Welcome to Edmond, OK

Nestled just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond offers the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. This thriving community has transformed from a quiet railroad town into one of Oklahoma’s most desirable places to live, attracting families and professionals with its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant downtown district. With tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community pride, Edmond provides residents with a high quality of life while maintaining easy access to all the amenities of the metro area.

📍 Edmond, OK at a Glance

Population: 94,428 (2023 estimate)
Location: 15 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City in central Oklahoma
Incorporated: 1889
Known For: Top-rated schools, historic downtown, University of Central Oklahoma

🔗 Dive Deeper into Edmond

💸 Cost & Budget

🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle

🚍 Utilities & Transportation

🏙️ City Comparisons

🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Edmond leans conservative, reflecting Oklahoma County’s political landscape. The city council operates on a non-partisan basis, focusing on local issues like infrastructure, education support, and economic development. Residents are highly engaged in civic affairs, with strong turnout for local elections and active participation in community planning initiatives.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Edmond consistently ranks as one of Oklahoma’s safest cities, with crime rates well below state and national averages. The Edmond Police Department maintains a strong community presence, and neighborhoods often organize active watch programs. Property crimes are minimal, and violent crime is rare, contributing to the city’s family-friendly reputation.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Downtown Edmond has become a culinary destination with local favorites like Patriarch, The Mule, and Cafe 501. The city offers diverse dining from upscale steakhouses to casual cafes, with Boulevard Steakhouse and Othello’s Italian Restaurant being longtime favorites. Entertainment options include the Armstrong Auditorium for world-class performances, Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, and numerous festivals throughout the year including LibertyFest and the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival.

🏛️ Local Government

Edmond operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and four council members elected at-large. The city provides comprehensive services including its own electric and water utilities, which often results in lower utility costs for residents. City services are known for their efficiency and responsiveness to citizen needs.

🚍 Transportation

While Edmond is primarily car-dependent, the city benefits from excellent road infrastructure with easy access to I-35 and the Kilpatrick Turnpike. The Citylink Edmond bus service connects to Oklahoma City’s public transit system. Many neighborhoods feature sidewalks and bike lanes, and the city continues to expand its trail system for pedestrians and cyclists.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Edmond’s housing market offers everything from historic homes near downtown to new construction in master-planned communities like Coffee Creek and Fairfax. The median home price hovers around $350,000, higher than the Oklahoma City metro average but reflecting the area’s desirability. Popular neighborhoods include Oak Tree, Rose Creek, and the historic downtown area, each offering distinct character and amenities.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 40 parks spanning more than 500 acres, Edmond prioritizes outdoor recreation. Hafer Park features sports complexes and walking trails, while Mitch Park offers a state-of-the-art athletic center. The city maintains an extensive trail system, and nearby Arcadia Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The KickingBird Golf Club and Oak Tree Country Club serve golf enthusiasts.

💼 Job Market

Edmond boasts a median household income of approximately $87,000, well above state averages. Major employers include the University of Central Oklahoma (4,000+ employees), Edmond Public Schools, INTEGRIS Health, and Mercy Hospital. The city has also attracted corporate headquarters and technology companies, with many residents commuting to Oklahoma City for work in energy, aerospace, and healthcare sectors.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Edmond Public Schools consistently ranks among Oklahoma’s best districts, serving over 25,000 students across 35 schools. The district’s high schools regularly produce National Merit Scholars and maintain graduation rates above 90%. Private options include St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School and Oklahoma Christian School. The University of Central Oklahoma, with 17,000 students, adds a college town atmosphere and cultural opportunities.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Edmond experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers (July averages 94°F) and mild winters (January averages 39°F). The area receives about 36 inches of rain annually, with May being the wettest month. Spring brings the possibility of severe weather including tornadoes, though the city has excellent warning systems and storm shelters. Fall offers the most pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents consistently praise Edmond’s family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods. The community takes pride in maintaining small-town charm while embracing growth and modernization. Common complaints include rising housing costs and increasing traffic, but most residents feel these are acceptable trade-offs for the quality of life Edmond provides. The strong sense of community is evident in well-attended local events and active neighborhood associations.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Edmond

Edmond continues to attract new residents seeking a perfect balance of suburban comfort and metropolitan access. With its award-winning schools, low crime rates, and thriving local economy, the city offers an exceptional environment for raising families and building careers. The revitalized downtown, abundant parks, and strong community spirit create a quality of life that’s hard to match in the Oklahoma City metro. For those looking for a place that combines Midwest values with modern amenities and opportunities, Edmond stands out as a premier destination that truly feels like home.

📊 Edmond Economic & Cost Outlook – August 2025

Looking ahead to the next couple months in Edmond, you're facing a mixed bag of costs that'll impact your wallet differently. The job market remains solid with unemployment holding steady at 3.2% (Bureau of Labor Statistics), which is good news if you're job hunting, but home prices are creeping up 0.2% (Federal Reserve data) – not a huge jump, but enough to notice if you're house shopping. With the typical household earning about $69,895 annually (Census Bureau) and 62% of folks owning their homes here, most residents can weather these small increases. Your commute costs should stay manageable with gas at $2.74 per gallon (AAA reports), though that clear sky weather we're seeing now at 84°F means your cooling bills are about to spike – expect to pay around $129.40 monthly for electricity at the current 12.94¢ per kWh rate (EIA data shows an increasing trend).

The next two months will test your budget as summer heat peaks, so if you're planning any big moves, timing matters. Personal incomes are growing at 1.3% (Bureau of Economic Analysis), which barely keeps pace with those rising home prices, so if you're thinking about buying, sooner is probably better than later before prices climb more. The warming pattern through summer (NOAA forecasts) means your electric bills will likely jump another 15-20% as AC units work overtime, especially with electricity rates trending upward. For renters and the 38% who don't own homes here, now's a good time to lock in lease renewals before landlords factor in these rising utility and housing costs. Budget an extra $25-30 monthly for utilities through August, and if you're house hunting, focus on energy-efficient homes to offset those climbing electricity rates – with the regional cost index at 100 (right at the national average), Edmond's still affordable compared to many places, but these small increases add up fast.

Sources: NOAA Weather, FRED (Federal Reserve), U.S. Census Bureau, BEA, AAA Gas Prices • Updated August 10, 2025