These Cities Becomes 5 Worst Places to Live in Oklahoma

Oklahoma, also known as the Sooner State, has a variety of different landscapes, affordable living costs, and welcoming communities. However, just like any other state, there are places in it that have challenges which might make them less appealing to live in. This article explores five places in Oklahoma that have lower rankings on livability scales. It examines the factors that contribute to their lower rankings.

Approach or method

This list considers the following factors to determine the “worst” places to live:

• Crime Rates: The information comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Report and statistics at the city level.
• Economic Factors: We look at how many people don’t have jobs, how many people are living in poverty, and how much money the average household makes. We get this information from the US Census Bureau.
• Education: We consider how many students graduate from high school and how many opportunities there are for further education.
• Amenities and Infrastructure: We look at things like access to healthcare, recreational facilities, and the overall quality of infrastructure.

5. Idabel

Location: McCurtain County in Southeastern Oklahoma

Important Problems:

High Poverty: The poverty rate in Idabel is much higher than the average rates in both the state and the country. This adds to other social issues and makes life worse for many people living here.

• Crime: Idabel has a higher rate of property crime compared to the average rate in Oklahoma.
• Limited Opportunities: There are not many well-paying jobs available in Idabel, which makes it difficult to find opportunities for career growth.
• It’s important to note that even though there are difficulties, Idabel has a lot of natural beauty around it. People who enjoy being outside can still find things to enjoy.

4. Hugo

Location: The place is in Southeastern Oklahoma, specifically in Choctaw County.

Important topics:

• Economic Decline: Hugo has experienced a decrease in industries and jobs, which has resulted in financial struggles for many residents.
• Hugo has more crime than the average for Oklahoma, including both property and violent crimes.
• The town is dealing with old roads, buildings, and utilities that need to be fixed.
• Important: The Frisco Depot Museum has historical importance, but residents may face some difficult challenges.

Also Read: These 5 Mississippi Town Residents Are Fleeing ASAP to Other Cities

3. Ardmore

Location: The area is in Southern Oklahoma, specifically in Carter County.

• One of the main problems is the high crime rates. Ardmore has a big problem with crime, including both violent crimes and property crimes, which are higher than the state averages.
• Low Education Attainment: The percentage of students graduating from high school is lower than the average for the state.
• Economic Stagnation: Residents are facing challenges due to limited job growth and a lower median income.
• Ardmore is still facing these long-standing problems, even though there have been attempts to improve the situation.

2. Tulsa

Location: Tulsa County in Northeastern Oklahoma

Key Issues:

• Disparity and Inequality: Tulsa has a big difference between its wealthy areas and those with more crime and poverty.
• Elevated Crime: Some parts of Tulsa have higher rates of violent and property crimes compared to other cities of similar size.
  Infrastructure Issues: Certain neighborhoods have problems with poorly maintained roads and outdated utilities.
• Tulsa has some good things to offer, like amenities you would find in a bigger city. However, there are also some problems with crime and inequality that can make life difficult for many people who live there.

1. Oklahoma City

Location: Central Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County

Important Problems:

• Oklahoma City, being the largest city in the state, has higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods, which affects its overall crime statistics.
• Income inequality: Similar to Tulsa, there is a difference between areas with wealth and those experiencing more economic difficulties.
• Challenges of Urban Sprawl: Many residents are worried about traffic congestion and long commutes, which could affect their quality of life.
• Oklahoma City is a larger city with more attractions and opportunities compared to smaller towns. However, its size also leads to urban problems commonly found in bigger cities.

Things to Think About

• Subjectivity: It’s important to recognize that ranking places as “worst” is based on personal opinions and can vary from person to person. Some people may view certain things as drawbacks, while others may see them as character or acceptable trade-offs.
• Change Over Time: Conditions in these cities can change. Improvement can be achieved through efforts to revitalize, shifts in the economy, and initiatives to fight crime.
• Individual Needs: What one person considers to be the perfect place to live may not be the same for someone else. Individual experiences are greatly influenced by factors such as job opportunities, family connections, and lifestyle preferences.