Edmond offers something increasingly rare: exceptional quality of life without an exceptional price tag. Named one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live by 24/7 Wall Street, Edmond’s residents enjoy a cost of living well below the national average. In a city rich with culture, entertainment, art and strong household incomes, every dollar goes further here. For employers, the advantage is clear: Edmond gives your workforce more lifestyle for the money.
Elevate Your Lifestyle
With top-tier schools, lush parks, spirited local events, and to-die-for dining, Edmond helps families feel at home fast.
Quality of Life
It’s no wonder people are flocking to Edmond. Livability.com ranks Edmond No. 11 on its 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live, making it the highest-ranked community in Oklahoma and one of the most recognized mid-size cities in the country. U.S. News & World Report placed Edmond No. 22 on its 2025-26 Best Places to Live list, putting it in the top 5% of more than 850 cities evaluated nationwide — with high marks for affordability, job market strength and overall desirability.
The Edmond lifestyle is everywhere you look. It shows up in elite schools, affluent neighborhoods, abundant public art and beautiful parks. Low crime rates and thriving local businesses create a community that’s both safe and vibrant. With a large public university and easy proximity to Oklahoma City, Edmond is a fast-growing city that still feels like home.
Cost of Living
| Year | Composite Index | Groceries | Housing | Utilities | Transportation | Health Care | Misc. Goods/Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 90.6 | 93.9 | 80 | 96.8 | 93.7 | 89.7 | 95.5 |
| 2022 | 90.1 | 89.6 | 83.3 | 94.4 | 96.7 | 90 | 93.1 |
| 2021 | 88.9 | 91.2 | 83.5 | 82.2 | 97.3 | 93.2 | 92.6 |
| 2020 | 87.2 | 90 | 78.7 | 75.4 | 96.1 | 91.6 | 93.1 |
| 2019 | 86.8 | 90.6 | 83.8 | 73.8 | 95.8 | 89.4 | 88.6 |
| 2018 | 88.7 | 91.1 | 85 | 81.3 | 99.1 | 92.7 | 89.5 |
| 2017 | 89.7 | 88.2 | 86.4 | 85 | 95.4 | 91.9 | 92.4 |
| 2016 | 94.1 | 88.5 | 92.2 | 106 | 88.7 | 95.8 | 95.5 |
| 2015 | 96.1 | 88.8 | 84.1 | 102.7 | 96.3 | 95.1 | 98.7 |
| 2014 | 95.9 | 88.6 | 94.7 | 100.8 | 98.8 | 94.9 | 97.5 |
| 2013 | 95.4 | 85.4 | 94.7 | 93.7 | 98.5 | 94.7 | 99.5 |
| 2012 | 95.2 | 88.1 | 90.2 | 94.7 | 99.5 | 92.3 | 101.3 |
| 2011 | 92.5 | 90.9 | 88.6 | 92.5 | 99 | 97.4 | 93.8 |
| 2010 | 91.6 | 88.7 | 82.6 | 90.4 | 97.7 | 94.1 | 98.9 |
| 2009 | 88.9 | 87.5 | 80 | 81.8 | 95.2 | 94 | 96.9 |
| 2008 | 88.7 | 86.9 | 80.4 | 89.6 | 97.7 | 95.4 | 92.6 |
| 2007 | 90 | 88.6 | 80.3 | 90 | 98.5 | 96.1 | 95.5 |
| 2006 | 90.8 | 85.7 | 87.8 | 92.8 | 95.4 | 96.5 | 92.7 |
| 2005 | 91.8 | 85.7 | 86.2 | 97 | 99.5 | 96.7 | 94.7 |
Housing
Edmond’s housing market delivers compelling quality and a median home price roughly 10% below the national average. Here, buyers get more home for their dollar, and our neighborhoods are among the safest and most well-kept in the state. Master-planned communities, top-rated schools, maintained streets and a genuine sense of community make Edmond an attractive landing spot. For businesses recruiting outside talent, Edmond is the ideal spot for relocation.
Healthcare
Edmond gives families and employers access to state-of-the-art healthcare including INTEGRIS Health Edmond, OU Health Edmond Medical Center, Mercy Edmond I-35, Summit Medical Center and SSM Health. From full-service hospitals and emergency centers to primary, specialty and urgent care, Edmond’s healthcare infrastructure helps residents find the right support close to home.
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Schools
Strong schools are the backbone of a thriving community — and Edmond’s are among the best in the country. Niche ranks Edmond Public Schools No. 1 in the metro and No. 2 in the state, placing it number 267 of more than 10,000 districts in America. With nearly 26,000 students across PK–12, the results speak for themselves: Edmond high schools graduate 94% of their students — well above the Oklahoma state average of 79%. Math and reading proficiency scores nearly double the statewide averages.
The district’s three flagship high schools — North, Memorial and Santa Fe — all rank among the top schools out of nearly 18,000 nationally ranked high schools, with college readiness, state assessment performance and graduation rates far above the national average. Memorial High School holds the No. 1 ranking among all Oklahoma high schools. For young professionals putting down roots, Edmond’s schools are a recruiting tool like no other.
Public Safety
In Edmond, peace of mind comes with the territory. According to FBI crime data, Edmond ranks among the safest American cities of its size. When it comes to violent crime, it’s safer than 82% of U.S. cities with 75,000-plus residents. The city’s overall crime rate is nearly half the national average, and our well-funded, professional police department works hard to keep our community safe.
Transportation
In Edmond, connection is built into everyday life. Sidewalks line every city street. A growing trail system links neighborhoods, parks and daily destinations. The free Citylink bus service keeps residents moving, while an average commute of just 20 minutes puts Oklahoma City and the broader regional highway network comfortably within reach.
Things to Do
In Edmond, there’s always something going on. Nearly 200 restaurants serve up everything from Ethiopian fare to classic chicken fried steak. Boutique shopping and local galleries give downtown its daily heartbeat. And public art is woven throughout the city with sculpture tours, murals and interactive installations around every corner.
Arcadia Lake delivers kayaks, paddleboards, a zip line and miles of trails for outdoor adventures. And Edmond’s event calendar stays packed year-round — from the monthly Heard on Hurd street festival to the annual Arts Festival and LibertyFest, home to the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the Oklahoma City metro. This is a city that knows how to live well.
