Median Income
$61,806
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,200
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Velma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population585
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density433/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,806
Per Capita$30,944
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$2,927M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,200
Rent$920
Ownership74.5%
Zillow$176,941
Housing Units280
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property856/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking19.1%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Elevation1,051 ft (320 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute26 min
Broadband79.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Velma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Velma receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Velma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Velma is $61,806, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Velma is $105,200, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Velma is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 856 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Velma enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches.
Velma has a population of 585 with a density of 433 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
585
Total Population
2023 Census
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Velma is $61,806, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,944 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,198 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,806 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,944 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,155 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,927M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 187 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,919 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Velma is $105,200, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,941, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 280 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,919 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,200 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,941 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.5% |
| Housing Units | 280 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,919 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Velma, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,537. The dentist ratio is 1:1,748. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Velma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,537 |
| Dentists | 1:1,748 |
| Mental Health | 1:800 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,562/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Velma has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 856 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Velma receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Velma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 856.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Velma enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 1.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,051 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,051 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 433/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.4564°N, 97.6638°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Stephens County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawton-Fort Sill Regional (LAW)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.1"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.11"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,429 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2024 |
8 km NW of Prague, Oklahoma |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Sep 6, 1997 |
6 km N of Tupelo, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
115 km |
| Dec 7, 2013 |
8 km SW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.5 |
130 km |
| Aug 19, 2014 |
12 km SSW of Guthrie, Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
147 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 |
Oklahoma |
M4.4 |
146 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
7 km NNE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Jan 13, 2024 |
6 km W of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.3 |
137 km |
| Apr 7, 2016 |
1 km E of Luther, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
141 km |
| Jan 1, 2016 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Jan 18, 1995 |
4 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
36 km |
| Aug 3, 2017 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
137 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 |
3 km WSW of Wellston, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
7 km NE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Jan 13, 2024 |
6 km ENE of Edmond, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Feb 27, 2010 |
8 km SE of Sparks, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
148 km |
| Aug 17, 2016 |
2 km SW of Wellston, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Jun 20, 2015 |
9 km NW of Arcadia, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Apr 10, 2014 |
12 km SE of Cedar Valley, Oklahoma |
M4.0 |
148 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
3 km N of Harrah, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
5 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
34 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
845 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 125 fatalities, 1,854 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2013 |
EF5 |
92 km |
24 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF5 |
77 km |
36 |
| Apr 3, 1964 |
EF5 |
99 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 9, 2016 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| May 19, 2013 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 10, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Feb 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
59 km |
8 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1972 |
EF4 |
14 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1962 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
2 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF4 |
80 km |
4 |
| Nov 3, 2024 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOCO-HEALDTON (56,584 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
LOCO-HEALDTON |
56,584 |
26 km |
| 1991 |
ARBUCKLE |
29,823 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
WINDMILL |
28,410 |
38 km |
| 2009 |
MONTAGUE COUNTY COMPLEX |
25,907 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
RATCLIFF CITY-TATUMS |
23,099 |
19 km |
| 2009 |
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN |
18,412 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
RINGGOLD |
16,382 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
15,416 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
RATLIFF CITY |
12,435 |
19 km |
| 2024 |
RUSH |
12,239 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,392 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,943 |
45 km |
| 1993 |
CRATER CREEK |
8,963 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
CRATERLK-L |
8,876 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
MT SCOTT |
8,005 |
88 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
7,962 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
BIA EMPIRE |
7,544 |
30 km |
| 2015 |
CRATER CREEK |
7,378 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
7,228 |
53 km |
| 2012 |
NOBLE |
7,037 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Velma has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 41°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Velma. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $898 |
| Toddler | $776 |
| Preschool | $776 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $652 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Velma
What is the population of Velma?
Velma has a population of 585 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 433 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Velma expensive to live in?
Velma is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,806, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,200 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Velma safe?
Velma is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 856 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Velma receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Velma?
Velma enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.1 inches, with 1.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Velma?
Velma has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Velma?
The median home value in Velma is $105,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,941. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,919.
How are the schools in Velma?
Schools in Velma score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Velma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Velma?
The obesity rate in Velma is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,537.
What is transportation like in Velma?
The average commute in Velma is 26 minutes. 94.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Velma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Velma is 82.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.