Is Enid Safe, Pros and cons of living in Enid
Enid, Oklahoma, situated in the northwestern part of the state, offers a blend of small-town charm with the amenities of a larger city. Known historically as a hub for agriculture, particularly wheat production, Enid has diversified its economy over the years. The city provides a relatively affordable cost of living and a stable job market, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing access to essential services and recreational opportunities.
The community is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of local pride. Enid’s location provides convenient access to larger metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City, while maintaining its distinct identity. This balance of accessibility and local character is a significant draw for residents and potential newcomers alike.
Is it Safe to Live in Enid?
Enid’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is notably higher than the national average, with specific concerns regarding property crime (NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Enid is approximately 1 in 186, and for property crime, it is about 1 in 42 (NeighborhoodScout).
When comparing Enid to other communities, its crime rate is higher than most cities in Oklahoma, and it is also above average when compared to communities of similar population sizes (NeighborhoodScout). While some neighborhoods, particularly in the northwest, are considered safer, crime rates can vary significantly across different areas of the city (CrimeGrade).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent offenses, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, occur in Enid at a rate that places it among communities with higher crime rates nationally (NeighborhoodScout). The likelihood of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 186 (NeighborhoodScout). This figure is higher than the state average for Oklahoma, indicating a need for awareness regarding personal safety within the city.
Property Crime Trends
Property crime, encompassing burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, is a more prevalent concern in Enid. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 42, with a rate of 24 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). These statistics highlight the importance of taking precautions to protect personal property within the city.
Cost of Living in Enid
Enid presents a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an appealing destination for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly more affordable compared to the rest of the United States.
The overall cost of living in Enid is approximately 10.7% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). Housing costs are about 24.8% less expensive than the national average, with utilities also being slightly cheaper (Apartments.com). This affordability extends to groceries and transportation, which are also priced below the national average.
Housing Costs
Housing is a major factor contributing to Enid’s affordability. The median home price in Enid is considerably lower than the national average, offering an accessible entry point for homeowners. Renters also benefit from lower-than-average costs, with a range of options available across the city.
The average monthly rent in Enid is around $747, which is significantly lower than the national average (Apartments.com). Similarly, the average listing price for a home is approximately $421,273, also below the national average (Apartments.com). For those considering purchasing a home, the median home value has been noted around $143,305 (Livability.com).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, daily expenses in Enid remain relatively affordable. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are all below the national average, contributing to a lower overall cost of living. However, healthcare services can be slightly more expensive than the national average.
Groceries are about 4% cheaper than the U.S. average (Apartments.com). Utilities are also approximately 1.6% less expensive (Apartments.com). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and public transit fares, are about 8% lower than the national average (Payscale). Healthcare costs, however, are about 2% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Enid’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with a strong presence in manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The city benefits from its strategic location and a workforce that can serve various sectors, including aerospace, value-added agriculture, and heavy manufacturing.
Major employers in Enid include Vance Air Force Base, Tyson Foods, and various manufacturing and agricultural companies (GrowEnid). The city’s workforce area encompasses a significant number of individuals, providing a substantial talent pool for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
Major Employers
Key employers in Enid contribute to its stable job market. Vance Air Force Base is a significant contributor to local employment, alongside major players in the food processing industry like Tyson Foods (GrowEnid). Additionally, companies in heavy manufacturing and assembly, such as PT – Parrish Enterprises, play a vital role in the economic landscape.
Other notable employers include Aircraft Structures International Corp., Wrenn Aviation, and North American Aerospace Holdings within the aerospace sector (GrowEnid). The value-added agriculture sector is represented by companies like ADM and Koch Fertilizer, further diversifying the employment opportunities available (GrowEnid).
Unemployment and Salaries
Enid’s unemployment rate has seen some fluctuations but generally remains within a manageable range. The average salary in Enid provides a reasonable income, especially when considered alongside the city’s lower cost of living.
The unemployment rate in Enid was reported at 4.10% in a recent period, which is higher than the long-term average for the area (YCharts). The average annual salary in Enid is approximately $53,201, translating to about $25.58 per hour (ZipRecruiter). This median income, combined with the lower cost of living, can offer a good quality of life for residents.
Climate and Weather
Enid experiences a climate characteristic of the Great Plains, with distinct seasons including hot summers, cold winters, and transitional periods with potential for severe weather. The city can experience significant temperature variations throughout the year.
Summers in Enid are hot, with July being the warmest month, often reaching temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) (Wikipedia). Winters are cold, and can include snowfall, with temperatures sometimes falling below 0°F (-17.8°C) (Wikipedia). The spring season is known for thunderstorms, which can occasionally produce tornadoes.
Temperature Ranges
Throughout the year, temperatures in Enid typically range from a low of around 24°F (-4.4°C) in January to a high of about 95°F (35°C) in July (myPerfectWeather). The average daily temperature can fluctuate significantly, with summer highs often in the mid-90s Fahrenheit and winter lows dropping into the 20s Fahrenheit.
The warmest month is July, with average highs around 95°F and average lows around 71°F. January is the coolest month, with average highs around 47°F and average lows around 24°F (myPerfectWeather). The city can experience extreme temperatures, with a record high of 118°F (47.8°C) and a record low of -20°F (-28.9°C) (Wikipedia).
Precipitation and Storms
Enid receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 33 inches (Livability.com), with the wettest month typically being June, receiving around 5 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). The city is also prone to thunderstorms, particularly in the spring, which can lead to heavy rainfall events.
One notable event was the “Enid flood” in October 1973, where rainfall totals reached between 15 and 20 inches within a 100-square-mile area, setting a record for one-day precipitation in Oklahoma (Wikipedia). While tornadoes are a possibility in the spring, the city also experiences less severe weather patterns throughout the year.
Education in Enid
Enid offers a range of educational opportunities, with public school districts serving the majority of K-12 students. The school system’s performance is generally in the top 50% of public schools in Oklahoma, with areas for both strength and improvement.
Enid Public Schools has a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, with 28% of students proficient in math and 36% proficient in reading according to state test scores (Niche). The district has an overall Niche grade of B- (Niche).
School Performance
Enid’s public schools have an average ranking of 7/10, placing them in the upper half of Oklahoma’s public school systems (Niche). While math proficiency is slightly above the state average, reading proficiency is also slightly higher than the state average (Niche). Schools like Chisholm Elementary, Hoover Elementary, and Chisholm Middle School are among the top-ranked within the district (Niche).
Enid High School has a B- rating and is recognized for being among the most diverse public high schools in Oklahoma (Niche). However, some reviews of the district administration suggest a focus on image over student support, which is a point of consideration for parents.
Demographics and Diversity
Enid’s population is predominantly White, with a significant Hispanic or Latino presence. The city’s diversity is somewhat lower than the state average for Oklahoma.
As of recent data, White (Non-Hispanic) residents make up the largest portion of the population, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents (Data USA). Minority enrollment in Enid’s public schools is 54% of the student body, which is slightly less than the Oklahoma public school average (Niche).
Demographics of Enid
Enid is home to a population of over 50,000 residents, with a median age that reflects a mix of younger and older individuals. The city’s demographic makeup shows a slight decline in population over recent years, though it remains a significant city within Oklahoma.
The population of Enid was approximately 50,653 in 2024 (Data USA). The median age in Enid is around 35.2 years (Data USA). For every 100 females, there are approximately 100.2 males, indicating a nearly balanced gender distribution (Data USA).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of Enid is largely White, with Hispanic or Latino individuals forming the second-largest ethnic group. Other racial and ethnic categories are represented in smaller percentages.
White residents constitute about 67.4% of Enid’s population, while Hispanic residents make up approximately 16.5% (Census Dots). Other racial groups, including those identifying as Two or More Races, Black, Asian, and Native American/Other, are present in smaller proportions (Census Dots).
Citizenship and Birthplace
The majority of Enid’s residents are U.S. citizens, with a small percentage being foreign-born. The rate of citizenship has been increasing in recent years.
Approximately 95.5% of Enid’s residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (Data USA). Around 4.71% of residents were born outside of the country, totaling nearly 3,000 individuals (Data USA).