Is Oklahoma City or Tahlequah Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tahlequah is safer than Oklahoma City (Safety Score 29/100 vs 12/100), with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100,000 versus 3,572 for Oklahoma City — 31% lower. Oklahoma City has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Tahlequah has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Oklahoma City is 41.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Oklahoma City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tahlequah — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Oklahoma City, OK
Tahlequah, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Oklahoma City | Tahlequah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,571.6 | 2,477.0 | +1,094.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 677.8 | 182.0 | +495.8 |
| Murder Rate | 10.3 | 0.0 | +10.3 |
| Rape Rate | 72.9 | 11.7 | +61.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 99.7 | 5.9 | +93.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 493.3 | 164.4 | +328.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,893.8 | 2,295.0 | +598.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 582.6 | 93.9 | +488.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,951.0 | 2,136.5 | -185.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 360.2 | 64.6 | +295.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oklahoma City or Tahlequah safer?
Tahlequah is safer with a total crime rate of 2,477 per 100K vs 3,572 for Oklahoma City — a 31% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Oklahoma City has a violent crime rate of 677.8 per 100K while Tahlequah has 182.0. Tahlequah has lower violent crime.
About Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City, the state capital, boasts a rich Western heritage evident in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Situated in central Oklahoma, it's a growing metropolis with a diverse population. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 709,376, Oklahoma City has a total crime rate of 3,571.6 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.