Is Marlow Safe, Pros and cons of living in Marlow

Marlow, Oklahoma, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a change of scenery. This city in Stephens County provides a generally tranquil environment, appealing to individuals and families looking for a community-oriented lifestyle. Understanding the various facets of life in Marlow, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and educational institutions, is essential for anyone contemplating a move.

The city’s commitment to providing essential services and maintaining a comfortable living standard is evident in its infrastructure and community services. Marlow’s location in Oklahoma also situates it within a state known for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to live in Marlow, covering key aspects that influence daily life and long-term prospects.

Is it Safe to Live in Marlow?

Marlow generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are notably lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Marlow is reported to be 38% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Marlow are 75% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), and property crimes are also significantly below the national average.

While Marlow is considered safer than many other cities in the United States, with a safety grade of B- (as reported by DoorProfit), it’s important to note that safety can vary by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Marlow ranges from 1 in 20 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 63 in the southwest part of the city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The southwest part of Marlow is generally considered the safest area by residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Marlow

Median Home Prices

The housing market in Marlow offers a significant degree of affordability compared to national averages. The median home value in Marlow is approximately $110,100 (as reported by Kurby AI). More recently, in April 2026, homes in Marlow sold for a median price of $274,000 (as reported by Movoto), indicating a fluctuating market trend. Other recent data from March 2026 shows a median sale price of $146,000 (as reported by Redfin), and Zillow reports the average home value at $123,295 as of March 2026, noting a 7.5% decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Marlow offers relatively low costs. The median rent in Marlow is around $765 per month (as reported by Kurby AI), with some sources indicating an average rent of $600 per month (as reported by Zillow). The rental market is quite tight, with very few active listings, suggesting potential competition for available properties (as reported by Home has 32 rentals available in Marlow, OK).

Cost of Living

Marlow stands out for its affordability, with a cost of living that is lower than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Marlow is 15% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). For a single person, the estimated monthly cost of living is $2,216, and for a family of four, it is $4,880 (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability is largely driven by lower housing costs, which are 38% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to Marlow’s lower cost of living. These expenses are generally below the national averages, making it an economically attractive option for residents. The cost of living in Marlow has seen a slight increase of 1% from 2025 to 2026 (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Employment

Average Salary and Wages

The average salary in Marlow, Oklahoma, is approximately $47,224 per year, or $22.70 per hour, as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Marlow was reported as $56,655 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $50,755 (as reported by Kurby AI).

The job market in Marlow is supported by various industries, with manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services being the most common employment sectors for residents (as reported by Data USA). Key job groups include office and administrative support, production occupations, and management occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Marlow has shown a positive trend, decreasing significantly over recent years. From 2017 to 2023, the unemployment rate in Marlow city dropped from 7.2% to 3.6% (as reported by CensusDepth). This represents a 50% decrease in the unemployment rate during that period.

The state of Oklahoma’s unemployment rate was 3.9% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), which is lower than the national average. This indicates a relatively healthy job market within the state and locally in Marlow.

Major Employers

Several entities serve as significant employers in and around Marlow, contributing to the local economy. The City of Marlow itself is a notable employer, with approximately 60 employees (as reported by the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation). Other major employers in the vicinity include LE Jones Operating, Inc., Miller Pro Audio, and CESI Chemical, Inc., each employing a similar number of individuals.

Larger national retailers like Walmart and Dollar General also have a presence and provide employment opportunities within the Marlow area. The oil and gas industry, along with manufacturing and retail, are key sectors that drive employment in the region.

Climate and Weather

Temperatures

Marlow experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 30°F to 95°F, with rare occurrences below 18°F or above 103°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 94°F and lows near 72°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs around 51°F and lows near 30°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The period from mid-June to early September is considered ideal for hot-weather activities, with daily high temperatures consistently above 86°F (as reported by WeatherSpark.com).

Rainfall and Snowfall

The average annual precipitation in Marlow is about 36 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather.com). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of 7.50 inches of rain and approximately 9 rainy days (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The wetter season generally spans from April to September.

Snowfall is a minor factor in Marlow’s climate, primarily occurring from November to February. January sees the most snow, with an average accumulation of around 1.8 to 1.9 inches (as reported by WeatherSpark.com). The majority of the year experiences little to no snow accumulation.

Education in Marlow

School Ratings

Marlow’s public school system is generally well-regarded, with several institutions receiving positive ratings. Marlow Elementary School is noted for its strong performance, consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in Oklahoma with a 5-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Marlow High School also holds a 5-star rating and boasts an impressive 82.2% four-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

The Marlow Public Schools district as a whole is ranked #26 out of 429 school districts in Oklahoma (as reported by Niche). The district receives an overall Niche grade of A- and is recognized for having good teachers and being a strong environment for teaching (as reported by Niche).

Student Demographics and Performance

Marlow Public Schools serves approximately 1,355 students in grades PK through 12, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While many schools in the district perform well, there is a notable disparity in performance, with some schools like Central High Elementary experiencing a decline (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). State test scores indicate that 34% of students are proficient in math and 42% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates and a significant population of economically disadvantaged students are present within the district. These factors can influence overall student performance and resource allocation.

Demographics of Marlow

Population and Diversity

Marlow has a population of approximately 4,451 residents, as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The city is currently growing at a modest rate of 0.64% annually (as reported by CensusDepth). The population is predominantly White, making up about 79.8% of residents, followed by those identifying with two or more races (10.2%) and Hispanic or Latino individuals (7.2%) (as reported by Data USA and Marlow Demographics).

The majority of Marlow’s residents are U.S. citizens, with a very small percentage born outside the country. This demographic makeup contributes to a generally homogeneous cultural environment.

Age and Household Composition

The median age in Marlow is around 34.9 years (as reported by CensusDepth), with a nearly even gender distribution, though slightly more females reside in the city. The population includes about 25% children under 15 and roughly 16.2% of residents aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). This age distribution suggests a community with a mix of young families and a seasoned population.

Marlow has approximately 1,676 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A majority of these households, about 63.1%, are considered families, while the remaining 36.9% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Marlow

Pros

Marlow offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to national averages, particularly in housing (as reported by AreaVibes). The city boasts low crime rates, especially for violent offenses, contributing to a sense of safety (as reported by AreaVibes). The public schools in Marlow are highly rated, with some schools receiving top accolades within the state (as reported by Niche).

The community provides a rural feel with a slower pace of life, which can be appealing for those seeking tranquility and a close-knit atmosphere. The job market, while modest, benefits from a decreasing unemployment rate and the presence of established employers (as reported by CensusDepth).

Cons

While Marlow is generally safe, crime rates are higher than the state average for some categories and higher than similar-sized communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The job market may offer fewer opportunities and lower average salaries compared to larger metropolitan areas (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Additionally, the rental market is very limited, which could pose challenges for renters (as reported by Home).

Some schools in the district face challenges with performance, chronic absenteeism, and a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The city’s rural setting means fewer amenities and services might be readily available compared to urban centers.