosa

Catoosa, Oklahoma, offers a blend of suburban comfort and small-town charm, making it an appealing place for many seeking a change of scenery. Situated in Rogers County, this city provides a community feel while maintaining proximity to the larger metropolitan amenities of Tulsa. Potential residents often weigh various factors, including safety, cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life, when considering a move.

Understanding these aspects is crucial for anyone contemplating a relocation to Catoosa. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what life is like in this Oklahoma city, covering key areas that impact daily living and overall satisfaction. From the local job market to the educational landscape, we delve into the details that define Catoosa as a place to call home.

Is it Safe to Live in Catoosa?

When considering a move to Catoosa, understanding the local crime rates is a significant factor. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 17% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This includes a total of 0.36 daily crimes, with 0.04 being violent incidents and 0.32 being property-related offenses.

However, other reports indicate a different perspective. NeighborhoodScout states that Catoosa’s crime rate is higher than 70% of Oklahoma’s cities and towns, and when compared to similar-sized communities, its combined violent and property crime rate is significantly above average (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Catoosa is 1 in 469, and property crime is 1 in 65 (according to NeighborhoodScout). CrimeGrade.org assigns Catoosa a D+ for safety, indicating a crime rate higher than the average U.S. city, with a violent crime rate of 4.265 per 1,000 residents (according to CrimeGrade.org).

What is the Cost of Living in Catoosa?

Catoosa, Oklahoma, presents a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Catoosa is 18% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.

Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this lower cost, being 45% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Utility prices are also slightly lower, by 1%, while transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are 12% less than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices in Catoosa are also favorable, sitting 5% below the national average (according to Payscale).

Housing Market and Rental Costs

The housing market in Catoosa offers a notable advantage for potential homeowners. The median home value in Catoosa was $217,298 (according to Livability.com), and another source indicates a median home value of $178,800 (according to Data USA). The median listing price for homes for sale is $331.3K (according to realtor.com®).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Catoosa is approximately $971 per month as of May 2026 (according to Apartments.com). This figure is 41% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month, making renting in Catoosa more affordable than in many other U.S. cities (according to Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $971 per month, while a two-bedroom is approximately $1,198 per month (according to Apartments.com).

What is the Job Market Like in Catoosa?

Catoosa’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, providing various employment opportunities for its residents. The economy employs approximately 3.87k people, with the largest sectors being Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). The most common job groups for residents include Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Production Occupations (according to Data USA).

The average salary in Catoosa, OK, is reported to be around $40.3K per year, with the 25th percentile earning $32.1K and the 75th percentile earning $54.2K (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources suggest a median household income of $71,562 (according to Livability.com) or $72,467 (according to Zippia and Census Reporter). The unemployment rate in Catoosa stands at 5.9% (according to Point2Homes), while the unemployment rate for Oklahoma was 3.9% in February 2026 (according to USAFacts).

Major Employers

Several key employers contribute to Catoosa’s economic landscape. Companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Taco Bell are among the prominent businesses in the area (according to Indeed.com). Cherokee Nation Businesses is also a significant entity headquartered in Catoosa, overseeing various subsidiary companies (according to Lensa).

Other notable companies include BNSF Railway, Koch Industries, U-Haul, and O’Reilly Auto Parts (according to Lensa). The Tulsa Port of Catoosa, which opened in 1971, has also been a significant economic driver, connecting to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, and its industrial park has provided jobs for thousands (according to Wikipedia).

What is the Climate Like in Catoosa?

Catoosa, Oklahoma, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 26°F to 94°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average annual precipitation of 43 inches (according to myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Catoosa are hot and can be humid, particularly from June to August. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 72°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold and can bring snowfall, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs of 49°F and lows of 27°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

The climate in Catoosa features a hot season from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 84°F (according to Weather Spark). The cold season lasts about three months, from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 57°F (according to Weather Spark). Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, with comfortable weather often occurring from April to May and mid-September to October.

Annual precipitation averages around 42 inches (according to Livability.com), with May typically being the wettest month (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 13 inches annually (according to Livability.com).

What are the Demographics of Catoosa?

Catoosa is home to a population of approximately 7,496 residents as of the most recent data (according to Point2Homes). The population has seen slight growth, with a projected population of 7,541 in 2026 (according to Census Reporter). The median age in Catoosa is around 37.6 years (according to Census Reporter).

The racial makeup of Catoosa includes a significant portion of White residents, at approximately 57.7% (according to Point2Homes). Native American residents constitute about 14.75% of the population (according to Census Reporter), and there are also residents identifying with two or more races, making up about 20.4% (according to Census Reporter).

Population Breakdown and Diversity

In Catoosa, 92.1% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, with an additional 3.7% being naturalized citizens (according to Point2Homes). The population is fairly evenly split between genders, with slightly more males than females (according to Point2Homes).

The age distribution shows about 18.4% of residents are under 15, with another 13.1% in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.9% of the population, while 24.7% are between 45 and 64, and about 14% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). This demographic spread suggests a community with a mix of families and working-age adults.

What are the Schools Like in Catoosa?

Catoosa Public Schools serves the educational needs of the city’s younger residents. The district has an overall Niche grade of B- and a rating of 3.43 out of 5 (according to Niche). Within the district, 24% of students are proficient in math and 37% in reading, based on state test scores (according to Niche).

Catoosa High School is part of the Catoosa Public Schools district and serves students in grades 9-12. It has a 2-star rating and ranked 314 out of 463 Oklahoma high schools in 2024-2025 (according to SchoolDigger.com). Wells Middle School, serving grades 6-8, ranked 284 out of 369 Oklahoma middle schools with a 1-star rating (according to SchoolDigger.com).

School District Performance and Ratings

Catoosa Public Schools is noted for being among the most diverse school districts in Oklahoma, ranking 15th out of 421 (according to Niche). It also ranks well for being a district with the best teachers, coming in at 269th out of 417 (according to Niche).

However, overall performance metrics suggest areas for improvement. Both Catoosa High School and Wells Middle School have seen their rankings decline, and proficiency rates in core subjects are below state averages (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district has 1,828 students enrolled across its 3 schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Pros and Cons of Living in Catoosa

Catoosa offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The cost of living is a significant draw, with housing expenses and overall expenses being substantially lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This affordability allows for a more comfortable lifestyle and potentially greater financial freedom.

The community atmosphere is often described as close-knit and friendly, contributing to a relaxed pace of life that many find appealing. Proximity to Tulsa also provides access to urban amenities, entertainment, and a broader job market without the congestion of a large city. The Tulsa Port of Catoosa has historically been an economic engine, supporting numerous jobs and businesses.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite its advantages, Catoosa faces challenges, particularly concerning crime rates. Some reports indicate that crime rates are higher than the state and national averages when compared to similar communities (according to NeighborhoodScout), and the city has a D+ safety grade from CrimeGrade.org.

While public schools are considered above average by some metrics (according to Niche), their performance rankings and proficiency scores suggest room for improvement (according to SchoolDigger.com). The job market, while present, may not offer the same breadth of high-paying opportunities as larger metropolitan areas, with a median wage reported around $40.3K per year (according to ZipRecruiter).