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Quality of Life in Bartlesville, OK
Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
31% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Bartlesville, OK for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $14k | $27k |
| Comfortable | $30k | $44k |
| Luxury | $107k+ | $166k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $139k+ | $215k+ |
134%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
2 within 10 miles
Gas
7 within 10 miles
Hospital
2 within 20 miles
Airport
MCI — Kansas City International
Post Office
USPS — Bartlesville, OK
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Bartlesville presents a notably affordable quality of life that attracts a mix of retirees, young families, and professionals working in the energy sector. With a cost of living index of 69 (well below the U.S. average of 100), the city offers a financial ease that is increasingly rare in modern America. The population skews slightly older and more settled than the national median, reflecting a community where long-term residents and those seeking a slower, more predictable pace of life are the norm.
How housing costs and daily expenses compare to nearby cities
Bartlesville’s housing market is a primary draw for newcomers. The median home value sits at $154,900, a figure that is roughly half the national median and significantly lower than in Tulsa (about 45 minutes south), where comparable homes often exceed $250,000. Median rent is equally accessible at $905 per month, making it feasible for single-income households and early-career professionals to live comfortably. The average commute time of just over 17 minutes is a standout advantage—far shorter than the national average of 26 minutes—meaning residents spend less time in traffic and more time at home or engaged in local activities. When compared to nearby communities like Dewey or Nowata, Bartlesville offers a wider range of amenities and employment options without a proportional increase in housing costs, reinforcing its value proposition for cost-conscious movers.
What daily life is like for families and professionals
Daily life in Bartlesville revolves around a compact, walkable downtown and a strong network of public parks. The Bartlesville Public School District is the primary educational provider, with several elementary schools and Bartlesville High School consistently performing above state averages in standardized testing. For higher education, Tri County Technology Center and Rogers State University’s Bartlesville campus offer vocational and associate degree programs. Cultural amenities punch above the city’s size: the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, the Price Tower Arts Center (a Frank Lloyd Wright design), and the annual OK Mozart Festival provide year-round enrichment. Retail and dining are concentrated along Washington Boulevard and in the downtown square, with a mix of national chains and local eateries like Frank & Lola’s and Murphy’s Steakhouse. The city’s low crime rate relative to the national average and its quiet residential streets make it particularly appealing for families with young children or retirees seeking a low-stress environment.
Bartlesville is best suited for those who prioritize financial stability, short commutes, and a tight-knit community over urban nightlife or rapid career advancement. Energy-sector professionals—especially those employed by ConocoPhillips or local oil and gas firms—will find a natural professional home here. Retirees on fixed incomes benefit from the low cost of living and access to healthcare via Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Hospital. Families seeking a safe, affordable place to raise children with decent schools and ample outdoor space will also thrive. Those accustomed to the cultural density or job diversity of a major metro may find Bartlesville limiting, but for the right buyer, it offers a rare combination of economic breathing room and genuine community character.
Crime in Bartlesville, OK
Generally safer than 65% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Bartlesville, Oklahoma, presents a mixed safety profile, with property crime rates significantly exceeding national averages while violent crime remains somewhat elevated but more in line with regional norms. The city's overall crime index is higher than many similarly sized Oklahoma communities, a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully when considering relocation. Understanding the specific types of crime and their local context is essential for making an informed decision about safety in this Washington County hub.
Crime in context
Bartlesville's violent crime rate stands at 352.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is notably higher than the national average of roughly 380 per 100,000 but comparable to the Oklahoma state average. The property crime rate, however, is a more pressing concern at 2,329 per 100,000 residents, substantially exceeding both the national average (approximately 1,954) and the state average. This disparity suggests that while violent confrontations are not disproportionately common, theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins are more frequent than in many peer communities. Readers should note that Oklahoma's justice system, while not uniformly progressive, has seen some district attorneys in nearby larger jurisdictions adopt more lenient sentencing practices, which can contribute to property crime recidivism and a general sense of lawlessness in the broader region.
What residents experience
Daily life in Bartlesville for most residents involves standard precautions: locking vehicles, securing homes, and avoiding isolated areas after dark. The elevated property crime rate means that opportunistic theft—particularly from cars and garages—is a tangible risk. Violent crime, while less common, is not absent and tends to be concentrated in specific areas rather than randomly distributed. The city's police department maintains a visible presence, but resource constraints common to mid-sized departments can limit proactive patrols. For families, the primary concern is property crime, which can create a persistent sense of vulnerability if not addressed through neighborhood watch programs and community engagement.
Neighborhood-level variation
Safety in Bartlesville varies noticeably by neighborhood. Areas west of the Caney River and closer to downtown, particularly around the Price Tower and Johnstone Park, tend to report higher incidences of both property and violent crime. Conversely, neighborhoods in the eastern and southern parts of the city, such as those near the Bartlesville High School and the Adams Golf Course, generally experience lower crime rates and are considered safer by local standards. The city's proximity to Tulsa (about 45 minutes south) means that some crime patterns are influenced by regional dynamics, including the movement of offenders between jurisdictions. Prospective renters or buyers should consult local crime mapping tools and speak with current residents in specific neighborhoods to gauge real-world safety conditions before committing to a lease or purchase.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T08:50:46.000Z
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