City Profile
Lawton, Oklahoma
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Lawton, Oklahoma, situated in the southwestern part of the state, is deeply intertwined with the rich history of the American frontier and the military. Founded in 1901 during the land opening of the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache reservation, the city was named after General Henry Lawton. Today, it serves as the county seat of Comanche County and anchors a vibrant metropolitan area defined by its close proximity to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. People are drawn to Lawton for its unique blend of scenic natural beauty, small-town community charm, and a robust economic foundation anchored by federal and military institutions.
Oklahoma, located in the South Central United States, is characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from plains to mountains and a rich Native American heritage. The state's economy has historically relied on oil and gas production and agriculture, though it has diversified to include aerospace, telecommunications, energy, and manufacturing. Living in Oklahoma generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average. The climate features hot summers and mild winters, with a propensity for severe weather, including tornadoes. The lifestyle is often described as hospitable and friendly, with a blend of cultural history and outdoor activities.
How this 62/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 64 / 100 | 64.0 | 30% | 19.2 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 82.0 | 66.3 | 25% | 16.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $54,200 Income needed to live here: $42,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% | 66.3 | 20% | 13.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.4% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 42.5 | 15% | 6.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 62.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 3 (deep think) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Lawton is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families, retirees, and military veterans looking to stretch their budgets. Housing costs, in particular, remain highly affordable compared to both state and national benchmarks, allowing residents to secure spacious properties or rent comfortably without financial strain. Everyday expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation services also track below national norms, driven by regional abundance and lower overhead costs for local businesses.
Income
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Lawton's economy is heavily anchored by the public sector, with Fort Sill serving as the single largest economic driver and employer in the region. Beyond defense and military contracting, the local economy benefits from a diverse mix of healthcare services, educational institutions, light manufacturing, and retail trade. While remote work infrastructure has expanded in recent years, the local job market remains fundamentally rooted in institutional stability and community-focused enterprises that provide steady employment opportunities.
The average salary in Lawton is $51,500 per year. You would need approximately $42,000 to live comfortably.
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Lawton is primarily a car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles to navigate the grid of wide roadways and highways. While public transit is available through the Lawton Area Transit System (LATS), coverage and frequency are limited compared to larger metropolitan centers. Commute times are notably short, rarely exceeding 20 minutes, and traffic congestion is minimal outside of peak hours near major employment hubs.
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Senior Care in Lawton
22 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Lawton.
Senior Care
Southwestern Home Health Inc.
Lawton, OK
Assisted Living
Ten Oaks Place
Lawton, OK
Assisted Living
Ten Oaks Place
Lawton, OK
Complete Hospice Care Of Southern Oklahoma
Lawton, OK
Promisecare Hospice, Inc
Lawton, OK
Quantum Health Care, Inc
Lawton, OK
Elara Caring Xxiv
Lawton, OK
Southwestern Home Health
Lawton, OK
Willow Park Health Care Center
Lawton, OK
Enhabit Home Health Of Western Oklahoma
Lawton, OK
BrookRidge
Lawton, OK
Montevista Rehabilitation And Skilled Care
Lawton, OK
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