Two cities with distinctive southern charm, Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, offer unique perspectives on and experiences of the American South. While their cultural similarities are substantial, they exhibit marked differences in areas such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, the economy, and infrastructure. This comprehensive comparison covers all aspects that may be of interest to potential residents or tourists.
Distance between
Fort Worth, TX and
Oklahoma City, OK : 189.9 miles
Fort Worth's population is larger by 36%. Its population has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) since 2000. The population of Oklahoma City has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) during that time.
Fort Worth, TX has a higher crime rate than Oklahoma City, OK. While both cities are working to decrease the crime rates, it's important to note that safety can vary between neighborhoods. Both cities have dedicated police forces and community initiatives aimed at improving safety. Compared to the national average, you might find Fort Worth slightly less safe while Oklahoma City tends to be closer to the national average.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,166 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 1,386 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 270 to 1; the ratio in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Fort Worth than in Oklahoma City.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both cities is relatively low compared to the national average. However, Fort Worth tends to be slightly more expensive than Oklahoma City, particularly when it comes to housing. Groceries, transportation, health care, and utilities are generally comparable in both cities.
Income Tax
Texas, and therefore Fort Worth, does not have state income tax, which can be a significant advantage over Oklahoma City, where residents pay state income tax. The lack of state income tax can save individuals and families a significant amount in the long run.
Property Tax
Fort Worth has a higher property tax rate compared to Oklahoma City. While this can impact homeownership costs, it's crucial to remember there's no income tax in Texas, which could help balance homeownership expenses over time.
Sales Tax
The sales tax rate in Fort Worth is 8.25%, which is higher than Oklahoma City’s rate of 4.5%. However, the overall taxation burden in Texas is generally considered to be lower due to the absence of state income tax.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$59,214
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$31,630
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
85.4
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $55,855 in Fort Worth to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, both cities are relatively flat, with prairie landscapes. Fort Worth, however, is closer to the lake-rich region of Eastern Texas, while Oklahoma City is closer to the mountainous regions of the state. Oklahoma City, being in the heart of Tornado Alley, experiences more tornadoes compared to Fort Worth.
Both Fort Worth and Oklahoma City have invested heavily in education. However, based on test scores, Fort Worth schools perform slightly better than those in Oklahoma City . Both cities are home to sizable school districts, each featuring a mix of public, charter, and private schools. In terms of higher education, both offer a healthy number of institutions, with Fort Worth offering more diversity of choice due to its proximity to Dallas.
Oklahoma City's economy is primarily driven by government, oil, natural gas, and livestock sectors, while Fort Worth's economy has a more varied base, including sectors like aerospace, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Unemployment rates are usually lower in Fort Worth compared to Oklahoma City. Wage growth also tends to be faster in Fort Worth, meaning better future prospects for workers.
Biggest Employers
In Oklahoma City, top employers include the state government, Integris Health, and the University of Oklahoma. In Fort Worth, top employers include Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, and Texas Health Resources. Both cities offer secure employment opportunities in these sectors with potential for career growth.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
2020
49.3%
48.1%
49.1%
49.2%
1.6%
2.7%
2016
43.2%
41.2%
51.8%
51.7%
5.0%
7.1%
2012
41.4%
41.7%
57.1%
58.3%
1.4%
0.0%
2008
43.8%
41.6%
55.5%
58.4%
0.7%
0.0%
2004
37.0%
35.8%
62.5%
64.2%
0.5%
0.0%
2000
36.9%
36.6%
60.9%
62.3%
2.3%
1.1%
1996
41.6%
36.5%
50.9%
54.7%
7.5%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
20.7%
33.3%
20.0%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
8.5%
1.9%
3.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
0.3%
0.9%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
0.9%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
0.8%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
0.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.0%
0.7%
0.1%
2.9%
Weather
The weather in these two cities is somewhat similar. Both boast climates typical of the southern United States: hot summers and mild winters. However, Oklahoma City experiences a slightly more extreme climate, with colder winters and hotter summers. It also sits in Tornado Alley and therefore has a higher risk of severe weather compared to Fort Worth.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Temperature - Average
65°F
60.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
73.1%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
35.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
17.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
23.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
72.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
58%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
12.3 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
2018
67
85
N/A
0.29
5.8
6.6
27.1
31.9
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
9.6
N/A
0.0
2017
67
82
N/A
0.32
6.2
6.7
27.2
33.0
0.002
N/A
20.7
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
0.0
2016
56
72
N/A
0.29
6.3
6.6
25.5
31.9
0.002
N/A
19.4
N/A
N/A
8.5
N/A
0.2
2015
61
76
N/A
0.24
6.5
7.0
24.8
31.5
0.002
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
0.5
2014
56
84
0.22
0.15
6.8
7.1
26.6
32.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
0.1
2013
64
84
0.25
0.14
6.4
8.6
26.5
32.8
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.2
2012
87
97
0.26
0.13
7.8
9.4
30.3
34.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
N/A
0.3
2011
79
107
0.23
0.24
7.9
9.9
30.7
36.3
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.8
2010
70
81
0.23
0.30
8.5
8.8
27.7
31.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
2009
81
82
0.25
0.52
8.7
8.1
29.5
31.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.7
2008
69
78
0.25
0.51
9.6
9.8
25.8
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2007
75
81
0.30
0.44
10.6
10.2
24.6
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2006
90
95
0.34
0.43
10.2
10.1
29.7
33.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2005
102
88
0.34
0.38
10.9
11.6
28.4
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
0.9
1.3
2004
78
75
0.39
0.46
10.6
10.5
25.4
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2003
82
87
0.40
0.42
11.1
10.9
27.2
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
94
91
0.37
0.35
11.8
14.3
25.8
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2001
16
87
0.48
0.69
N/A
13.1
N/A
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2000
17
89
0.55
0.66
N/A
13.4
N/A
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
353.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
938.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
43%
Transportation
Fort Worth's public transit services are more robust than those in Oklahoma City. The city offers bus and rail service, and a bike-sharing program. Oklahoma City's transit system mainly consists of buses, but the city is working to improve and expand its public transportation options.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
2
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Bicycle
0.1%
0.2%
Bus
0.4%
0.3%
Carpooled
11%
8.6%
Car alone
85.8%
87.6%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.3%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Average
28.5 min
25.6 min
Other means
25.3 min
21 min
Public transportation
41.8 min
33.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.6%
89.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
7.1%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Fort Worth is generally more expensive than in Oklahoma City, with higher median home prices. Rent prices tend to follow a similar trend. However, both cities offer relatively affordable housing compared to many other major US cities.
Neighborhoods
Fort Worth has a wide range of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from the arts-focused Near Southside to the family-friendly Walsh. Oklahoma City’s neighborhoods are similarly diverse with historic districts like Edgemere Park or the more urban Downtown area. In terms of safety, both cities have more and less desirable areas, so it's essential to research beforehand.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Houses
361,341
302,241
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Median year apartment built
1991
1978
Median year house/condo built
1995
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.2 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
275,285 (91.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
164,470 (59.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
110,815 (40.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$1,241
Median monthly housing costs
$1,328
$983
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$278,299
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$190,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$279,885
$254,772
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$318,820
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$337,081
$128,784
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$298,062
$170,231
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,470
$112,256
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$16,069
$67,765
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$279,957
$245,885
Median house price - All housing units
$279,281
$249,488
Median house age
29
40
Renting percentage
40.8%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
497.9
House value disparities
31.8%
34.7%
Household income disparities
43.6%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$106,170
$87,907
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,147
$61,761
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
1,238 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
4,838 (4.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
100,798 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
123 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
5,921 (5.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
3.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
One, detached
65.4%
67.8%
One, attached
2.9%
3.4%
Two
1.6%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.1%
5.1%
5 to 9
5.8%
6.0%
10 to 19
6.5%
5.6%
20 to 49
4.6%
2.4%
50 or more
7.0%
4.6%
Mobile homes
2.1%
3.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
20,964
State government workers
8,587
17,132
Unpaid family workers
392
555
Industries and Occupations
In Oklahoma City, some of the most prominent industries include government, oil and gas, and agriculture, while in Fort Worth, healthcare, hospitality, and aerospace are more emphasized. Both cities offer various occupational opportunities, although Fort Worth, with its more diversified economy, may have a wider range of job options.
Both cities have reliable healthcare systems. Fort Worth residents have access to a larger number of hospitals than Oklahoma City residents, including world-class medical facilities in nearby Dallas. Oklahoma City offers quality healthcare, but fewer options than in Fort Worth.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Fort Worth has better-developed infrastructure than Oklahoma City, including a more extensive highway system and public transit network. The city is continuously investing in infrastructure upgrades, resulting in better broadband access and improved city facilities. Oklahoma City, though improving, lags behind with less developed public transit and urban infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
Hospitals
76
61
TV stations
25
20
Arenas or stadiums
7
4
Bank branches located here
175
183
Bank institutions located here
42
44
Main business address for public companies
24
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Oklahoma City
1999
3,575
2,925
2000
2,473
2,396
2001
2,109
1,824
2002
1,701
1,507
2003
2,183
2,014
2004
3,202
2,323
2005
4,261
3,134
2006
4,161
3,132
2007
2,871
2,036
2008
1,256
1,143
2009
585
593
Culture and Food
Both cities boast vibrant cultures rooted in their western heritage. Fort Worth's cultural scene is more diverse due to its proximity to Dallas, with facilities such as the Kimbell Art Museum, whereas Oklahoma City pairs its Native American and cowboy cultures to create a unique blend. Culinary experiences in both cities provide Tex-Mex, BBQ ribs, and steakhouses but Oklahoma City is known for its fried onion burgers.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a strong sports culture. Fort Worth hosts the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA) while Oklahoma City is home to the Thunder (NBA). College football also holds a prominent place in both cities, with the rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma being one of the most celebrated in the sport.
Fort Worth, TX
Oklahoma City, OK
Fort Worth, TX and 
Oklahoma City, OK : 189.9 miles
