Is Midwest City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Midwest City
Midwest City, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and accessible urban amenities, making it an appealing choice for a diverse range of residents. Its strategic location within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area provides a balance of a close-knit community feel with the conveniences of a larger city nearby. The city boasts a variety of housing options, a growing job market, and a generally lower cost of living compared to national averages.
This guide delves into the various facets of life in Midwest City, covering essential information for those considering a move. From understanding the local climate and safety to exploring economic opportunities and educational resources, this comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what Midwest City has to offer its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Midwest City?
Midwest City’s crime rate is higher than the national average across all communities. However, when compared to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Midwest City is approximately 1 in 291, with a property crime rate of about 21 per one thousand population (NeighborhoodScout). Overall, Midwest City is not considered one of the safest communities in America, and its crime rate is higher than 84% of Oklahoma’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout).
While the overall crime index for Midwest City is 176, which is 76% above the national average, it is important to note that crime can vary significantly by specific areas within the city. For violent crime, the index is 101, and for property crime, it is 129 (DoorProfit). Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, particularly after dark, and to research specific neighborhoods for a more detailed understanding of local safety (DoorProfit).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Midwest City presents an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The median home value in Midwest City is approximately $167,855, having seen a slight decrease of 0.1% over the past year (Zillow). Another report indicates a median home value of $184,069 (Livability.com), and a median listing price of $189,500 (Redfin). These figures are significantly below the national median home value of $281,900 (Kurby AI).
Rental prices in Midwest City are also considerably lower than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent is around $804 per month, which is 51% lower than the national average of $1,641 per month (Apartments.com). Other sources place the average rent at $913 per month, showing a 2.57% increase over the previous year (RentCafe), or $1,022 per month as of March 2024 (Redfin). A two-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $916 per month (Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
Midwest City’s cost of living is generally more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 85, meaning it is 15% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, with goods and services being approximately 12.8% cheaper than the national average (AreaVibes).
The median household income in Midwest City is reported around $57,325 (Livability.com) to $57,520 (Point2Homes), with an average per capita income of $43,298 (Point2Homes). This income level, combined with the lower cost of living, makes Midwest City a financially accessible option for many. Housing expenses are particularly lower, with costs being 28% below the national average (AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Midwest City’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers. Tinker Air Force Base is a significant economic driver for the region, providing numerous technical and trade positions (Opportunity). Other major employers include SSM Health (860 employees), Rose State College (632 employees), Mid-Del Public Schools (930 employees), and the City of Midwest City itself (442 employees) (Midwest City, OK). Walmart Stores, Inc. and Walmart Supercenter are also substantial employers in the area (Midwest City, OK).
Additional key employers include Century Martial Arts Supply, Home Depot, and Sienna Extended Care & Rehab (Midwest City, OK). The presence of these diverse industries, from healthcare and education to retail and government, contributes to a stable business climate (Opportunity).
Employment and Salaries
The job market in Midwest City offers various opportunities across different sectors. As of April 2026, the average annual salary in Midwest City is approximately $50,006, which equates to about $24.04 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Salaries for employees at the City of Midwest City specifically average around $69,049 annually, or $33 per hour (City Of Midwest City). The median individual income is reported at $35,455 (Data Commons), while the median household income is around $57,520 (Point2Homes).
The unemployment rate in Midwest City was 4.6% in 2026 (Data Commons). While specific salary ranges can vary by occupation and experience, most salaries in Midwest City fall between $34,650 and $63,250 annually (ZipRecruiter). Top-paying jobs can include roles in areas like Cyber Security, Banking, and Government positions (ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Seasons
Midwest City experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The hot season typically lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 84°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 93°F and lows of 73°F (Weather and Climate). The temperature typically ranges from 31°F to 93°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 17°F or exceeding 102°F (Weather and Climate).
Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 58°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 31°F and highs of 50°F (Weather and Climate). The annual temperature range generally falls between 28°F and 94°F (myPerfectWeather).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Precipitation in Midwest City varies significantly throughout the year, with rain occurring across all months. May is the wettest month, averaging about 4.6 inches of rain and having the most days with precipitation (Weather and Climate). The drier season generally occurs from late September to early April, with January receiving the least amount of rain, averaging around 0.9 inches (Weather and Climate).
The city receives an annual precipitation of approximately 36 inches (myPerfectWeather) to 39 inches (Midwest City (OK) Rainfall). May typically sees the most rainfall, averaging 155 mm (about 6.1 inches) over 11 rainy days (Midwest City (OK) Rainfall). Snowfall is more limited, with the snowy period lasting from late November to late February, and January receiving an average of 2.2 inches of snow (Weather and Climate). The total annual snowfall averages around 5 inches (myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The Midwest City-Del City School District serves the area, encompassing 19 schools. While the district has a high graduation rate of 90%, it ranks within the bottom 50% of Oklahoma school districts based on proficiency testing (Midwest City-Del City School District). The average math proficiency score is 13% and reading proficiency is 19%, compared to state averages of 25% and 27% respectively (Midwest City-Del City School District).
Some individual schools within the district perform better than the district and state averages. For instance, Schwartz Elementary School is ranked among the top elementary schools in Oklahoma (Midwest City-Del City School District). However, overall academic performance across the district indicates room for improvement (Midwest City-Del City School District).
Demographics
Midwest City had a population of 58,409 as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia). The population is estimated to be around 58,505 in 2024 (Data Commons). The median age in Midwest City is approximately 36 years (Wikipedia, Data Commons, Point2Homes). The racial composition includes a majority of White residents (around 56.9% to 59.22%), followed by Black or African American residents (around 20.3% to 20.79%) (Point2Homes, Midwest City, OK Demographics).
Other demographic groups include Multiracial residents (around 10.3% to 13.48%), Hispanic or Latino residents (around 5.6% to 7.7%), and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations (Wikipedia, Midwest City, OK Demographics). The population is relatively evenly split between males and females, with approximately 46.8% male and 53.2% female (Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Midwest City
Pros
Midwest City offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing expenses (AreaVibes, Kurby AI). This affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets. The city also boasts a stable job market with major employers like Tinker Air Force Base, Rose State College, and SSM Health, providing diverse employment opportunities (Midwest City, OK).
Its location within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area offers convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a more relaxed suburban atmosphere (About Midwest City). The city’s climate, while featuring hot summers, offers mild springs and falls that are conducive to outdoor activities (Midwest City Climate). Additionally, Midwest City is noted for its community spirit and growing retail sector, with high retail sales per capita (Opportunity).
Cons
One of the primary concerns for potential residents is Midwest City’s crime rate, which is notably higher than both the national and state averages (NeighborhoodScout, DoorProfit). While specific areas may vary, the overall safety statistics warrant careful consideration and awareness (DoorPrint).
The public school system in Midwest City, while having a good graduation rate, generally underperforms in academic proficiency compared to state averages, which could be a significant factor for families with school-aged children (Midwest City-Del City School District). Furthermore, the climate includes very cold winters and humid summers, which may not appeal to everyone (Midwest City Climate).