Is Holdenville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Holdenville
Holdenville, Oklahoma, offers a glimpse into a more rural American lifestyle, characterized by a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life. This city, located in Hughes County, presents a unique blend of historical roots and present-day living, appealing to those who seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers. Understanding the various facets of life in Holdenville is essential for anyone considering a move to this Oklahoman locale.
The city’s economy has historically been tied to agriculture, but has diversified over time to include other industries. Holdenville provides a look into a lifestyle that prioritizes community connections and a grounded existence, with its own set of advantages and considerations for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Holdenville?
Holdenville’s crime rate is a significant factor for potential residents to consider. The overall crime rate in Holdenville is reported to be 49.40 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade). This figure places Holdenville at a D- grade for safety, indicating that its crime rate is considerably higher than the average US city. Residents often consider the western part of the city to be the safest.
The chance of being a victim of crime in Holdenville varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 13 in central areas to 1 in 31 in the west. More recent data suggests that Holdenville’s crime rates are 15% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 25% lower than the national average. This translates to an overall risk of being a victim of crime at 1 in 56. However, other analyses indicate that Holdenville has a crime rate higher than 71% of Oklahoma’s cities and towns of all sizes. When compared to communities of similar population, Holdenville’s crime rate is notably higher than average.
Violent Crime
Violent crimes in Holdenville are reported to be 25% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes recorded, equating to 270 per 100,000 individuals, which is 24.7% lower than the national average. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime, such as assault, robbery, rape, or murder, is 1 in 370. Another source indicates a rate of 3 violent crimes per 1,000 inhabitants.
Property Crime
Property crimes in Holdenville are reported to be lower than the national average by 13.6%. The city recorded 90 property crimes, amounting to 1521 per 100,000 residents. This results in a 1 in 66 chance of being a victim of a property crime, such as vehicle theft, personal property theft, or burglary. NeighborhoodScout reports a rate of 15 property crimes per 1,000 population.
Cost of Living in Holdenville
The cost of living in Holdenville is notably low, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living index for Holdenville is 80, compared to the national average of 100 (AreaVibes). Household bills in Holdenville are 45% lower than the U.S. median (doxo).
The median home value in Holdenville is approximately $65,000, which is significantly lower than the national average (Kurby AI). Other reports place the median home price at $75,955, which is lower than the Oklahoma average of $161,319 (Point2Homes). Redfin reports the average Holdenville house price was $35K last month, up 1.2% since last year. Zillow indicates the average Holdenville, OK home value was $58,838, down 17.5% over the past year, as of March 31, 2026.
Housing Costs
Housing in Holdenville is exceptionally affordable. The median home value is around $65,000, offering a lower barrier to entry for prospective homeowners (Kurby AI). The median listing price for homes in Holdenville is approximately $184.9K. For renters, the median household income was $27,981 in 2022, with rent consuming about 28.5% of their earnings (Point2Homes). The average cost of rent in Holdenville is $498 per month. Zumper reports the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Holdenville, OK is $1,000 as of May 2026.
Utilities and Bills
Household bills in Holdenville are substantially lower than the national average. The median household in Holdenville pays $1,147 per month, or $13,765 per year on bills, which is $11,375 less than the U.S. median of $25,140 (doxo). These household bills account for 28% of the annual household income in Holdenville.
Job Market and Economy
Holdenville’s economy has historical ties to agriculture, including crops like cotton, peanuts, and pecans, as well as livestock (Wikipedia). However, the economy has diversified over the years with various enterprises contributing to employment. Major employers in the area include the Davis Correctional Facility, Tyson Foods, and the Holdenville State Fish Hatchery (Wikipedia). Other businesses like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General also provide employment opportunities (Indeed.com).
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Holdenville saw a decline of 4.34%, with the number of employees decreasing from 1.8k to 1.72k (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Public Administration, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA). Job groups with the highest number of residents include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Production Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (Data USA).
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Holdenville is approximately $44,336 as of late April 2026 (ZipRecruiter). This breaks down to about $21.32 per hour, or $852 weekly. The median household income in Holdenville was reported as $46,250 (Data USA), with another source indicating $46,250 as the median income, reflecting an 11.7% increase over the previous year (Point2Homes). A different source states the median household income is $38,232 (Kurby AI). The poverty rate in Holdenville stands at 24.22% (Data USA). Unemployment data specific to Holdenville is not readily available, but Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance claims are tracked (Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Holdenville experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 27°F to 95°F (myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation averages 42 inches, with approximately 3 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Holdenville are hot and muggy, with the hottest month being August, averaging a high of 94°F and a low of 69°F (myPerfectWeather). July sees an average high of 93°F and a low of 73°F (Climate Summary). Winters are short, cold, and windy, with the coldest temperatures occurring in January, averaging a high of 51°F and a low of 28°F (myPerfectWeather). January’s average low is 32°F and high is 51°F (Climate Summary).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Holdenville receives an average of 41.68 inches of rain per year (Climate, Weather Averages). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5.2 inches of rain (Climate, Weather Averages). The driest month is January, with an average of 1.5 inches of precipitation (Climate, Weather Averages). A wet day is defined as one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The period from April to September sees a greater than 28% chance of a wet day, with May having the most wet days on average (Climate Summary).
Education in Holdenville
Holdenville Public Schools serve the community, earning an overall grade of B and a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews (Niche). The district is ranked 164th out of 429 school districts in Oklahoma (Niche). Holdenville Public Schools have an average math proficiency score of 26%, compared to the Oklahoma average of 25%, and a reading proficiency score of 29%, compared to the statewide average of 27% (Niche).
The top-ranked public schools in Holdenville include Ethel Reed Elementary School, Moss High School, and Thomas Intermediate Elementary School (Niche). Holdenville High School has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1, with 5% of students proficient in math and 29% in reading according to state test scores (Niche). Minority enrollment in Holdenville public schools is 47% of the student body, with American Indian as the majority (Niche).
Demographics of Holdenville
Holdenville has a population of approximately 5,902 residents as of recent data (Census Reporter). The population is projected to be 6,048 in 2026, assuming an annual growth rate of 1.2% (Data USA). The median age in Holdenville is 36.1 years (Data USA), with a slightly higher male population ratio (161.5 males per 100 females) (Data USA).
The racial composition of Holdenville is diverse. White residents make up about 52.5% of the population, followed by American Indian at 16.7%, and Black or African American at 11.1% (Data Commons). Other significant ethnic groups include Hispanic or Latino at 8.03% (Data USA). The population density is 1,175.8 people per square mile (Census Reporter).
Income and Poverty
The median household income in Holdenville was $46,250 in 2024 (Data USA). However, the median income for renters was $27,981 in 2022 (Point2Homes). The poverty rate stands at 24.22% (Data USA), with 17.7% of Holdenville families living in poverty (Data Commons). The average per capita income is $33,984 (Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Holdenville
Living in Holdenville offers a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The town’s affordability is a major draw, particularly for housing, which is significantly below both state and national averages (Redfin, Zillow, AreaVibes). This low cost of living allows residents to stretch their budgets further and potentially achieve greater financial freedom (Kurby AI).
The community provides a rural atmosphere, which can be appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle and a closer connection to nature, with areas like Holdenville Lake offering recreational opportunities (Chamber of Commerce). The slower pace of life and strong community ties are often cited as benefits of small-town living. However, the crime rate is a notable concern, being higher than the national average in many reports (CrimeGrade, NeighborhoodScout). The job market may also present challenges, with recent data indicating a decline in employment and a reliance on specific sectors like Public Administration and Manufacturing (Data USA).
Major Employers
Holdenville’s employment landscape is shaped by several key employers. The Davis Correctional Facility is a significant employer in the region (Britannica). Tyson Foods, a major player in the food production industry, also contributes to the local job market (Wikipedia). Additionally, the Holdenville State Fish Hatchery provides employment opportunities (Wikipedia). Retail giants like Walmart and McDonald’s are also listed among companies operating in Holdenville (Indeed.com).
Recreation and Lifestyle
Outdoor enthusiasts can find opportunities for recreation at Holdenville Lake, which offers fishing, boating, and swimming (Chamber of Commerce). Stroup Park provides various amenities, including a playground, swimming pool, sports courts, and walking paths, making it a central hub for community activities (Wikipedia). The city also hosts an annual Fall Festival, which includes a parade, car show, and market fair (Wikipedia).
The lifestyle in Holdenville is generally considered conservative, with many residents owning their homes and appreciating the rural feel of the area (Niche). The community offers a variety of dining options, from Chinese and Mexican cuisine to country food and fast food establishments (Chamber of Commerce).