Is Norman or Tahlequah Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tahlequah is safer than Norman (Safety Score 29/100 vs 28/100), with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100,000 versus 2,530 for Norman — 2% lower. Norman has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Tahlequah has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Norman is 7.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Norman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tahlequah — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norman, OK
Tahlequah, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norman | Tahlequah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,529.8 | 2,477.0 | +52.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.2 | 182.0 | +81.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 0.0 | +0.8 |
| Rape Rate | 39.0 | 11.7 | +27.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.4 | 5.9 | +12.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 202.0 | 164.4 | +37.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,266.6 | 2,295.0 | -28.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 351.2 | 93.9 | +257.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.3 | 2,136.5 | -449.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 228.0 | 64.6 | +163.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norman or Tahlequah safer?
Tahlequah is safer with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100K vs 2,530 for Norman — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norman has a violent crime rate of 263.2 per 100K while Tahlequah has 182.0. Tahlequah has lower violent crime.
About Norman, OK
Norman, Oklahoma, home to the University of Oklahoma, is a city in Cleveland County with a significant student population. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it lies within the Cross Timbers eco-region. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 130,681, Norman has a total crime rate of 2,529.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Tahlequah, OK
Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, sits in northeastern Oklahoma amidst the Ozark Highlands. Its population is around 16,000, with a significant Native American heritage reflected in its institutions and culture. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 17,037, Tahlequah has a total crime rate of 2,477.0 per 100,000 residents.