There’s no denying that the Sooner State has its share of wealth and fortune, but the richest cities in Oklahoma are the ones that manage to exceed expectations.
The rolling hills and sprawling plains may create a serene atmosphere, but these cities are far from sleepy locales.
Filled with thriving businesses and new opportunities, each city on our list is worth mentioning for its commitment to the financial health of the citizens who call them home.
While you’ll find your fair share of gated communities in some of these places, it doesn’t mean you have to be a millionaire (or even a billionaire) to live here.
In fact, the cost of living in Oklahoma has been steadily declining, which means these cities are seeing more people moving in than out.
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The 10 Wealthiest Cities in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s economy is primarily based on the production of natural gas and oil, as well as agriculture. This state ranks third in the U.S. for natural gas production and fifth in crude oil production.
Oklahoma also ranks among the 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates and has a lower cost of living than the national average.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of Oklahoma’s wealthiest cities.
1. Nichols Hills — Median Income of $186,912
Topping the list is Nichols Hills, which has a median income of over $186,912. The small-town feel may make it seem like a shift in lifestyle is required to live there, but residents are willing to make that trade-off for the benefits they receive as part of the community.
Not only does Nichols Hills has a median income that is almost twice that of Oklahomans as a whole, but it also boasts a low unemployment rate and one of the best schools in the state.
The median home price is over $854,666 and most of these homes have features and amenities that you would find in a much more expensive Southern California or Florida suburb.
One of the most attractive features of this very wealthy suburb is the large wooded lots that many of the homes sit on. This gives it a more rural feel than you might expect given how close it is to downtown Oklahoma City.
Of course, Nichols Hills has all the amenities you would expect from a wealthy community.
2. Jenks — Median Income of $94,132
Jenks is one of the most affluent cities in Oklahoma with an average household income that’s double the national average. The city has a population of 22,488 (2019) people and a median household income of $94,132 per year.
The city has low crime rates and affordable housing costs. Its public schools are highly ranked. That puts it far ahead of most other towns and suburbs in the state.
About 12% of households have an annual income above $200,000, which is more than three times the national average. Jenks has some excellent schools, including the nation’s top high school football team. The city also hosts many events and festivals throughout the year.
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3. Tuttle — Median Income of $87,170
Tuttle is one of the wealthiest cities in Oklahoma with a per capita income of $36,413, which is more than twice the state average. It’s also one of the best places to raise a family in the state.
The city’s average household income is $87,170, and 44% of households earn $100,000 or more. In addition to high-paying jobs, Tuttle residents benefit from low costs of living, including low housing costs.
The median home value in Tuttle is just $250,830 lower compared with a national median home value of $374,900. Tuttle has a higher percentage of residents who are employed in management, professional and related occupations than both the state and national averages.
It also has a lower percentage of people working in service and farming, fishing, and forestry occupations.
4. Piedmont — Median Income of $86,117
Piedmont is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with a median household income of $86,117 per year. It is nestled just northeast of Canadian County, so residents can enjoy the benefits of living in a serene community and easily access the attractions of a major city.
Piedmont is known for its superb public schools and low crime rate. The city’s website says that the town is “built on a strong foundation of small-town values.”
Its main street serves as the hub for local businesses like grocery stores, banks, and fast-food restaurants. There are also a number of RV parks nearby that attract travelers to this quiet community.
In addition to its many parks and trails, Piedmont has a number of planned activities for families throughout the year, including an annual Christmas parade and Fourth of July celebration.
Related: The 10 Wealthiest Cities In Alabama
5. Bixby — Median Income of $83,119
Bixby is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with a per capita income of $40,227 and an average household income of $83,119. The city ranks among the top 50 safest places to live in Oklahoma, and it’s one of the safest towns for families.
Bixby has an extraordinary school system that ranks among the best in the state. Bixby also has some of the most affordable housing in the state. The median home price is just $280,090.
Over half of all homes were built after 2000 and feature modern layouts and amenities. The city also offers plenty of daily necessities to make living easier like grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, salons, and coffee shops.
In addition to these conveniences, Bixby also offers several gyms to help residents stay fit and active.
6. Edmond — Median Income of $81,473
It’s one of the richest cities in Oklahoma, and it’s getting richer by the day. Edmond-area residents have a median household income of $81,473, according to the most recent U.S and the median home value in Edmond is currently $310,261.
The city of Edmond is home to Oklahoma State University, a state university that is one of the largest and most respected institutions in all of Oklahoma.
The city is located in the northern part of the state, directly north of the border with Texas; it is also part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
Edmond’s urban core is home to nearly 92,009 (2019) people and has a median income level that rivals much larger cities. The city has more than 1,400 businesses: restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings.
It is also home to nearly 3,800 housing units; 1 million square feet of industrial space; and more than 150 acres of green space.
Related: The 10 Wealthiest Cities In Maryland
7. Newcastle — Median Income of $81,306
Newcastle is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with a median income of $81,306 per household. The city has a population of 9,967, and unemployment is low at 3.5%.
The cost of living in Newcastle is about 13.2% higher than the state average, but the city is still relatively affordable for residents. Homes prices are lower than the national average at $131,100, and most residents own their own homes.
About 86% of Newcastle’s population is married, and families with children make up nearly half of all households in Newcastle. Nearly 90% of Newcastle residents are high school graduates or higher, and 36% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The city also has a low crime rate that is less than half the national average. The city is only 22 min (18.7 mi via I-44 E) away from Oklahoma City, which means that it has access to all of the professional opportunities available within its metro area, the largest in the state with over 1.2 million people.
8. Blanchard — Median Income of $78,828
Blanchard is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with a median household income of $78,828. It is located in Grady and McClain counties, just to the north of Newcastle and Chickasha.
The city’s motto, “Where Living is a Beautiful Thing,” fits it to a strong local economy and affordable housing are some of the reasons why Blanchard is such a great place to settle down.
Blanchard has more than its fair share of amenities, including golf courses, parks, and swimming pools. The city also hosts festivals throughout the year.
And what’s more, Blanchard is just 30 minutes away from Oklahoma City and all its attractions.
Related: The 10 Wealthiest Cities In Illinois
9. Choctaw — Median Income of $77,917
Choctaw is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with an income per capita of $34,133, well above Oklahoma’s average.
It is also one of the most educated cities in the state with more than half of its residents having a college degree. The community’s high median household income is due in part to its strong corporate presence.
In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Choctaw’s economy is bolstered by companies such as Michelin North America and American Airlines, both of which call the city home.
In addition to high incomes and education rates, Choctaw has a low crime rate and access to plenty of amenities.
The city of Choctaw has several well-maintained parks that are perfect for family outings or just enjoying some fresh air.
10. Mustang — Median Income of $74,071
Mustang is one of the richest cities in Oklahoma with a population of approximately 21,459 (2019)people.
The city has six public schools and one private school. The Mustang Public School serves students from prekindergarten through grade 12.
It’s a lot of fun and has a lot to offer anyone who visits. The city is located in Canadian County and offers a variety of outdoor and indoor attractions for visiting tourists.
Mustang frequently tops lists of the wealthiest communities in Oklahoma and serves as the headquarters for several large businesses.
It’s also a popular place to live among those who commute to nearby larger cities such as Oklahoma City or Yukon.