A comparison between Oklahoma City, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO reveals striking differences and similarities in various sectors. These two cities have distinctive offerings in terms of crime and safety, weather patterns, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, predominant industries, employers, real estate market, neighborhoods, transportation, and taxes. Other distinct elements include food culture, sports teams, geographical conditions, and the health care system. Both cities have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different individuals depending on their priorities, whether they aim to relocate or just visit.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Colorado Springs, CO : 462.6 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 42%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Colorado Springs has grown by 123,066 people (34.1%) during that time.
Safety remains a priority for both residents and visitors. Oklahoma City reports a higher crime rate compared to Colorado Springs. Both cities, however, are committed to enhancing safety through community policing and other initiatives. Notably, safer neighborhoods in both cities provide serene living and traveling experiences.
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 1,386 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 1,675 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1; the ratio in Colorado Springs is 278 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Oklahoma City than in Colorado Springs.
Cost of Living
Colorado Springs' overall cost of living is slightly higher than Oklahoma City, mainly due to real estate prices. Basics like groceries and healthcare are also somewhat more expensive in Colorado Springs, though the difference is not overwhelming.
Income Tax
Oklahoma imposes state income tax ranging from 0.5% to 5%, while Colorado imposes a flat income tax of 4.63%, which may benefit higher-income individuals in Colorado Springs.
Property Tax
Despite higher house values, Colorado Springs has a lower average property tax compared to Oklahoma City due to Colorado's lower property tax rates.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Colorado Springs is slightly lower than in Oklahoma City, offering a small financial advantage to consumers in both cities.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$74,579
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$39,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
99.6
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $58,314 in Colorado Springs to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Oklahoma City sits in a temperate humid subtropical region, while Colorado Springs is settled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering a cooler, drier climate and stunning natural scenery.
Both cities champion educational advancements. Colorado Springs offers a slightly better education system, particularly in K-12 public schools. Oklahoma City, however, hosts several renowned higher education institutions, attracting students nationwide.
Oklahoma City has seen steady economic growth recently, majorly fueled by diverse industries. Colorado Springs also boasts a vibrant economy, with employment opportunities steadily increasing.
Biggest Employers
Top employers in Oklahoma City are the State of Oklahoma, Integris Health, and the University of Oklahoma. In contrast, Colorado Springs' largest employers include the US Air Force Academy, UCHealth, and tourism-related businesses.
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Colorado Springs (El Paso County), 38.7% voted for Democrats and 59.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
2020
48.1%
43.0%
49.2%
53.9%
2.7%
3.1%
2016
41.2%
34.1%
51.7%
56.6%
7.1%
9.4%
2012
41.7%
38.7%
58.3%
59.2%
0.0%
2.0%
2008
41.6%
40.0%
58.4%
58.9%
0.0%
1.1%
2004
35.8%
32.2%
64.2%
66.9%
0.0%
0.9%
2000
36.6%
30.9%
62.3%
64.1%
1.1%
5.0%
1996
36.5%
32.2%
54.7%
59.0%
8.8%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
2.6%
20.0%
11.3%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
8.4%
3.0%
5.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.3%
1.6%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
2.9%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.0%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.5%
1.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.3%
0.1%
1.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.0%
0.9%
2.3%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
1.2%
Weather
Oklahoma City has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, Colorado Springs experiences a semi-arid climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The city's higher altitude causes significant snowfall, making it a winter sports destination.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
43.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
53.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
30%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
64%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
34%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
18.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
77 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
21.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
82.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
10.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
79.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
69.2%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
2018
85
60
0.29
N/A
6.6
N/A
31.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
9.6
6.3
0.0
N/A
2017
82
58
0.32
N/A
6.7
N/A
33.0
N/A
0.002
N/A
20.7
N/A
8.9
6.1
0.0
N/A
2016
72
48
0.29
N/A
6.6
N/A
31.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
19.4
N/A
8.5
6.9
0.2
N/A
2015
76
N/A
0.24
N/A
7.0
N/A
31.5
N/A
0.002
N/A
19.1
N/A
7.8
N/A
0.5
N/A
2014
84
N/A
0.15
N/A
7.1
N/A
32.4
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
0.1
N/A
2013
84
N/A
0.14
N/A
8.6
N/A
32.8
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.2
N/A
2012
97
N/A
0.13
N/A
9.4
N/A
34.0
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
N/A
0.3
N/A
2011
107
N/A
0.24
N/A
9.9
N/A
36.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.8
N/A
2010
81
N/A
0.30
N/A
8.8
N/A
31.7
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
82
N/A
0.52
N/A
8.1
N/A
31.9
N/A
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.7
N/A
2008
78
N/A
0.51
N/A
9.8
N/A
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2007
81
N/A
0.44
N/A
10.2
N/A
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2006
95
15
0.43
0.50
10.1
N/A
33.7
N/A
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2005
88
17
0.38
0.55
11.6
N/A
31.0
N/A
N/A
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
N/A
2004
75
17
0.46
0.56
10.5
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
N/A
2003
87
19
0.42
0.59
10.9
N/A
30.8
N/A
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
91
24
0.35
0.66
14.3
N/A
29.0
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2001
87
51
0.69
0.63
13.1
16.7
31.0
N/A
N/A
0.005
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.9
2000
89
78
0.66
0.58
13.4
22.5
29.5
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
21.0
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
78.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
816.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
17%
Transportation
Oklahoma City heavily relies on car usage due to its spread-out nature. Though it services a public bus system, its reach is limited. Colorado Springs offers more comprehensive public transportation, including bus lines and various biking routes.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
552
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
44
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Bicycle
0.2%
0.3%
Bus
0.3%
0.4%
Carpooled
8.6%
9.2%
Car alone
87.6%
87%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Average
25.6 min
23.8 min
Other means
21 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
90%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Colorado Springs is somewhat pricier than in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City, however, offers a more affordable housing market, making it easier for first-time homeowners.
Neighborhoods
Both cities showcase a variety of unique neighborhoods. Colorado Springs has a mix of urban and suburban areas with incredible mountain views, while Oklahoma City is known for its friendly and diverse neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Houses
302,241
205,380
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.4
Median year apartment built
1978
1984
Median year house/condo built
1986
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
10.6 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
197,542 (96.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
123,398 (62.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
74,144 (37.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$1,458
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,422
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$595,239
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$390,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
7.2
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$427,641
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$389,381
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$295,560
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$258,564
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$30,081
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$308,944
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$403,675
Median house age
40
35
Renting percentage
40.3%
39.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
1,105.7
House value disparities
34.7%
25.2%
Household income disparities
44.3%
41%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$99,037
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$72,581
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
1,835 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
6,564 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
87,580 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
86 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
7,898 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
One, detached
67.8%
62.3%
One, attached
3.4%
8.3%
Two
2.0%
1.4%
3 or 4
5.1%
4.7%
5 to 9
6.0%
4.9%
10 to 19
5.6%
6.7%
20 to 49
2.4%
6.1%
50 or more
4.6%
4.0%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.7%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
13,110
State government workers
17,132
7,029
Unpaid family workers
555
735
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Oklahoma City include energy, aviation, healthcare, and technology, while Colorado Springs is home to a wealth of high-tech, defense, and tourism businesses.
Colorado Springs edges out slightly with a more robust healthcare system, including teaching hospitals and specialized clinics. In contrast, Oklahoma City also has significant medical centers providing comprehensive health services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Oklahoma City offers substantial infrastructure developments, including efficient road networks and transport facilities. Colorado Springs is similar, with additional emphasis on sustaining environmental preservation through its infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Hospitals
61
10
TV stations
20
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
183
133
Bank institutions located here
44
33
Main business address for public companies
15
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
1999
2,925
1,957
2000
2,396
985
2001
1,824
756
2002
1,507
502
2003
2,014
1,131
2004
2,323
1,811
2005
3,134
2,631
2006
3,132
2,188
2007
2,036
1,246
2008
1,143
496
2009
593
233
Culture and Food
Oklahoma City offers a blend of southern charm and modern urban culture with its growing food scene. Colorado Springs offers outdoor cultural events and a food scene influenced by international cuisines and local farm-to-table options.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Oklahoma City hosts the NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Colorado Springs, while it doesn't have major league teams, offers plenty of outdoor sporting events due to its geographic terrain.
Oklahoma City, OK
Colorado Springs, CO
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Colorado Springs, CO : 462.6 miles
