Is El Reno Safe, Pros and cons of living in El Reno
Is it Safe to Live in El Reno?
El Reno presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are higher than the national average in some aspects. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in El Reno is approximately 1 in 64 (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data). This suggests that El Reno is not among the safest communities in the nation.
When compared to other cities of similar size, El Reno’s crime rate is near the average. However, relative to Oklahoma as a whole, El Reno’s crime rate is higher than that of 65% of the state’s cities and towns. Property crime in El Reno occurs at a rate of 14 per one thousand residents, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of such crimes when compared to all communities in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime in El Reno
Violent crime in El Reno occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes across America. The chance that an individual will become a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is about 1 in 489 (according to NeighborhoodScout). This equates to a rate of approximately 2 violent crimes per one thousand inhabitants.
Property Crime in El Reno
Property crime in El Reno is also a concern, with a rate of 14 per one thousand residents. This means that El Reno has an above-average chance of experiencing property crime when compared to all other communities in America, regardless of size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of any property crime in El Reno is approximately 1 in 74.
The El Reno Lifestyle: Climate and Demographics
El Reno experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The summers are typically hot, muggy, and mostly clear, with temperatures often exceeding 85°F from June to September (according to data from NOAA and myPerfectWeather). July is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 94°F and lows near 71°F.
Winters in El Reno are cold, snowy, windy, and partly cloudy. The cold season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 57°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 29°F and highs near 49°F (as reported by NOAA and myPerfectWeather). The city receives about 35 inches of annual precipitation, with around 4 inches of snowfall (according to myPerfectWeather).
Demographics of El Reno
The population of El Reno is approximately 18,557 residents, showing an increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White, at about 59.5%, followed by Hispanic at 22.2%, and Native American/Other at 7.5% (according to Census Dots). Other racial groups include Black at 6.6%, Multiracial at 3.7%, and Asian at 0.5%.
The median age in El Reno is approximately 34.8 years, with a slightly higher male population (112.8 males per 100 females) (as reported by Population 2026). The population is distributed across various age groups, with about 19.7% being children under 15 and 13.6% being 65 or older (according to Livability.com and Population 2026).
Cost of Living in El Reno
The cost of living in El Reno is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Overall living expenses are about 5% lower than the U.S. national average and considerably lower than Oklahoma’s state average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing costs are a major contributor to this affordability, being approximately 19.0% lower than the national average (according to Salary.com). For a single person, housing costs average around $972 per month, while a family of four can expect to pay about $1782 per month. Other essential expenses such as food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are also below the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
El Reno’s housing market offers relatively affordable prices compared to many other areas. The median home value in El Reno is around $179,646 (as of March 2026, according to Zillow). This is considerably less than the U.S. median home value of $393,134 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).
The median sale price of a home in El Reno was approximately $235,000 in March 2026, showing a notable increase of 27.0% since the previous year (according to Redfin). The median rent for an apartment in El Reno is around $737 per month, which is 55% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy in El Reno
El Reno serves as an agricultural processing and shipping center, with a diversified industrial base that includes railroad shops and manufacturing of trailers and metal products (according to Britannica). The city is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area, benefiting from the broader economic activities of the region.
The average annual salary in El Reno is approximately $46,574, translating to about $22.39 per hour (as of May 2026, according to ZipRecruiter). Salaries can range from $34,500 to $56,842 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level. Popular and higher-paying jobs in the area include Nurse Practitioner, Surgical Tech, and Construction roles (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers in El Reno
Key employers in El Reno contribute significantly to the local economy and job market. Among the largest companies are TVC Marketing, Canadian Valley Technology Center, and Redlands Community College (as identified by Zippia). The City of El Reno itself is also a major employer, along with businesses like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General that provide numerous job opportunities (according to Indeed.com).
The unemployment rate in Oklahoma has remained steady, holding at a seasonally adjusted 3.9 percent in March 2026 (as reported by Oklahoma.gov). This indicates a relatively stable labor market within the state.
Education and Schools in El Reno
El Reno Public Schools serves the educational needs of the community, with El Reno High School being a central institution. El Reno High School has an overall Niche grade of B+, with a rating of 3.63 out of 5 (according to Niche). The school serves approximately 1,049 students in grades 9-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1.
State test scores indicate that 12% of students are proficient in math and 29% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). El Reno High School is recognized for being among the most diverse public high schools in Oklahoma, ranking 16th out of 462 such schools (according to Niche). The school also ranks highly for college preparation within the state.
School District Performance
El Reno Public Schools, as a district, holds a B rating on Niche, with an overall score of 3.71 out of 5 (according to Niche). The district is noted for its diversity, ranking 27th out of 421 school districts in Oklahoma for diversity. It also ranks well for college preparation and has a strong showing in the Oklahoma City Area for diversity.
While El Reno Public Schools have received positive feedback for aspects like teacher-student connections in smaller schools, some reviews mention areas for improvement in communication and administrative responsiveness (as reported by Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in El Reno
Living in El Reno offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages that prospective residents should consider. The most significant pro is the affordability, with a cost of living that is substantially lower than the national average, particularly in housing expenses (as reported by Salary.com and PayScale). This makes it an accessible option for those seeking to reduce their financial burden.
The climate, while having hot summers, offers a generally pleasant environment for much of the year, with good travel scores for outdoor activities from May to October (according to NOAA and myPerfectWeather). The city’s location west of Oklahoma City also provides convenient access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger metropolitan area.
However, El Reno’s crime rates are higher than the national average, especially concerning violent crime, which is a significant con for those prioritizing safety (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While property crime is also above average, it is not as pronounced as violent crime. The school system, while diverse, has areas that may need improvement in terms of academic proficiency and student support services, as indicated by some reviews (as reported by Niche).
The job market, while present, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities or the highest salary ranges compared to larger metropolitan areas, with the average salary being lower than the national average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).