Firstly why Lawton, Oklahoma?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lawton
• State: Oklahoma
• Population: 92,540 people
• Lawton’s quick summary would be famous for its proximity to the Wichita Mountains and cultural events this city offers a welcoming community full of outdoor opportunities.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 700 annually
• While this many move-out: 696 annually
• Net Migration: 4 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 920
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features military presence and affordable housing attracting service members and families

Perk #1: Lawton Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 28%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 60%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $50,900
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lawton is $58,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7100 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lawton’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 86 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,300
• Property Tax %: 1.25%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $1,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lawton
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lawton, Cache, and probably could include Elgin
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lawton: 33 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lawton’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lawton are  Military, Retail, and Healthcare
• Lawton Job Scene: limited job market primarily in military and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement focused on local services and agriculture , ,
• Lawton Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lawton: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lawton

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $94 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-44 runs near Lawton providing access in southwestern Oklahoma
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening bottlenecks on Fort Sill Blvd
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lawton: 30,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lawton: ok.gov/ooa/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 49 of 100
• Local Airport: Lawton-Fort Sill Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lawton’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Severe Storm
• General Weather in Lawton is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with varied annual precipitation
• Winter Weather in Lawton i’d describe as mild with rain
• Spring Weather in Lawton can be described as mild with some rain
• Summer’s in Lawton are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lawton is usually mild and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 54 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lawton below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 28 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally retained through regulations
• Lawton Winter Air generally good air quality with limited pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lawton Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lawton 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Lawtons’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lawton Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lawton Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 13 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lawton only Doctors is about 55
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Lawton only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 74/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lawton’s Monthly utility bill average is $175
• Lawton’s Monthly Gym Membership: $30
• Lawton’s Water Quality Score: 55

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lawton

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: military town with a small community feel and local events
• You might enjoy local performances at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lawton  has casual bars and restaurants that provide comfortable settings for community gatherings after work

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lawton

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 90 scattered around Lawton
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Lawton can be described as conservative town with military and agricultural influences
• Lawton’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lawton First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lawton Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lawton has 9 Parks?
• Elmer Thomas Park is Lawton’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lawton Farmers Market normally open Saturday 6am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lawton Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lawton can be described as laid-back pace with a focus on family and military influence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lawton hiking local trails picnicking at parks attending community events
• The Cities people commute to from Lawton are Keizer 5 miles away Portland 47 miles away Corvallis 29 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lawton or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening bottlenecks on Fort Sill Blvd. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lawton’s Severe Storm risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lawton is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lawton are Keizer 5 miles away Portland 47 miles away Corvallis 29 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 74 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lawton has 0 days in a row below freezing and 54 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lawton people have an average (positive or negative) $7100 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Lawton. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative town with military and agricultural influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lawton.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lawton

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may benefit from exemptions focused on property taxes and income levels
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Lawton Senior Center offers various programs meal services and social activities for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lawton, Oklahoma?

If Lawton, Oklahoma ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lawton, Oklahoma, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!