Median Income
$42,054
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$49,500
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$616
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.1%
102% higher than US avg
How Waurika Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,847
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density155/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$42,054
Per Capita$22,304
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty25.1%
County GDP$209M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$49,500
Rent$616
Ownership60.6%
Zillow$81,319
Housing Units863
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property653/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking20.1%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Elevation882 ft (269 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute29 min
Broadband78.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Waurika a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Waurika receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Waurika has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Waurika is $42,054, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 25.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Waurika is $49,500, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $616 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Waurika is below the national average at 218 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Waurika enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches.
Waurika has a population of 1,847 with a density of 155 people per square mile, spread across 12.5 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.6%), with 10.6% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,847
Total Population
2023 Census
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Waurika is $42,054, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,304 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,054 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,304 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,469 |
| Gini Index | 0.477 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.1% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $209M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 16 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,440 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Waurika is $49,500, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,319, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $616 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 863 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $1,440 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $49,500 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $81,319 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $616 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $744 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,501 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.4% |
| Housing Units | 863 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,440 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Waurika, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 38.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.8% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 0.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Waurika vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.3% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,714 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.5% |
| Premature Death | 12,788/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Waurika has a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 653 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Waurika receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Waurika vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.5/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 652.5/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Waurika enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. The area receives 1.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 882 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 882 ft (269 m) |
| Area | 12.5 sq mi (32.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 155/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1837°N, 98.0263°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cotton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawton-Fort Sill Regional (LAW)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
309 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 12, 2025.
| Jan 18, 1995 |
4 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
77 km |
| Apr 28, 1998 |
9 km NE of Medicine Park, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
76 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
5 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
76 km |
| Feb 8, 2002 |
8 km SW of Elgin, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
68 km |
| Nov 28, 2013 |
6 km SSW of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
135 km |
| Dec 9, 2013 |
8 km S of Perrin, Texas |
M3.7 |
136 km |
| Sep 25, 2023 |
9 km WNW of Velma, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
40 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
1 km NNW of Azle, Texas |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
7 km SSE of Erin Springs, Oklahoma |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Dec 8, 2013 |
0 km NNE of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Jun 8, 2004 |
6 km N of Lone Grove, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| Apr 28, 2013 |
4 km NNW of Oakland, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Mar 4, 2013 |
5 km S of Tishomingo, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Apr 19, 2021 |
8 km SW of Dibble, Oklahoma |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Mar 11, 2010 |
14 km S of Calumet, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Sep 23, 2013 |
4 km WNW of Marietta, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
3 km WNW of Sanctuary, Texas |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jan 28, 2009 |
0 km ENE of Amber, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
110 km |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
3 km NE of Dibble, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
0 km SSE of Smith Village, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
702 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 98 fatalities, 2,524 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1964 |
EF5 |
54 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 9, 2016 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Feb 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
47 km |
8 |
| Apr 10, 1979 |
EF4 |
70 km |
42 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1972 |
EF4 |
49 km |
5 |
| May 26, 1962 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| Nov 3, 2024 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
7 |
| May 9, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2010 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| May 7, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
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 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
FERGUSON |
41,429 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
ARBUCKLE |
29,823 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
WINDMILL |
28,410 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
MONTAGUE COUNTY COMPLEX |
25,907 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
TOWNLEY ROAD |
24,139 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
RATCLIFF CITY-TATUMS |
23,099 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
TWO MILE HILL COMPLEX |
20,991 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
BRUSHY MOUNTAIN |
18,412 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
WESTSIDE |
16,723 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
RINGGOLD |
16,382 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
15,416 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
ARCHER CO |
13,969 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
APRIL 9TH COMPLEX 2 |
13,805 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
HENRIETTA FIRE |
13,629 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
RATLIFF CITY |
12,435 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
RUSH |
12,239 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
WICHITA COUNTY COMPLEX |
12,118 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,392 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
9,943 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Waurika has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 43°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Waurika. 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 | $894 |
| Toddler | $773 |
| Preschool | $773 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Waurika
What is the population of Waurika?
Waurika has a population of 1,847 residents and is located in Oklahoma. The population density is 155 people per square mile, spread across 12.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Waurika expensive to live in?
Waurika 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 $42,054, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $49,500 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $616 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Waurika safe?
Waurika is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Waurika receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Waurika?
Waurika enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches, with 1.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Waurika?
The unemployment rate in Waurika is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Waurika?
The median home value in Waurika is $49,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,319. For renters, the median monthly rent is $616. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,440.
How are the schools in Waurika?
Schools in Waurika score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Waurika hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Waurika?
The obesity rate in Waurika is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 0.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Waurika?
The average commute in Waurika is 29 minutes. 68.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Waurika?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Waurika is 82.6% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 10.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 27.7% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.