Is Lawton or Tulsa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawton is safer than Tulsa (Safety Score 13/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,473 per 100,000 versus 4,571 for Tulsa — 24% lower. Lawton has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lawton has a 27% lower rate.
Note: Tulsa is 4.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Lawton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tulsa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawton, OK
Tulsa, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lawton | Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,473.1 | 4,570.7 | -1,097.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 820.3 | 942.9 | -122.6 |
| Murder Rate | 10.0 | 9.5 | +0.5 |
| Rape Rate | 143.0 | 105.8 | +37.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 72.1 | 98.7 | -26.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 595.3 | 728.0 | -132.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,652.7 | 3,627.8 | -975.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 931.2 | 747.2 | +184.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,491.0 | 2,397.9 | -906.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 230.6 | 482.7 | -252.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawton or Tulsa safer?
Lawton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,473 per 100K vs 4,571 for Tulsa — a 24% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lawton has a violent crime rate of 820.3 per 100K while Tulsa has 942.9. Lawton has lower violent crime.
About Lawton, OK
Lawton, Oklahoma, is home to Fort Sill, a significant U.S. Army post with a rich history. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the city is the county seat of Comanche County and a regional hub for the surrounding rural areas. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 90,209, Lawton has a total crime rate of 3,473.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Tulsa, OK
Tulsa, a city in northeast Oklahoma' along the Arkansas River, boasts a rich art deco architectural heritage. It's the second-largest city in the state, with a diverse population and a significant Native American presence. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 411,274, Tulsa has a total crime rate of 4,570.7 per 100,000 residents.