Omaha, NE vs Tulsa, OK - Advanced U.S. city comparison tool

Omaha, NE vs Tulsa, OK

Omaha, Nebraska, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, are two vibrant American cities offering unique attractions, communities, and economies. While Omaha boasts a blend of urban sophistication and Midwestern friendliness, Tulsa prides itself on a rich cultural scene and robust petroleum-based economy. However, each city's characteristics can sway one's decision toward relocation or tourism, hence the necessity to consider factors such as cost of living, local industries, and cultural scenes. This guide offers an in-depth comparison of these cities, from safety to health care.
 
 
Distance between Omaha, NE and Tulsa, OK : 354.4 miles

Omaha's population is larger by 18%. Its population has grown by 97,293 people (24.9%) since 2000. The population of Tulsa has grown by 18,352 people (4.7%) during that time.

Population
Type Omaha Tulsa
Population 487,300 411,401
Female / male percentage 50.2% / 49.8%
50.2%
49.8%
50.8% / 49.2%
50.8%
49.2%
Racial makeup - percentage
Ethnicity OmahaTulsa
White Non-Hispanic 64.5% 52.7%
Hispanic 15.0% 17.1%
Black 11.4% 14.2%
Two or more 4.3% 8.3%
Asian 3.9% 3.2%
American Indian 0.2% 3.9%
Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.2%
Racial makeup - absolute values
Ethnicity OmahaTulsa
White Non-Hispanic 314,231 216,990
Hispanic 73,189 70,255
Black 55,510 58,545
Two or more 21,052 34,307
Asian 19,209 13,174
American Indian 866 15,942
Pacific Islander 89 948

Crime and Safety

Both Tulsa and Omaha have higher crime rates compared to national averages. Omaha's crime rate is slightly lower than Tulsa's, making it considerably safer. In Omaha, crime rates are significantly lower in suburban neighborhoods. Likewise, Tulsa's suburban areas are safer. Police presence is visible in both towns, and authorities are actively improving community relations and implementing preventive tactics.

Cost of Living

Both Tulsa and Omaha boast cost of living indices below the national average, but Tulsa is somewhat less expensive overall. While both cities have affordable housing markets, Tulsa's median home cost is lower than Omaha's. However, income levels are higher in Omaha, somewhat offsetting the cost difference.

Income Tax

Nebraska imposes a graduated state income tax that ranges from 2.46% to 6.84%. Oklahoma, on the other hand, places a graduated state income tax that varies from 0.5% to 5.0% on its residents. Therefore, depending on your income bracket, you could potentially pay more income tax living in Omaha than in Tulsa.

Property Tax

Omaha has a higher property tax rate than Tulsa which can influence home buyer's decisions. The average property tax rate in Omaha is around 2%, while in Tulsa it's approximately 1.12%, making Tulsa more attractive for potential homeowners favouring lower property taxes.

Sales Tax

Omaha, located in Nebraska, has a combined city and state sales tax rate of approximately 7.25%, which is higher than Tulsa, located in Oklahoma, that stands at approximately 8.5%. Therefore, Tulsa residents may find themselves paying slightly higher sales taxes than their Omaha counterparts.
Income
Type Omaha Tulsa
Estimated median household income $62,948 $51,008
Estimated per capita income $38,062 $33,002
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) 89.4 86.5

If you make $50,000 in Tulsa, you will have to make $51,676 in Omaha to maintain the same standard of living.

Geographical Conditions

Omaha is located in the heartland of America on the banks of Missouri River, offering multiple parks and trails. Tulsa is located near the Ozark Mountains with the majestic Arkansas River running through the city. Both cities offer picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, but Tulsa's geographic location lends itself to more dramatic natural beauty.
Geographical information
Type Omaha Tulsa
Land area 115.7 sq. miles 182.6 sq. miles
Population density 4,211.6 people per sq. mile 2,252.4 people per sq. mile
Elevation 1,060 feet 740 feet
Relative area comparison
Omaha, NE Tulsa, OK
First ancestry reported - percentage
Ancestry OmahaTulsa
German 16.9% 5.5%
Irish 5.4% 4.4%
English 3.5% 6.1%
Italian 2.2% 1.1%
Polish 2.0% 0.4%
Czech 1.8% 0.1%
Swedish 1.2% 0.3%
Norwegian 1.1% 0.4%
Danish 0.9% 0.1%
Scottish 0.8% 1.1%
Dutch 0.5% 0.3%
French 0.5% 0.6%
Scotch-Irish 0.4% 0.7%
Russian 0.3% 0.1%
Welsh 0.2% 0.2%
Population origin - absolute values
Ancestry OmahaTulsa
German 40,655 11,499
Irish 12,871 9,154
English 8,477 12,701
Italian 5,267 2,199
Polish 4,831 906
Czech 4,279 184
Swedish 2,980 598
Norwegian 2,684 764
Danish 2,189 110
Scottish 1,838 2,373
Dutch 1,298 686
French 1,171 1,171
Scotch-Irish 858 1,419
Russian 657 290
Greek 447 316
French Canadian 406 301
Welsh 366 500
Lithuanian 357 109
Hungarian 298 178
Swiss 218 106
Foreign born residents - absolute values
Type Count
Region OmahaTulsa
All 53,164 43,617
Africa 7,353 2,599
Asia 16,357 10,940
Europe 3,323 2,435
Latin America 25,220 29,002
North America 821 487
Oceania 155 372
Foreign born residents - percentage
Type Percentage
Region OmahaTulsa
All 10.8% 10.5%
Africa 1.5% 0.6%
Asia 3.3% 2.6%
Europe 0.7% 0.6%
Latin America 5.1% 7.0%
North America 0.2% 0.1%

Education

Omaha houses several well-regarded school districts and institutions of higher learning such as the University of Nebraska Omaha. Tulsa also offers a good education scene with highly-rated public schools and a range of colleges including the University of Tulsa. Both cities have public and private school options, but Omaha has a slightly better average school test score.
School enrollment
Type Omaha Tulsa
Nursery, preschool 7,769 (6.1%) 5,253 (5.2%)
Kindergarten 5,318 (4.2%) 6,559 (6.5%)
Grade 1 to 4 24,205 (18.9%) 21,842 (21.6%)
Grade 5 to 8 28,925 (22.6%) 23,156 (22.9%)
Grade 9 to 12 27,207 (21.2%) 20,515 (20.3%)
College undergrad 25,520 (19.9%) 17,295 (17.1%)
Graduate or professional 9,148 (7.1%) 6,281 (6.2%)
Students in private schools - absolute values
Type Count
Grade OmahaTulsa
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 7,255 8,641
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 4,608 4,225
Undergraduate colleges 8,503 7,647
Students in private schools - percentage
Type Percentage
Grade OmahaTulsa
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 13.7% 19.2%
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 16.9% 20.6%
Undergraduate colleges 33.3% 44.2%
Educational attainment
Type Omaha Tulsa
Less than high school 8.8% 12%
High school or equiv. 22.6% 25.2%
Less than 1 year of college 6.9% 6.6%
1 or more years of college 15.2% 13.9%
Associate degree 8.4% 7%
Bachelor's degree 24.7% 21.8%
Master's degree 8.1% 8.8%
Profess. school degree 3.6% 2.9%
Doctorate degree 1.7% 1.9%
Education level (25-year-olds and older)
Type Omaha Tulsa
Bachelor's degree or higher 38.1% 35.3%
Graduate or professional degree 13.4% 13.5%
High school or higher 91.2% 88%

Work and Economy

Omaha has a diverse economy with a focus on finance, insurance, and health services. Berkshire Hathaway, headquartered in Omaha, heavily influences the city's economic landscape. Tulsa's economy revolves around energy, aviation, telecommunications, and manufacturing. While Omaha's job market seems more robust and dynamic, Tulsa's economy offers specialty industry opportunities.

Biggest Employers

In Omaha, some of the biggest employers include Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Meanwhile, Tulsa hosts large employers like American Airlines Maintenance Base, ONEOK, and Saint Francis Health System. Both cities offer a wide range of employment opportunities.
Employment and residency - absolute values
Kind OmahaTulsa
Work and live in this city 170,544 156,679
Work and live in this county 215,308 174,406
Workers who work outside the city they live in 219,463 236,370
Workers who work outside the county they live in 34,981 12,357
Working at home 45,741 25,446
Not working at home 204,548 161,317
Daytime population change due to commuting 76,558 74,836
Employment and residency - percentage
Kind OmahaTulsa
Work and live in this city 86.7% 83.5%
Work and live in this county 86.0% 93.4%
Workers who work outside the city they live in 13.3% 16.5%
Workers who work outside the county they live in 14.0% 6.6%
Working at home 18.3% 13.6%
Not working at home 81.7% 86.4%
Daytime population change due to commuting 19.6% 19.0%
Geographical mobility: all
Type all
Mobility OmahaTulsa
Same house 1 year ago 85.3% 82.2%
Moved from abroad 0.5% 0.4%
Moved within same county 9.2% 12.0%
Moved from different state 2.7% 2.9%
Moved within same state 2.2% 2.5%
Geographical mobility: Asian
Type Asian
Mobility OmahaTulsa
Same house 1 year ago 78.2% 84.4%
Moved from abroad 7.1% 0.7%
Moved within same county 10.4% 8.0%
Moved from different state 2.5% 5.9%
Moved within same state 1.8% 1.0%
Geographical mobility: Black
Type Black
Mobility OmahaTulsa
Same house 1 year ago 83.2% 78.7%
Moved from abroad 1.0% 0.2%
Moved within same county 13.4% 14.6%
Moved from different state 1.6% 2.5%
Moved within same state 0.7% 4.0%
Geographical mobility: White
Type White
Mobility OmahaTulsa
Same house 1 year ago 86.4% 83.2%
Moved from abroad 0.2% 0.2%
Moved within same county 8.1% 11.6%
Moved from different state 3.0% 2.7%
Moved within same state 2.3% 2.3%
Building permits
Type Average valueCount
City OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
1997 $86,500 $141,000 1,533 488
1998 $97,800 $140,300 1,623 594
1999 $97,500 $149,500 1,980 685
2000 $93,800 $152,300 2,008 632
2001 $96,900 $157,900 2,175 590
2002 $115,700 $158,500 2,282 444
2003 $118,400 $157,700 2,581 461
2004 $119,300 $176,700 2,646 519
2005 $110,800 $191,600 2,870 717
2006 $110,800 $241,600 1,879 699
2007 $108,300 $230,600 1,905 667
2008 $105,100 $245,300 1,576 436
2009 $104,500 $209,100 1,542 372
2010 $132,800 $227,600 1,191 335
2011 $132,600 $227,000 1,160 319
2012 $142,000 $198,400 1,305 577
2013 $148,600 $241,300 1,567 436
2014 $149,300 $261,200 1,306 402
2015 $146,100 $284,300 1,498 344
2016 $137,900 $241,200 1,427 436
2017 $145,400 $271,200 1,533 389
2018 $147,700 $223,400 1,237 471
2019 $144,300 $241,500 1,179 629
2020 $144,800 $251,000 1,686 521
2021 $141,000 $254,500 1,620 652

There were 1,620 building permits issued in Omaha in 2012 (460 more than in 2011) compared to 652 building permits issued in Tulsa in 2012 (333 more than in 2011).

In Omaha (Douglas County), 47.5% voted for Democrats and 50.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Tulsa (Tulsa County), 36.3% voted for Democrats and 63.7% for Republicans.

Elections
Type DemocratsRepublicansOther
Year OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
2020 54.4% 40.9% 43.1% 56.5% 2.5% 2.7%
2016 47.3% 35.6% 45.0% 58.4% 7.7% 6.1%
2012 47.5% 36.3% 50.6% 63.7% 1.9% 0.0%
2008 51.7% 37.8% 47.0% 62.2% 1.3% 0.0%
2004 40.4% 35.6% 58.6% 64.4% 1.0% 0.0%
2000 40.1% 37.3% 55.2% 61.3% 4.7% 1.3%
1996 39.3% 37.1% 51.4% 53.6% 9.3% 9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type AdherentsCongregations
Religion OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
CATHOLIC CHURCH 24.0% 8.1% 11.8% 3.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 4.1% 0.4% 6.6% 0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH 2.5% 0.7% 4.3% 1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 1.5% 14.9% 5.2% 18.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE 0.9% 0.5% 0.7% 0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA 0.5% 0.3% 2.8% 0.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 0.5% 0.8% 1.4% 1.3%
SALVATION ARMY 0.4% 0.1% 0.9% 0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 0.3% 0.4% 1.7% 1.1%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 0.2% 0.4% 0.2% 0.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH 0.0% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7%
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FREE WILL BAPTISTS 0.0% 0.5% 0.0% 3.1%

Weather

Omaha experiences fairly broad seasonal weather patterns with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Tulsa, on the other hand, has a temperate climate with more mild winters and considerably hotter summers. Tulsa's proximity to "Tornado Alley" can result in occasional severe weather. Overall, your preference between a four-season climate or milder winters might influence your choice.
Weather and climate
Type Omaha Tulsa
Temperature - Average 50.6°F 60.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity 75.9% 73.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity 35% 33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 87% 85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 52% 52%
Precipitation - Yearly average 30 in 42.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average 57.2 in 18.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds 18.4% 21.1%
Sunshine amount - Average 66.7% 64.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year 27% 24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly 74% 74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly 47% 50%
Wind speed - Average 10.8 mph 10.2 mph

Average climate in Omaha, Nebraska

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Average climate in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Air pollution
Type AQICONO2OZONEPBPM10PM25SO2
Year OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaTulsa OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmaha OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
2018 75 88 0.18 0.24 N/A N/A 26.7 28.6 N/A 0.004 19.3 N/A 8.4 11.6 0.5 0.4
2017 76 80 0.19 0.22 N/A N/A 26.3 29.9 N/A 0.004 21.6 N/A 9.6 10.2 0.9 0.5
2016 80 86 0.18 0.24 N/A N/A 26.3 29.1 N/A 0.005 19.3 N/A 8.1 9.5 0.7 0.5
2015 79 74 0.20 0.25 N/A N/A 26.9 28.1 N/A 0.004 20.3 N/A 9.3 8.6 0.9 0.8
2014 80 74 0.23 0.16 N/A N/A 27.9 29.2 N/A 0.005 23.5 N/A 8.8 9.2 1.2 0.3
2013 79 85 0.20 0.21 N/A N/A 28.0 29.8 N/A 0.005 26.9 N/A 9.3 10.1 1.4 0.5
2012 100 103 0.21 0.21 N/A N/A 27.1 32.4 N/A 0.007 39.0 N/A 8.4 11.7 1.6 0.7
2011 96 108 0.21 0.27 N/A N/A 25.4 33.8 N/A 0.005 32.9 N/A 9.2 13.8 1.6 0.8
2010 102 83 N/A 0.26 N/A N/A 28.0 30.1 N/A 0.004 43.2 N/A 10.5 12.2 2.1 0.7
2009 73 88 N/A 0.26 N/A N/A 24.3 29.8 N/A 0.004 28.7 N/A N/A 12.2 1.8 0.7
2008 104 71 N/A N/A N/A N/A 26.9 26.7 N/A 0.007 45.0 N/A 18.9 N/A 1.1 N/A
2007 109 77 0.51 0.32 N/A N/A 29.0 28.8 N/A 0.007 N/A N/A 16.5 N/A 1.7 0.8
2006 86 95 0.50 N/A N/A N/A 30.0 32.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.0 N/A 1.3 N/A
2005 78 84 0.47 N/A N/A N/A 32.8 28.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A 12.9 N/A 2.8 N/A
2004 51 71 0.44 N/A N/A N/A 30.9 27.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.5 N/A
2003 50 94 0.43 N/A N/A N/A 26.6 29.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.7 N/A
2002 48 85 0.38 0.83 7.8 N/A 27.6 27.7 0.030 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.1 N/A
2001 39 102 0.35 0.75 14.4 N/A 25.0 30.6 0.038 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.4 N/A
2000 44 101 0.50 0.69 15.3 N/A 26.1 28.9 0.049 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.5 N/A
Natural disasters
Type Omaha Tulsa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average 191.9% 277.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average 415.1% 901.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average 21% 34%

Transportation

Both Tulsa and Omaha have comprehensive transportation systems including bus services, bike-sharing programs, and taxi services. However, Omaha's public transit is seen as more efficient, and the city is also continually improving its bike lanes. Car commuting is common in both cities, but Omaha has a slightly shorter average commute time.
Transport
Type Omaha Tulsa
Amtrak stations 1 1
Amtrak stations nearby 1 1
FAA registered aircraft 405 808
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers 24 35
Means of transportation to work
Type Omaha Tulsa
Bicycle 0.2% 0.1%
Bus 0.7% 0.1%
Carpooled 8.2% 9%
Car alone 87.8% 87.9%
Motorcycle 0.1% 0.1%
Taxicab 0.1% 0.1%
Walked 2% 1.4%
Means of transportation to work
Means of transportation to work
Average travel time to work
Type Omaha Tulsa
Average 22.5 min 23.8 min
Other means 18.8 min 19.2 min
Public transportation 39 min 40.1 min
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Private vehicle occupancy
Type Omaha Tulsa
Average 1.1 1.2
Drove alone 90.4% 88.9%
In 2 person carpool 6.9% 8.7%
In 3 person carpool 1.4% 1.5%
In 4 person carpool 0.7% 0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool 0.6% 0.5%
In 7+ person carpool 0.1% 0.1%

How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.

Real Estate

Omaha's real-estate market is a mix of classic Midwestern homes, modern condos, and townhouses catering to diverse needs. In contrast, Tulsa property market offers historic homes, especially in midtown areas, alongside new builds. Both cities offer attractive choices, but you might find cheaper options in Tulsa.

Neighborhoods

Omaha is recognized for its highly-ranked neighborhoods like Elkhorn known for its great schools and family-friendly environment. In Tulsa, neighborhoods like Brookside stand out for their vibrant arts scene and trendy eateries. Both cities offer a mix of suburban feel and urban conveniences, but neighborhood choice may depend on personal preference.
Houses and residents
Type Omaha Tulsa
Houses 212,802 194,402
Average household size (people) 2.5 2.3
Median year apartment built 1976 1975
Median year house/condo built 1970 1969
Length of stay in the house since moving in 13.3 years 12.9 years
Houses occupied 201,469 (94.7%) 173,943 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners 117,404 (58.3%) 89,307 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters 84,065 (41.7%) 84,636 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units $892.09 $899.30
Median monthly housing costs $1,119 $897
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos $261,376 $163,212
Estimated median house or condo value $211,900 $172,000
Median numbers of rooms 5.8 5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments 4 4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos 7.1 6.4
Median house price - detached houses $249,098 $247,367
Median house price - in 2-unit structures $191,723 $496,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures $100,661 $94,964
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures $319,464 $176,274
Median house price - mobile homes $35,876 $73,235
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units $186,544 $184,309
Median house price - All housing units $246,177 $241,263
Median house age 49 49
Renting percentage 41.7% 46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) 1,839.2 1,064.4
House value disparities 33.1% 41.8%
Household income disparities 45.6% 48.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage $98,149 $84,820
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage $71,454 $57,403
Housing units without a mortgage 2,417 (2.9%) 855 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan 7,375 (8.9%) 2,464 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage 80,503 (97.1%) 50,494 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan 335 (0.4%) 93 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage 9,200 (11.1%) 3,580 (7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) 12 11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago) 1 1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities 1.6% 2.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities 0.7% 1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures OmahaTulsa
One, detached 63.2% 62.9%
One, attached 3.9% 2.8%
Two 1.5% 1.9%
3 or 4 2.2% 5.0%
5 to 9 6.8% 6.8%
10 to 19 8.3% 9.2%
20 to 49 5.3% 4.4%
50 or more 8.1% 5.8%
Mobile homes 0.6% 1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc. 0.0% 0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Type Omaha Tulsa
With mortgages $3,566 (1.6%) $1,934 (1%)
With no mortgages $3,525 (1.8%) $1,521 (1%)
Marital status
Type Omaha Tulsa
Divorced 11.4% 13.7%
Never married 37.1% 36.2%
Now married 45.4% 42.6%
Separated 1% 2.1%
Widowed 5% 5.4%
Class of workers - percentage
Class of Workers OmahaTulsa
Employee of private company 68.7% 68.9%
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 11.0% 8.9%
Local government workers 6.1% 5.3%
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 4.7% 7.4%
Self-employed in own incorporated business 3.9% 4.0%
State government workers 3.1% 3.1%
Federal government workers 2.4% 2.2%
Unpaid family workers 0.1% 0.2%
Class of workers - absolute values
Class of Workers OmahaTulsa
Employee of private company 173,032 130,609
Federal government workers 5,968 4,148
Local government workers 15,378 10,080
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 27,768 16,859
Self-employed in own incorporated business 9,846 7,641
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 11,886 13,964
State government workers 7,835 5,897
Unpaid family workers 205 284

Industries and Occupations

Omaha has a well-rounded job market with strong healthcare, education, finance, and insurance sectors. Conversely, Tulsa specializes in sectors like oil, natural gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. For job seekers, the choice between these two cities might come down to industry-specific opportunities.
Most common male industries
Industry OmahaTulsa
Construction 13.2% 12.2%
Manufacturing 11.9% 12.2%
Retail trade 10.3% 12.3%
Professional, scientific, and technical services 8.3% 8.1%
Finance and insurance 8.2% 3.2%
Transportation and warehousing 7.2% 7.8%
Accommodation and food services 6.5% 6.1%
Health care and social assistance 6.4% 7.2%
Educational services 5.5% 5.6%
Administrative and support and waste management services 4.3% 4.7%
Other services, except public administration 3.7% 3.9%
Public administration 3.7% 3.0%
Wholesale trade 3.5% 3.1%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation 2.0% 2.5%
Real estate and rental and leasing 1.7% 1.9%
Information 1.3% 3.2%
Utilities 1.3% 1.2%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 0.9% 0.6%
Management of companies and enterprises 0.1% 0.2%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 0.0% 1.1%
Most common female industries
Industry OmahaTulsa
Health care and social assistance 24.2% 23.3%
Educational services 12.1% 11.7%
Finance and insurance 9.5% 4.6%
Retail trade 8.2% 12.3%
Professional, scientific, and technical services 7.4% 6.0%
Accommodation and food services 7.3% 8.3%
Other services, except public administration 6.2% 5.3%
Administrative and support and waste management services 5.0% 4.3%
Manufacturing 4.9% 5.0%
Public administration 3.2% 3.3%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation 2.3% 2.8%
Real estate and rental and leasing 2.1% 2.1%
Transportation and warehousing 2.1% 2.5%
Construction 2.0% 1.3%
Wholesale trade 1.6% 2.0%
Information 1.5% 2.2%
Utilities 0.3% 1.4%
Management of companies and enterprises 0.2% 0.2%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 0.0% 0.8%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 0.0% 0.6%
Most common male occupations
Occupation OmahaTulsa
Construction and extraction occupations 10.9% 10.5%
Management occupations 10.6% 11.0%
Production occupations 8.8% 8.9%
Sales and related occupations 7.2% 7.4%
Office and administrative support occupations 6.3% 6.0%
Business and financial operations occupations 6.2% 4.4%
Material moving occupations 6.2% 6.8%
Computer and mathematical occupations 5.6% 4.6%
Transportation occupations 5.5% 4.8%
Food preparation and serving related occupations 4.9% 3.9%
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 4.0% 5.9%
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 3.4% 4.3%
Educational instruction, and library occupations 3.3% 2.8%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations 2.9% 3.3%
Architecture and engineering occupations 2.4% 3.2%
Firefighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors 1.8% 1.7%
Legal occupations 1.5% 2.4%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 1.5% 2.5%
Personal care and service occupations 1.3% 1.3%
Healthcare support occupations 1.3% 0.6%
Most common female occupations
Occupation OmahaTulsa
Office and administrative support occupations 17.4% 17.7%
Management occupations 10.3% 9.3%
Educational instruction, and library occupations 9.1% 8.3%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations 8.7% 7.1%
Sales and related occupations 8.0% 10.1%
Business and financial operations occupations 6.1% 5.9%
Food preparation and serving related occupations 6.0% 6.8%
Healthcare support occupations 5.7% 5.8%
Personal care and service occupations 4.2% 4.1%
Health technologists and technicians 3.9% 3.1%
Computer and mathematical occupations 3.1% 1.3%
Production occupations 2.9% 3.6%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations 2.5% 2.1%
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations 2.5% 3.2%
Community and social service occupations 2.0% 2.2%
Material moving occupations 1.9% 3.0%
Life, physical, and social science occupations 1.4% 0.7%
Legal occupations 1.2% 1.9%
Architecture and engineering occupations 0.6% 1.3%
Food environment data per 10,000 residents
Food environment statistics OmahaTulsa
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 3.1 2.8
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 0.3 0.5
Number of full-service restaurants 7.9 8.4
Number of grocery stores 1.6 1.5
Number of supercenters and club stores 0.1 0.2
Food environment - absolute values
Food environment statistics OmahaTulsa
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 154 166
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 15 30
Number of full-service restaurants 392 489
Number of grocery stores 78 88
Number of supercenters and club stores 7 9
Obesity and diabetes
Food environment statistics rate OmahaTulsa
Adult diabetes rate 7.9% 9.4%
Adult obesity rate 26.7% 27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate 13.5% 0.0%

Health Care

Health care is comprehensive in both cities, with Omaha being a regional health hub featuring facilities like the Nebraska Medical Center. Tulsa offers a network of hospitals and clinics, including Saint Francis Hospital. Most health metrics are similar between the two cities, but Omaha’s healthcare scene provides more specialties due to larger hospitals and medical schools.
Health (county statistics)
Type Omaha Tulsa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) 3.5 3.4
Average weight of females (lbs) 167.4 lbs 165.7 lbs
Average weight of males (lbs) 204 lbs 202 lbs
Residents visited a dentist within the past year 71.1% 62.3%
Residents exercised in the past month 73.8% 67.7%
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days 59.5% 41.3%
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives 43% 44.3%

Fatal vehicle accidents per 100,000 residents
Type Total count per 100,000Drunk per 100,000Fatal count per 100,000Pedestrian count per 100,000Person count per 100,000Vehicle count per 100,000
Year OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
2021 5.7 17.0 0.0 0.0 6.0 19.2 0.8 6.1 12.3 35.2 9.4 24.8
2020 7.7 14.1 2.6 3.9 8.6 14.8 1.6 4.4 16.1 30.5 12.4 23.0
2019 6.7 9.0 1.5 2.0 6.9 9.5 1.3 5.0 14.2 16.7 10.5 11.7
2018 6.9 11.7 2.7 2.5 7.3 12.5 1.7 4.2 16.5 19.2 12.1 19.5
2017 7.1 11.2 3.1 5.2 8.0 11.2 1.7 4.5 13.8 22.4 12.4 14.9
2016 6.3 12.1 4.8 5.2 6.3 13.1 0.8 3.7 13.5 24.5 11.2 17.6
2015 8.5 10.9 3.2 2.0 8.9 11.2 1.5 4.7 21.4 24.8 13.5 14.6
2014 6.0 12.3 2.5 4.3 6.0 12.8 0.9 3.3 11.9 26.8 9.0 19.8
2013 4.8 11.3 2.1 3.3 5.3 11.6 1.4 4.3 10.8 27.6 7.1 20.8
2012 7.4 11.2 3.8 5.8 7.6 11.9 1.9 2.0 14.5 25.1 10.2 15.2
2011 4.3 11.1 1.4 4.3 4.3 12.1 0.7 3.0 10.8 24.5 7.2 18.9
2010 4.9 10.7 2.4 5.9 5.1 11.2 1.5 1.8 10.3 24.5 8.1 16.8
2009 4.4 12.3 3.5 4.4 4.8 13.3 0.4 1.8 13.0 30.3 8.1 20.0
2008 2.5 13.5 0.9 6.0 2.5 14.3 0.2 2.6 4.7 36.3 3.6 23.1
2007 6.6 11.2 3.8 6.0 7.0 12.5 0.7 6.2 17.6 31.7 10.8 18.7
2006 6.4 10.5 3.4 4.4 7.1 10.7 0.7 2.1 17.8 27.5 11.7 16.7
2005 5.8 11.8 2.5 4.2 6.2 11.8 1.2 3.9 15.7 31.0 10.0 19.7
2004 5.6 12.0 3.0 3.7 6.1 12.3 0.9 3.9 14.1 33.4 8.9 17.2
2003 5.7 9.3 1.4 4.6 5.9 9.8 1.4 3.1 15.7 28.4 9.5 15.2
2002 5.0 9.2 2.4 2.6 5.5 9.5 0.7 2.0 14.4 24.8 7.4 15.3
2001 7.5 9.4 3.1 3.8 8.0 10.5 3.1 1.8 23.0 27.0 12.3 16.1
2000 4.9 10.4 2.6 3.6 5.1 11.7 2.1 2.0 10.8 28.8 6.9 18.1
1999 6.2 13.4 2.8 6.0 6.7 14.7 1.0 4.2 16.3 37.7 9.6 20.7
1998 6.3 8.7 1.8 1.8 6.5 8.9 2.1 2.9 16.2 22.0 9.4 13.4
1997 6.6 12.1 3.7 3.2 7.1 12.7 0.8 3.2 18.4 34.3 10.5 19.0
1996 9.3 9.0 2.9 2.1 9.8 9.6 2.6 2.7 24.9 23.9 14.8 13.3
1995 5.4 9.1 2.4 2.4 5.9 9.9 1.6 2.9 16.1 24.8 8.6 15.2
1994 6.8 10.1 2.4 2.9 7.0 11.4 1.1 2.7 16.2 30.0 10.3 16.5
1993 6.8 6.4 2.4 2.4 7.3 6.4 3.3 2.1 19.3 15.1 10.6 8.7
1992 9.6 10.1 4.1 3.7 11.2 10.9 1.6 2.9 28.7 29.0 15.0 16.7
1991 5.0 9.7 1.7 3.2 5.0 9.9 1.1 2.4 14.9 24.4 9.7 13.7
1990 7.0 10.9 3.9 4.1 7.2 12.8 0.0 0.0 22.0 31.5 10.9 18.2
1989 7.2 10.4 3.0 3.3 7.2 11.2 0.0 0.0 17.7 22.6 10.2 13.9
1988 9.1 8.2 5.4 3.8 10.0 9.0 0.0 0.0 24.7 19.9 15.4 12.3
1987 9.1 8.8 3.9 1.9 10.6 9.0 0.0 0.0 22.5 24.1 12.8 15.1
1986 11.3 11.2 7.0 3.0 12.2 11.8 0.0 0.0 30.3 34.8 19.3 17.5
1985 6.5 8.5 3.7 3.6 6.8 9.1 0.0 0.0 17.5 25.3 11.1 13.5
1984 10.5 11.3 4.6 5.5 12.1 11.8 0.0 0.0 26.7 24.2 15.5 17.1
1983 8.1 12.4 4.4 3.9 8.7 13.5 0.0 0.0 21.2 31.1 12.8 20.4
1982 10.1 14.9 5.3 9.4 12.3 16.8 0.0 0.0 25.4 35.6 15.4 22.6
1981 14.2 16.0 6.6 8.6 16.4 17.7 0.0 0.0 36.1 40.1 20.9 26.0
1980 13.1 13.9 4.8 6.4 13.7 15.2 0.0 0.0 33.1 29.1 21.3 19.7
1979 9.5 11.5 3.8 4.2 9.8 11.5 0.0 0.0 29.0 24.0 15.8 17.6
1978 10.6 11.8 5.3 3.7 11.2 13.0 0.0 0.0 24.3 26.5 14.4 16.1
1977 13.0 10.8 5.9 4.0 15.1 11.4 0.0 0.0 31.5 27.3 19.8 18.5
1976 10.4 10.6 4.6 2.9 11.9 11.5 0.0 0.0 29.0 26.1 16.5 17.8
1975 10.3 10.7 4.5 2.9 11.8 11.6 0.0 0.0 28.8 26.3 16.3 17.9

Fatal vehicle accidents
Type Total countDrunkFatal countPedestrian countPerson countVehicle count
Year OmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsaOmahaTulsa
1975 34 37 15 10 39 40 0 0 95 91 54 62
1976 34 37 15 10 39 40 0 0 95 91 54 62
1977 42 38 19 14 49 40 0 0 102 96 64 65
1978 34 42 17 13 36 46 0 0 78 94 46 57
1979 30 41 12 15 31 41 0 0 92 86 50 63
1980 41 50 15 23 43 55 0 0 104 105 67 71
1981 45 58 21 31 52 64 0 0 114 145 66 94
1982 32 54 17 34 39 61 0 0 81 129 49 82
1983 26 45 14 14 28 49 0 0 68 113 41 74
1984 34 41 15 20 39 43 0 0 86 88 50 62
1985 21 31 12 13 22 33 0 0 57 92 36 49
1986 37 41 23 11 40 43 0 0 99 127 63 64
1987 30 32 13 7 35 33 0 0 74 88 42 55
1988 30 30 18 14 33 33 0 0 82 73 51 45
1989 24 38 10 12 24 41 0 0 59 83 34 51
1990 25 40 14 15 26 47 0 0 79 116 39 67
1991 18 36 6 12 18 37 4 9 54 91 35 51
1992 35 38 15 14 41 41 6 11 105 109 55 63
1993 25 24 9 9 27 24 12 8 71 57 39 33
1994 25 38 9 11 26 43 4 10 60 113 38 62
1995 20 34 9 9 22 37 6 11 60 93 32 57
1996 35 34 11 8 37 36 10 10 94 90 56 50
1997 25 46 14 12 27 48 3 12 70 130 40 72
1998 24 33 7 7 25 34 8 11 62 84 36 51
1999 24 51 11 23 26 56 4 16 63 144 37 79
2000 19 41 10 14 20 46 8 8 42 113 27 71
2001 31 37 13 15 33 41 13 7 95 106 51 63
2002 21 36 10 10 23 37 3 8 60 97 31 60
2003 24 36 6 18 25 38 6 12 66 110 40 59
2004 24 46 13 14 26 47 4 15 60 128 38 66
2005 25 45 11 16 27 45 5 15 68 118 43 75
2006 28 40 15 17 31 41 3 8 78 105 51 64
2007 29 43 17 23 31 48 3 24 78 122 48 72
2008 11 52 4 23 11 55 1 10 21 140 16 89
2009 20 48 16 17 22 52 2 7 59 118 37 78
2010 20 42 10 23 21 44 6 7 42 96 33 66
2011 18 44 6 17 18 48 3 12 45 97 30 75
2012 31 44 16 23 32 47 8 8 61 99 43 60
2013 21 45 9 13 23 46 6 17 47 110 31 83
2014 27 49 11 17 27 51 4 13 53 107 40 79
2015 40 44 15 8 42 45 7 19 101 100 64 59
2016 30 49 23 21 30 53 4 15 64 99 53 71
2017 34 45 15 21 38 45 8 18 66 90 59 60
2018 33 47 13 10 35 50 8 17 79 77 58 78
2019 32 36 7 8 33 38 6 20 68 67 50 47
2020 38 58 13 16 42 61 8 18 79 126 61 95
2021 28 70 0 0 29 79 4 25 60 145 46 102
Local government: full-time employees
Job OmahaTulsa
Financial administration 35 271
Firefighters 670 735
Fire - other 6 16
Judicial and legal 33 62
Local libraries 98 0
Natural resources 10 0
Other and unallocable 130 339
Other government administration 75 206
Parks and recreation 140 78
Police - other 145 169
Police protection - officers 888 823
Sewerage 177 170
Solid waste management 0 41
Streets and highways 328 288
Totals for government 2,781 3,874
Transit 0 177
Water supply 0 320
Local government: part-time employees
Job OmahaTulsa
Financial administration 7 1
Fire - other 1 0
Judicial and legal 1 1
Local libraries 153 0
Natural resources 2 0
Other and unallocable 15 0
Other government administration 7 7
Parks and recreation 284 12
Police - other 32 39
Police protection - officers 41 0
Sewerage 10 0
Streets and highways 15 2
Totals for government 573 66
Transit 0 2
Place of birth - Foreign born
Residents OmahaTulsa
All residents 10.7% 10.5%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 34.5% 4.3%
Asian residents 80.3% 67.8%
Black or African American residents 9.0% 2.7%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 19.7% 40.6%
Other race residents 38.6% 47.3%
Two or more races residents 15.4% 12.0%
White residents 2.5% 3.2%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 1.7% 2.3%
Place of birth - Native, outside of US
Residents OmahaTulsa
All residents 1.1% 1.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 1.3% 1.7%
Asian residents 0.7% 2.3%
Black or African American residents 0.1% 0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 2.6% 5.4%
Other race residents 2.2% 1.8%
Two or more races residents 2.5% 1.8%
White residents 1.0% 0.9%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 0.8% 0.9%
Place of birth - Born in state of residence
Residents OmahaTulsa
All residents 59.0% 56.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 47.3% 78.6%
Asian residents 12.0% 18.1%
Black or African American residents 64.7% 68.8%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 15.5% 36.8%
Other race residents 42.1% 34.2%
Two or more races residents 60.0% 65.5%
White residents 63.1% 56.1%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 64.9% 55.6%
Place of birth - Born in other state
Residents OmahaTulsa
All residents 29.2% 31.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native residents 16.9% 15.3%
Asian residents 7.0% 11.8%
Black or African American residents 26.2% 28.2%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander residents 62.3% 17.2%
Other race residents 17.2% 16.7%
Two or more races residents 22.2% 20.6%
White residents 33.4% 39.8%
White alone, not Hispanic / Latino residents 32.6% 41.3%
English speakers (speaking English at home)
Type Omaha Tulsa
Born in the United States residents 92.6% 90.6%
Foreign born residents 12.3% 13.3%
Native, born elsewhere residents 65.2% 57.7%
Total residents 83.4% 81.2%
Mechanisms of homicide
Mechanism OmahaTulsa
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 203 350
Cut / Pierce 21 38
Firearm 131 239
Mechanisms of homicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism OmahaTulsa
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 60.8 87.8
Cut / Pierce 6.3 9.5
Firearm 39.2 60.0
Mechanisms of suicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism OmahaTulsa
Suicides from 2000 to 2006 103.0 155.6
Firearm 48.5 88.8
Poisoning 19.8 29.4
Suffocation 29.0 29.1

Infrastructure

Omaha's infrastructural development complements its urban aesthetics, with well-maintained roads and a constantly improving public transit system. Tulsa's infrastructure, while aging in some areas, has seen significant improvements like the Gathering Place park along the Arkansas River. Both cities are investing in sustainable infrastructure, but Omaha may have a slight edge in overall quality.
Infrastructure
Type Omaha Tulsa
Hospitals 23 45
TV stations 19 20
Arenas or stadiums 2 2
Bank branches located here 183 160
Bank institutions located here 31 40
Main business address for public companies 30 27
Nuclear power plants nearby 1 0
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past 8 0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past 10 1

Schools

School facilities
Type Omaha Tulsa
Private elementary/middle schools 39 15
Private high schools 12 18
Public elementary/middle schools 133 85
Public high schools 20 15
Colleges/Universities 18 26
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year OmahaTulsa
1999 1,177 2,135
2000 545 1,531
2001 390 1,216
2002 441 1,106
2003 747 1,243
2004 1,022 1,354
2005 1,055 1,709
2006 1,083 1,756
2007 646 1,014
2008 318 517
2009 220 327

Culture and Food

Both Omaha and Tulsa have rich cultural scenes. Omaha is home to a vibrant arts community with venues like The Joslyn Art Museum, and the food scene leans towards Midwestern fare with a modern twist. Tulsa's culture is steeped in the Southwestern tradition with a significant influence from Native American culture. It also features an impressive music scene and a variety of food options, from traditional barbecue to global cuisines.

Sports Teams

Omaha is a passionate sports town with a focus on college sports, especially the annual College World Series. Tulsa supports professional and college sports teams like the Tulsa Drillers baseball team or the University of Tulsa's NCAA Division I sports. So while Omaha has a larger sports culture, Tulsa offers a mix of collegiate and minor league sports.