Is Guthrie Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Right in the heart of Oklahoma’s Logan County, Guthrie encompasses the state’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Once known as the “Land Run Capital,” Guthrie emerged as a bustling frontier town during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, attracting thousands of hopeful settlers seeking their fortunes in the newly opened territory.

The city’s name pays homage to territorial governor Edwin Guthrie, and its downtown area bears the mark of its prosperous past.

I’ve written several articles where I’ve said “Take a trip back to the past,” but perhaps nowhere else in the country is that statement more true than in Guthrie.

The whole town is a designated National Historic Landmark District; Guthrie boasts an impressive collection of Victorian-era buildings, many of which have been meticulously preserved and repurposed.

Stroll along the brick-paved sidewalks of Oklahoma Avenue, once the epicenter of the Land Run, and admire the architectural grandeur of the Carnegie Library, the Guthrie Fire Station, and the Logan County Courthouse.

Guthrie’s historical significance extends beyond its architecture.

The city is home to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, which chronicles the state’s fascinating journey from territory to statehood.

Guthrie’s cultural offerings extend to the performing arts as well.

The Guthrie Historic Theater, a beautifully restored 1903 opera house, hosts a variety of productions, from theatrical classics to contemporary musicals.

The Oklahoma Frontier Playhouse, located in Guthrie’s Frontier Park, offers a unique summer theater experience, with performances staged in an outdoor amphitheater.

For those seeking a taste of local flavor, Guthrie’s culinary scene offers a delightful blend of comfort food and gourmet delights.

Indulge in a hearty meal at one of the city’s historic cafes, savor a delectable pastry from a local bakery, or enjoy a refined dining experience at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the cityscape.

The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with rolling hills, scenic lakes, and tranquil parks providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Hike or bike through the trails of Guthrie Lake State Park or Liberty Lake.

At the same time, you’re just 30 minutes from Oklahoma’s largest city, Oklahoma City.

You get the best of both worlds and many eras of Oklahoma’s lifespan.

Warnings & Dangers in Guthrie

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Guthrie and a lot of cool things to see and do while still holding onto that small-town charm.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Check the First Capital Trolley website to see if routes are available to suit your needs. As of this publication, the series has been limited due to staffing issues. Since the town is so small, taxis and rideshares won't be as readily available as you probably want. A rental car is your best option, and all of these have a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just four pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, giving this a low risk. Practicing smart personal property safety steps keeps the risk low. Don't let a "safe" town cause you to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is the only medium risk due to the wild nature of Oklahoma weather. On an average day, you could face high winds, but the real danger comes in the spring when tornado season starts. Oklahoma is known as "tornado alley." Even without a tornado, severe thunderstorms can do a lot of damage. Winter can bring blizzards or ice storms, but those aren't as common as severe weather in the spring.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Just three robberies were reported in 2022, and those were all homes or businesses - no muggings. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, as Guthrie is far away from major population centers and doesn't have hard targets that would require extra security. You should still report suspicious activity to help keep the risk low.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Another low risk in the scam category means that most scams here are run-of-the-mill and focused on trusting locals. You can check the social media sites for local law enforcement to see if there are new scams before your visit.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women have no greater risk here than anyone else. The risk is low, and it's safe for mothers visiting with small children and solo travelers, too.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

Check the Logan County Rural Water District website for the latest water quality report. There's a low risk of issues with the water here, but the county also offers a way to get alerts just about the water. One of the biggest requests you'll see with water in the rural parts of Oklahoma will be conservation steps.

Safest Places to Visit in Guthrie

Guthrie does have its own tourism website.

You can find that at guthrieok.com.

Podcast lovers should check out the Hit the Bricks podcast with interesting information about the city.

This city is rich in museums.

Let’s check out a few of them.

The Oklahoma Territorial Museum and Carnegie Library trace local history & heritage with a stately 1902 Renaissance Revival Carnegie library.

Oklahoma Frontier Drug Store Museum is also in a historic building resembling an old-time drug store, with pharmacy-related artifacts.

If you’re into sports, visit the Oklahoma Sports Museum, which showcases the state’s sports history, including memorabilia from the Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, and other teams.

The tourism website lists a bunch of art galleries.

I’ll be honest, many of the website links go to dead links.

Sometimes that’s because a new website is in the works.

Other times, it’s because a business is closed.

This is particularly common in post-pandemic Oklahoma.

It would be best to call the tourism bureau and ask about updated galleries.

The Logan County Historical Society offers self-guided walking tour maps and guided tours available throughout the year.

Check with them before you go to see what tours are being offered during your visit.

Downtown Guthrie has all the historical charm you’d expect, with a section called The Shoppes where pop-up stores and entrepreneurs can display their products.

A year-round farmers market and summer concert series are also headquartered here.

Liberty Lake is the closest outdoor attraction here.

Look for that information on the tourism website, as most Google searches will take you to Liberty Lake, Washington.

The lake has a $3 day-use fee.

Places to Avoid in Guthrie

Guthrie is a town of just fewer than 11,000 people.

There aren’t bad parts of town, and you couldn’t really “avoid” them if you wanted.

That said, stick to the main roads and designated historic districts to be on the safest routes.

While Guthrie is just 35 minutes from Oklahoma City, this is a place you should consider staying overnight if you love the historical nature of the town.

It would make the most sense under those circumstances to find a historic bed and breakfast inn and not a traditional hotel.

If you want to be closer to OKC, you can stay in Edmond.

Then you’d be about 20 minutes from both Guthrie and OKC.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Guthrie

So... How Safe Is Guthrie Really?

Guthrie is a safe town by all accounts.

You’ll get a mix of lower-than-average crime rates with many great places to explore in the safest parts of town.

The violent crime rate is 30% lower than the state average and 25% lower than the national average.

Over the past five years, 60% of violent crimes happened in public homes, and just 14% happened against strangers.

Thefts are 21% lower than the national average.

Car break-ins and accessory thefts (like catalytic converters) make up 39% of all thefts.

Shoplifting accounts for another 25%.

In an interesting twist, a serial car burglar was busted in Guthrie, and up to $10,000 of stolen equipment was found.

Police were asking anyone who had been a victim to claim their goods.

It’s important to note that the crime and safety information here only holds for Guthrie.

Those rates change as you get into Oklahoma City.

That’s why we have such diverse coverage of cities in Oklahoma on this website.

How Does Guthrie Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A valid passport that isn't within six months of expiring is required to enter the U.S. International travelers must obtain either a visa or a visa waiver. You can check your eligibility for a visa waiver by visiting the U.S. State Department website.

Currency

The U.S. Dollar is the currency of the land. You won't find many places in Guthrie to exchange currency unless you are a member of a local bank. ATMs can usually dispense USD, but check with your bank for the right compatibility before you leave. The lowest fees can be found at your home bank.

Weather

This region gets all four seasons, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for high winds and potentially severe weather. A rain jacket is helpful, and a winter coat will likely be needed from November through March. Bring bug spray for the warm months, and don't forget sunscreen.

Airports

Will Rogers World Airport is less than an hour south of Guthrie. That's the closest and largest airport. If you're using the Tulsa International Airport, plan for almost two hours on the road.

Travel Insurance

When booking trips where weather could impact your itinerary, purchasing travel insurance is advised. Additionally, if your health insurance isn't valid in America, look into supplemental medical coverage for emergencies. Also, confirm your rental car policy covers liability in the event of a collision, and it's always smart to spring for roadside assistance coverage.

Guthrie Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Oklahoma - Safety by City