2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Tulsa

Oklahoma (OK)

Best for: Entrepreneurs, remote workers and families seeking very low housing costs, arts and a surprisingly polished small-big-city lifestyle.

2027 CITY CLASSLarge City300,000–999,999 residents

Modern Livability82.9/ 100

AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population416,209

Median Home$196,900

Median Rent$1,030

Median Household Income$61,500

Cost of Living~91.0 (US=100; 2024 metro/region)

Average Commute18.9 min

Unemployment~3.6% metro (2026)

Metro AreaTulsa, OK

2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

82.9overall

Housing & Financial Reality98.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living94.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability65.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity84.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness84.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place86.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion58.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape86.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging91.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment69.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture93.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity85.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionLow to moderate. Short commutes and manageable traffic are meaningful quality-of-life strengths.

Weekend EscapeExcellent. The city has strong nearby nature and multiple realistic day-trip or weekend options.

WalkabilityAbout 39/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects daily convenience.

Airport AccessGood to very good. Commercial air service is accessible, though nonstop breadth is smaller than the largest hubs.

Outdoor AccessExcellent. Parks, trails and regional nature provide strong year-round recreation and easy weekend escape.

Healthcare AccessStrong. Large regional hospital systems provide broad emergency, primary and specialty care.

Air QualityGenerally favorable for a city of this scale, although seasonal smoke, ozone or weather patterns can create episodic unhealthy periods.

Third Places / Social LifeVery good. The city offers a healthy mix of restaurants, cafés, parks, community events and cultural venues.

EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Stable

WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Tulsa stands out in the 2027 MNM Livability Index for affordability; short commute; architecture; gathering place; arts; food. The score balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its biggest tradeoffs are severe weather; car dependence; lower wages; summer heat.

REAL LIFE