Is Norman or Tulsa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norman is safer than Tulsa (Safety Score 28/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 versus 4,571 for Tulsa — 45% lower. Norman has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norman has a 92% lower rate.
Note: Tulsa is 3.1x 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
Tulsa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norman, OK
Tulsa, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norman | Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,529.8 | 4,570.7 | -2,040.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.2 | 942.9 | -679.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 9.5 | -8.7 |
| Rape Rate | 39.0 | 105.8 | -66.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.4 | 98.7 | -80.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 202.0 | 728.0 | -526.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,266.6 | 3,627.8 | -1,361.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 351.2 | 747.2 | -396.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.3 | 2,397.9 | -710.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 228.0 | 482.7 | -254.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norman or Tulsa safer?
Norman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100K vs 4,571 for Tulsa — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norman has a violent crime rate of 263.2 per 100K while Tulsa has 942.9. Norman 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 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.