How safe is Oklahoma for Travel – Oklahoma Travel Safety Guide

In this article, we have shared a detailed Oklahoma travel safety guide covering all the safety-related questions such as how safe is Oklahoma for travel, the safest places to visit and places to avoid, and more.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

How safe is Oklahoma for Travel – Oklahoma Travel Safety Guide

Located in the South Central region of the United States, Oklahoma is a beautiful state famous for its natural parks, mountain ranges, lakes, and cultural and historical significance in frontier history.

The state is known as the Sooner State and is filled with countless attractions. It is famous for the Philbrook Museum of Art, which includes works from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Its strange extreme weather does not stop it from being a prevalent tourist location, promising rich culture, ancient rock formations, lovely verdancy, historical museums, and unique mansions and homes. The history, cowboy culture, parks, arts, high adventure, and special districts make it a wonderful place to visit.

If you are visiting Oklahoma for your upcoming vacation, this article can be a lifesaver for you. Here, we have answered all of the safety-related questions that may help you visit this state safely –

Warnings & Dangers in Oklahoma

Overall Risk – Medium

Oklahoma has an overall medium risk as the state is ranked 12th on the list of higher crime rates in the USA and the crime rate here is more than the national average. However, the majority of tourist spots in the state are safe from severe crimes.

Transport & Taxis Risk – Medium

Oklahoma has a moderate risk of transportation. Pickpockets are common in public transport. Also, in some places, people are victimized in cars by thieves. Therefore, it would be best if you stay careful while traveling by public transport.

Pickpocket Risk – Medium

The state has a considerable risk of pickpocketing, especially in public transport. So, you should be aware of your surroundings while using your mobile on the streets. It is recommended not to display your expensive gadgets in public places.

Natural Disasters Risk – Medium

The state is moderately risky in terms of natural disasters. The most common are hurricanes, floods, and forest fires. The weather can also be sometimes dangerous in Oklahoma, especially in summer. You can check the weather before travel and your area’s vulnerability to such a natural crisis.

Mugging Risk – Medium 

As the state has a medium mugging risk, keeping your valuables safe and somewhere they can’t be seen is good. Though violent crimes are not common against tourists, they are there.

Terrorism Risk – Low 

The state has a low risk of terrorism. However, terrorist attacks occur in some parts of the state often. Therefore, check your area history in terms of being attacked. Make sure you are aware of the surroundings and stay alert.

Scams Risk – Medium

There exists a medium level of scam chances in Oklahoma. People in the big cities mostly try scams on visitors and newcomers. So, pay attention around you and watch for extra friendly people. It advised not to leave drinks or food unattended and avoid opening up to strangers too much.

Women Travelers Risk – Medium

The state has a medium risk for women travelers. However, in most places, women are safe. You should avoid dangerous areas and poorly lit streets. You should call the police if you notice something suspicious.

Tap Water Risk – Low 

The state has a low tap water risk. The water is not contaminated with harmful substances and is safe to drink.

These warnings and dangers would inform you about the state regarding various factors.

Also Read – How safe is Oregon for Travel

Safest tourist Places to visit in Oklahoma

Even though Oklahoma is ranked 12th on the list of most dangerous states in the US, it has a good number of safe places where you can stay.

Below, we have shared a list of the safest places in Oklahoma –

Lone Grove

Lone Grove is a small town in the south of the state and is considered a suburb of Ardmore. In 2022, its 1.6 violent and 15 property crimes per 1,000 are much below the state average.

Lone Grove is home to the Grand Lake Casino and is loved for its Bassmaster Classic fishing tournament. The tourist spots in Lone Grove are Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park, Patricia Island Country Club, and more.

Elgin

Elgin is a small town about 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. This small town has not recorded any violent crime in the last three years, and its property crime is 2.1 per 1,000 in 2022. Elgin is ranked second safest place, and its overall crime rate is 93 percent lower than the state rate.

The town has plenty of tourist sights such as Fort Sill National Cemetery, Comanche Spur Casino, Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, the US Army Artillery Museum, etc.

Guymon

Guymon is the third safest city, with an overall crime rate of 11.43 per 1000. Its crime rate is less than half the state average. There were 24 violent crimes last year, rendering it a rate of 219 per 100,000.

The town has famous tourist sights, which include Thompson Park, Cross Park, No Man’s Land Regional Park, South wind R-V Park, Golden Mesa Casino, No Man’s Land Museum, etc.

Bixby

Bixby is fourth on our list, a suburb of Tulsa on the south side, with a crime rate of 1.1 per 1000. However, the crime rate has declined from 15.2 in 2021 to 12.9 per 1000 in 2022. The overall crime rate is 57 percent less than the state average, making it one of the safest cities in Oklahoma.

Bixby is visited for spots like Bixhoma Lake, Hailey Creek Park, Lake Bixhoma Park, Washington Irving Memorial Park, Arboretum, Charley Young Event Park, Bixby Historical Museum, etc.

Piedmont 

Piedmont is a town on the northwest edge of Oklahoma City. It has had a violent crime rate of less than one per 1000 for the last three years, below the state and national average. Its property crime rate has been nearly 5 per 1,000 in the previous two years, which is also exceptionally low.

Pied is famous for its top sights like Piedmont Community Park, Chester’s Party Barn & Farm, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Martin Park Nature Center, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, Museum of Osteology, etc.

Also Read – How safe is North Carolina for Travel

Places to avoid in Oklahoma

If you are wondering how safe is Oklahoma to visit, you must check this section. The previous section might indicate the cheerful sight of the state, but it should not be forgotten that Oklahoma is ranked as the 12th most dangerous state in the US.

Below, we have shared some of the places that have the highest crime rates and hence, should be avoided –

Tulsa

The state’s second biggest city Tulsa ranks as the most dangerous place in Oklahoma. Tulsa had the highest violent crime rate at 1132 per 100k, recording 72 murders in 2021. Overall, you have a 1 in 88 chance of becoming the victim of a robbery, assault, rape, or murder.

Idabel

Idabel is the second most dangerous place. It has the highest property crime rate in the state at 6386 per 100k, with residents having 1 in 15 chances of having their stuff stolen or damaged. The town has a violent crime rate of 952 per 100k, with the fourth highest rape and murder rate statewide.

Anadarko

Anadarko has stood as the number 3 most dangerous city in the state. The town suffers high robbery and burglary rates and an alarming rate of violent crimes. Its property crime is among the highest at 5020 per 100k, and violence is 926 per 100k.

Ardmore 

Ardmore’s crime rate rendered it the 4th spot for dangerous places in 2022. It has a violent crime rate of 869 per 100k and 4543 property crimes per 100k. Most of these crimes are aggravated assaults.

Ponca City 

Ponca City is located in the north-central part of the state and has a violent crime rate of 770 and property crime at 4415 per 100 k. That includes high rates of burglaries and robberies. So, keep your valuables safe and carry less cash if traveling in this town.

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Safety tips for traveling in Oklahoma 

• Stay in public places – It would be best to stay near public places if you visit Oklahoma for the first time.
• Carry emergency cash – You can take some extra cash and keep them in a different place than your wallet to help you in an emergency or in case your wallet is stolen.
• Keep your valuables hidden – There are more chances to be targeted by thieves if you are seen with expensive items. It is recommended to stay low-key and avoid flashing costly bags, watches, and other things.
• Keep your family informed – It is always good to tell your family or friends about your trip, where you are going, and how long you plan to stay there. Keep at least one person updated about your plans so that they can reach you in an emergency.
• Stay alert – As previously mentioned, the state has a high chance of pickpocketing and property crime. Therefore, stay aware of your surroundings.
• Act like locals – One of the best things you can do is to look and behave like a local rather than a tourist. This would prevent scammers from getting attracted to you. The more eyes you draw, your chances of becoming a victim increase.
• Safeguard your hotel room – If you are staying in a hotel, please ensure it is a safe place. Always keep the door locked and windows closed.
• Carry extra copies of documents – It is a brilliant idea to carry extra copies of your important document and keep them in different places. Also, you can scan them and store them on your computer or smartphone for later use.

Also Read – How safe is Alaska for Travel

How safe is Oklahoma to travel alone?

Even though it is ranked the 12th most dangerous state in the United States, Oklahoma is safe to travel alone. Though it has little danger, you can travel the state independently with standard precautions.

How safe is Oklahoma for solo female travelers?

Even though Oklahoma has a medium risk for female travelers, most tourist places can be explored alone by female travelers. However, it is recommended to follow all security measures and stay away from suspicious people.

How safe is Oklahoma for Travel?

Oklahoma is not considered the safest in the United States, but overall it is a safe state to visit. However, you must be careful and stay alert when some places in Oklahoma and follow the safety tips mentioned in this article.

With that said, here I am wrapping up this article. Hopefully, our how safe Oklahoma is to travel guide has helped you decide whether Oklahoma is a good destination for you.

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot them in the comment section below. Our team will try to respond ASAP.