Is Ardmore Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Ardmore, Oklahoma, is a multicultural city halfway between Oklahoma City and Dallas.

Originally founded as a railroad town in the late 1800s, Ardmore rapidly grew into a bustling hub, witnessing the rise of its economy through oil, agriculture, and commerce.

This growth, however, carries within it stories of resilience and evolution.

Ardmore’s history echoes tales of the early settlers, the Chickasaw and Choctaw Native American tribes, who cultivated the land long before the town emerged.

The region’s embrace of the railroad ushered in an era of prosperity, transforming it into a pivotal transportation junction, fostering trade and industry.

One of Ardmore’s unique treasures is the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, housing artifacts that chronicle the area’s heritage.

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the town’s transition from frontier days to modern times.

Ardmore is also an outdoor paradise with plenty of adrenaline-filled options.

Lake Murray State Park was the first of its kind, and while it offers all the relaxation options, you can also ride the new mountain bike trails or ATV trails.

However, the town faces challenges, notably a higher crime rate and a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors and historical influences.

We’re going to discuss all the risks and rewards of visiting this south-central Oklahoma city.

Warnings & Dangers in Ardmore

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk in Ardmore, with concerning crime rates and some important safety tips to get before your trip.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

The only public transportation here is for residents to get to school or work. It's not suitable for a tourist. Taxis and rideshares are available, but I'd feel much safer if you chose to get a rental car.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

About 2-3 pickpockets or purse snatchings are reported each year. Statistically, it's a low risk, but there are enough thefts going on in this city to consider it a medium risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is another medium risk, with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes posing the biggest risk, especially in spring. Summer brings more storms, potentially dangerous temperatures, and wildfire risks. Winter can see snow or ice storms, and while they aren't usually big storms, they can still cause travel problems.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Surprisingly, robberies are the one category that falls below the national average - down 40%. The risk is low, especially for muggings, but this is the kind of town where a crime of opportunity will be seized. Stay in well-lit, public places.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, as it's a small town in between two major metropolitan areas. It's important to report any suspicious activity, as the highway that leads between OKC and Dallas can be a direct line for drug runners.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Most of the scams I've seen are focused on residents like someone demanding payment for a utility bill and threatening to shut the power off. You can learn the latest scams on the police department's Facebook page. They do a great job of keeping up with the latest scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women should also proceed as a medium risk anywhere in the city. Use personal protection steps as you would in a larger city. Don't go to a private place with someone you just met.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows full compliance and no violations. You should have no reservations about using the water for drinking or bathing.

Safest Places to Visit in Ardmore

Explore Ardmore is the official tourism site for the city.

The tourism guide is front and center on the landing page, so at least you don’t have to give personal information to get that great resource.

The Greater Southwest Historical Museum is housed in a former National Guard Amory.

It features exhibits on the cultural, military, and economic history of South-Central Oklahoma.

Located just 20 minutes from Ardmore, the Gene Autry Museum of the American West beckons you to “Learn the Cowboy Way of Life.”

Through captivating exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives, Autry fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage and inspires a shared future for generations to come.

You can also explore The Adventure Road, which is a 130-mile scenic byway that winds its way through southern Oklahoma, connecting the Red River border to Oklahoma City.

The road is known for its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and charming towns (including Ardmore).

The Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum has a collection of 300 rare and antique dolls from the US and Europe.

It’s located inside the library.

Tucker Tower is located at Lake Murray and is named after state senator Fred Tucker.

The tower’s observation deck provides a vantage point for admiring the panoramic views of the region.

While you’re there, explore the largest state park in Oklahoma.

Lake Murray has more than 12,000 acres to explore, including ATV and mountain biking trails.

You’ll also find lodging, from campsites to cabins to a lodge, on the property.

Check the events at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum throughout the year.

Everything from rodeos to Christmas specials are held there.

Places to Avoid in Ardmore

The east side of Ardmore has the highest crime rates.

Luckily, that’s a good distance from the many hotels along I-35.

In Ardmore, it’s wise to stick to the GPS main routes to the places you want to visit.

Don’t cut through neighborhoods, and don’t stop to ask for directions from any random person on the street.

If a neighborhood looks rundown or makes you feel uncomfortable, leave.

I wouldn’t say there’s a neighborhood that is too dangerous to drive through, but with so much crime happening in private homes and the presence of gangs, just stay in well-lit, public areas.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Ardmore

So... How Safe Is Ardmore Really?

Ardmore has some of the highest crime rates in the state.

The average person has a one in 112 chance of being a violent crime victim.

By comparison, Ardmore has a crime rate that is 112% higher than the state average and 124% higher than the national average.

The only respite for a tourist is that just 1% of violent crimes happened against strangers in 2022.

64% of all crimes were also in private homes.

Theft is 32% higher than the national average, with 35% of those being car break-ins or accessory thefts.

While you should always lock your car doors when you park, it’s critical you do so in Ardmore.

There are several factors that contribute to Ardmore’s high crime rate.

One factor is the city’s poverty rate, which is 19%, significantly higher than the national average of 11.6%.

Poverty is often linked to crime, as people in poverty may have fewer opportunities and may be more likely to turn to crime as a way to make ends meet.

Another factor that contributes to Ardmore’s crime rates is the city’s gang activity.

Ardmore has a number of active gangs, and gang violence is a major problem in the city.

One positive sign is that violent crime, even with its high rate, is down 40% from a decade ago.

Ardmore isn’t the safest city, and even with fewer crimes against strangers, the presence of gangs means a higher risk.

Gangs are notoriously unaffected by innocent victims being in the way of their goals.

Use common sense and standard safety precautions, and don’t go looking for trouble.

How Does Ardmore Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You'll need a passport that isn't within six months of expiring and either a visa or visa waiver. Only certain people from certain countries are eligible for a waiver. Start your process on the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the currency of the land. If you're flying in from Dallas, you can find foreign currency exchange there, but OKC's airport doesn't offer that. Get cash before you get to the small town of Ardmore.

Weather

Plan for the season in which you're visiting since Oklahoma gets a good version of all four. Temperatures can fluctuate, meaning warm spells in the winter and some cool nights in the summer. Plan for summers to be very humid.

Airports

This is a great location as you're halfway between Will Roger World Airport in Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth Area Airports. Those include DFW and Love Field. I'd definitely choose Dallas-area airports since they are larger with more flight options.

Travel Insurance

Where weather may impede travel, comprehensive insurance gives peace of mind. Also, get health coverage if lacking internationally. Even just emergency care will go a long way since no health benefits are free in the U.S.

Ardmore Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Oklahoma - Safety by City